Prop Talk

Rich Stidger · May 16, 2009

I like the AutoStream

I think everyone will propose their prop as being the "best" because they have one.

That being said, I will vote for the one I have. I have a AutoStream that is designed and built in Australia. It is a three-blade feathering prop that is all stainless steel. It features externally adjustable forward and reverse pitch, external greasing, and the zinc change as well as all adjustments can be done underwater.

Combined with a monel or stainless shaft, there are no dissimilar metals to generate electrolysis.

I has long-life Delrin bearings and is easy to maintain.

It has all the advantages of a three-blade prop for driving through chop, and the reverse stopping power is amazing. Because it is feathering, the leading edge of the prop is always the leading edge even in reverse.

I estimated that the speed advantage when feathered is about 1/4 kt, maybe a bit more in light winds.

In 2000 when I bought it from the USA importer Martec, it was $1000 less than a MaxProp and it had more features. Edited- According to the 2009 pricing from AutoStream and Max-Prop, there is still over $1000 difference in price in the 18" 3-blade props. Holy Boat-Bucks!!

Regarding barnacles, I don't think their effect is any worse on this feathering prop than on a fixed.

sailaway78 · May 16, 2009

Fixed three blade

I just have a plain ol fixed three blade. For my purpose, and the way I sail, the bucks that a folding or feathering prop costs just ain't worth it to me, to gain a half knot or so. Since I am retired, and lazy, not really interested in getting in a hurry, or racing. Would much rather spend the money on something more useful, like a nice bottle of wine.

Ken13559 · May 16, 2009

I've a 3 blade Campbell Sailor Prop. I do club race for fun and mostly sail/motor to not too far away places for overnight, hence additional 1/4 to 1/2" from feathering or folding isn't worth money ....at this point in time.

Benny · May 16, 2009

2 blade, plenty adequate, don't motor much.

Ted · May 16, 2009

I have a Martec folding 2 blade prop. I mostly race so the low drag important. Martec claims that it is the lowest drag prop available. Do I love it? For my purpose it is the right prop. If I were cruising I'd choose something else. The Martec is not great in reverse but I mostly motor along in forward. You just have to leave yourself a little extra distance to stop the boat and don't come into your slip too hot. Simple design, reasonable cost.

kloudie1 · May 16, 2009

Mine is a Michigan Wheel fixed 2 blade "Sailor" .. Last summer, I slung a blade off the old Michigan 2 blade .. I really wanted to put on a feathering three blade , like Rich has, but I didn't want to spend the dollars and extra time waiting in a non-home boatyard in Pensacola. I have a couple of small consulting jobs that may land me the feathering prop and some new sails.. I like the folders like the Martec, and have piloted a few boats with that kind of prop.. They are fine if you are careful about reverse and just use a lot more RPM than would be normal with a fixed prop.

kloudie1 · May 16, 2009

I knew I had that picture around here somewhere.

higgs · May 16, 2009

Trav'ler came with a three blade Maxi Prop. What a terrific prop. I probably would not have coughed up the 3k for this prop on my own, but I sure am happy to have it. The nice thing about a used boat is that the prior owner spends all the $ for improvements the next owner does not pay for.

petersea · May 17, 2009

3 blade fixed, simple and does what I want and did not cost $3000 plus dollars !

Randy Burns · May 17, 2009

A fixed Michigan 2 blade. Occasionaly have a hard time getting back where I started from so am thinking about changing out to 3 blade. Recently sent specs to Campbell and Michigan, and was suprised at the difference in pitch between the two recomendations, 13x7 vs 13x11 - presently running 13x12 2 blade. I will resubmit to verify before ordering

Terry411 · May 17, 2009

I got a martec folder off ebay sent in for tune-up works great.

kloudie1 · May 17, 2009

Probably has a lot to do with cost.. My Michigan that I bought at a prop shop in Pensacola last summer was a smidgon over $500 all balanced and polished; it is a 15 X 15 inch prop. Soooo the cheapest folders are about twice that amount, the feathering ones about 6 TIMES that amount and the autopitching ones about 8 TIMES that amount.. If I did more long distance cruising, I would probably spring for the better speed, but for the way I use the boat today, the fixed prop is fine. Again, I may buy a low drag prop as a gift to myself, but it is not really high on the list.

Maine Sail · May 17, 2009

Props..

Props depend a lot on how you'll specifically use your boat. I spent countless hours researching props this past winter and came down to two. If I went feathering I was going to buy a Max Prop. I decided against the feathering prop based on use and location.

After talking extensively with two of my local prop shops they both confirmed my fears that mechanical props are not as durable when hitting floating line or a lobster pot and this can certainly happen up here.

Being in Maine, and not racing my own boat, I decided to buy the most efficient fixed three blade prop I could so decided on a Campbell Sailor. After numerous searches on multiple forums I could not seem to find any owners who were not happy with the Campbell. Nearly every owner had nothing but praise for the performance and it was only a few bucks more than a Michigan.

Compared to my fixed three blade Michigan Wheel the Campbell should have about 20 pounds less drag and also be more efficient in both forward and reverse.

I launch this week and will give a full report as I have already written down the performance at certain RPM for the Michigan.

While the Campbell is not efficient by racing standards it is efficient when compared to other fixed three blade props and arguably more reliable than a mechanical prop which all fit my needs for cruising.

Steve Dion · May 17, 2009

I was amazed when I was motoring aboard my friends Jenneau with a Campbell Sailor. There was virtually no vibration. He paid about $400 for his Campbell prop.

I am considering either the Campbell or a Kiwi. Capt Jim aboard Java raves about his Kiwi and I am thinking it is really the ticket. There is very little weight in the blades (composite) and it look very bullet proof without breaking the bank.

Cat30owner · May 17, 2009

Last year while in haulout we flushed mounted all thoughhulls, faired the bottom and I added a Martec two bladed non geared flolding prop with the new stainless shaft and cutless bearing. It definitly took some getting used to. (especially in reverse) What I gained in sailspeed was about 3/4 knot. I am by no means a racer, just a cruiser but I like what it did for me in light winds. Me and my dock mate were sailing back from Santa Cruz in light winds and I had to tack circles so he could keep up. never had that happen before. I also caught up to a hunter 42 and he was quite surprised as I passed him. I did have situation where I needed reverse in a darn hurry when I was being blown sideways between the docks during a 20 knot beam wind and then I know why people like the fixed blades. Happy sailing, John

Terry411 · May 18, 2009

kloudie1 said:
Probably has a lot to do with cost.. My Michigan that I bought at a prop shop in Pensacola last summer was a smidgon over $500 all balanced and polished; it is a 15 X 15 inch prop. Soooo the cheapest folders are about twice that amount,
Look around for a used martec ,ebay and other sites have them.I got mine for $175 Martec repined balanced cleaned and shipped back 3day for $287. $175+287=$462 Prop is 16dia/13pitch.

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