Anyone with good or bad results using the feathering propellers to stop the clang when putting props into gear. Has anyone used the new Kiwi feathering props, are they less noisier.. How do the prop blades stand up to long use, no corrosion for the composite blade .(corrosion for metal blades), as it seems earier to replace these blades and cheaper. seems a good thing as you can carry a spare set. Any comments. Happy Sailing to all .. John..
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I Really Like Mine
1. Max-Prop, two blade. Have had it for some 17 years now and still going strong. 2. Don't get any "clang" when I put it in gear. I sail with the transmission in reverse and start the engine with it engaged in reverse. After starting then I shift into "forward". As for any clang noise I don't know what you mean but there is no noise that I remember. 3. Non-metal blades: Max-Prop used to make a plastic/carbon fiber, or what ever, kind of prop briefly but discontinued it. You might ask them why. 4. Results: EXCELLENT. What more can I say. Wouldn't have a SAILboat without a feathering/folding prop. I don't like dragging a sea anchor around. We've been up to 10 kts under sail numerous times (Hunter 35). I don't think you could do that with a fixed-blade without a hurricane. 5. Corrosion: no different than anything else on the boat. Keep away from "hot" slips, hot boats, and keep the zincs fresh (I like to change mine about every 4 months although they've gone up to 6. 7. Quiet: the feathering prop means your sailing is Quiet! No turning prop shaft and no swirling of water. Total quiet. And, the boat under sail just glides along.
1. Max-Prop, two blade. Have had it for some 17 years now and still going strong. 2. Don't get any "clang" when I put it in gear. I sail with the transmission in reverse and start the engine with it engaged in reverse. After starting then I shift into "forward". As for any clang noise I don't know what you mean but there is no noise that I remember. 3. Non-metal blades: Max-Prop used to make a plastic/carbon fiber, or what ever, kind of prop briefly but discontinued it. You might ask them why. 4. Results: EXCELLENT. What more can I say. Wouldn't have a SAILboat without a feathering/folding prop. I don't like dragging a sea anchor around. We've been up to 10 kts under sail numerous times (Hunter 35). I don't think you could do that with a fixed-blade without a hurricane. 5. Corrosion: no different than anything else on the boat. Keep away from "hot" slips, hot boats, and keep the zincs fresh (I like to change mine about every 4 months although they've gone up to 6. 7. Quiet: the feathering prop means your sailing is Quiet! No turning prop shaft and no swirling of water. Total quiet. And, the boat under sail just glides along.
Feathering Props are great
I have had an Autostream feathering prop ( made here in Aust) on my Beneteau 361 for over 4 years. It has been great. I got extra boatspeed, reduced rounding up problems & made reversing much easier. This is stainless steel & after 4 yrs showed absolutely no signs of wear when out of the water recently. The manufacturers claim you can throw it from fwd to reverse for a crash stops numerous times without causing damage. Usually however, I pause momentarily going through neutral. Sometimes I get a "clunk" as it changes direction but I have never worried about it. If you have seen how they work you will probably understand why this can happen.The blades move from fwd pitch to reverse pitch & clunk whenthey come to a stop. When sailing, I shut the engine down at speed then shift into reverse to feather the blades.
I have had an Autostream feathering prop ( made here in Aust) on my Beneteau 361 for over 4 years. It has been great. I got extra boatspeed, reduced rounding up problems & made reversing much easier. This is stainless steel & after 4 yrs showed absolutely no signs of wear when out of the water recently. The manufacturers claim you can throw it from fwd to reverse for a crash stops numerous times without causing damage. Usually however, I pause momentarily going through neutral. Sometimes I get a "clunk" as it changes direction but I have never worried about it. If you have seen how they work you will probably understand why this can happen.The blades move from fwd pitch to reverse pitch & clunk whenthey come to a stop. When sailing, I shut the engine down at speed then shift into reverse to feather the blades.
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