I am going to make the move to a feathering prop. Has anyone priced the maxprop vs. autoprop vs. autostream lately and any experiences with purchasing?
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autoprop
we've got an autoprop on our H356 and love it. Autoprop has been very helpful via phone and their service/delivery has been excellent. Keep in mind that the autoprop automatically optimizes itself for the current conditions. Once you set a maxprop you have one pitch untill you disassemble it (base model) or dive on it and change setting (adjustable version)
we've got an autoprop on our H356 and love it. Autoprop has been very helpful via phone and their service/delivery has been excellent. Keep in mind that the autoprop automatically optimizes itself for the current conditions. Once you set a maxprop you have one pitch untill you disassemble it (base model) or dive on it and change setting (adjustable version)
We looked at all 3 and chose MaxProp
John, I'd suggest you make a choice after looking at all 3 products, talking with some long-term owners and reflect on how far you plan to sail your boat and to what extent you might require support. I chose a MaxProp primarily because it has a long-standing international reputation and heavy market penetration (meaning its well known by a wide range of yards & vendors) and we were going to Europe. A number of serious sailors whom I met in Trinidad all praised the MaxProp and could talk about support for it there, so that was actually a two-fold recommendation. However, I realize most folks on this Forum will only be thinking about use & support within the U.S. The Autostream was something I considered carefully, as at one time it was being sold at a much lower price. It's beefy and well-engineereed but when I looked at the prop I would be buying (for my 1.5" shaft) I was unimpressed with how much surface area I was going to be dragging thru the water; that hub is huge. There were also fit issues, as the prop diameter I sought wasn't available in my shaft size. I suspect that, at one time, Martec's distributorship in the U.S. was not being as actively protected by Autostream and so folks could buy direct from down under; Martec was the only source I could find that would work with me in late 2002/early 2003). The Autoprop gets lots of praise from most of its owners, but some describe its main problem resulting from how it works - centrifugal force. Should one blade load up more than another (growth due to biologics, essentially), then you'll get an imbalanced pitch and a hop over the side to clean the prop is in order. I ended up buying a refurbished MaxProp from PYI, cheaper than either of the other (new) products, and the prop arrived looking brand new. You might ask PYI what their waiting list is for the diameter you need; I think that's a viable choice. I'm unpersuaded about the 'adjustment' issue; perhaps some tweaking from the recommended pitch adjustment will be necessary on the first, subsequent haulout but it's hardly an ongoing issue a MaxProp owner will contend with if adequately advised at the time you buy (which PYI was quite helpful with). And they've been very responsive with email and phone support while we've been cruising. Jack
John, I'd suggest you make a choice after looking at all 3 products, talking with some long-term owners and reflect on how far you plan to sail your boat and to what extent you might require support. I chose a MaxProp primarily because it has a long-standing international reputation and heavy market penetration (meaning its well known by a wide range of yards & vendors) and we were going to Europe. A number of serious sailors whom I met in Trinidad all praised the MaxProp and could talk about support for it there, so that was actually a two-fold recommendation. However, I realize most folks on this Forum will only be thinking about use & support within the U.S. The Autostream was something I considered carefully, as at one time it was being sold at a much lower price. It's beefy and well-engineereed but when I looked at the prop I would be buying (for my 1.5" shaft) I was unimpressed with how much surface area I was going to be dragging thru the water; that hub is huge. There were also fit issues, as the prop diameter I sought wasn't available in my shaft size. I suspect that, at one time, Martec's distributorship in the U.S. was not being as actively protected by Autostream and so folks could buy direct from down under; Martec was the only source I could find that would work with me in late 2002/early 2003). The Autoprop gets lots of praise from most of its owners, but some describe its main problem resulting from how it works - centrifugal force. Should one blade load up more than another (growth due to biologics, essentially), then you'll get an imbalanced pitch and a hop over the side to clean the prop is in order. I ended up buying a refurbished MaxProp from PYI, cheaper than either of the other (new) products, and the prop arrived looking brand new. You might ask PYI what their waiting list is for the diameter you need; I think that's a viable choice. I'm unpersuaded about the 'adjustment' issue; perhaps some tweaking from the recommended pitch adjustment will be necessary on the first, subsequent haulout but it's hardly an ongoing issue a MaxProp owner will contend with if adequately advised at the time you buy (which PYI was quite helpful with). And they've been very responsive with email and phone support while we've been cruising. Jack
You might also consider the Kiwi-prop.
It's much less costly, and seems to be getting some good reviews. Also, you may want to read the February/04 issue of Blue Water Sailing magazine article on folding and feathering props. ~ happy sails to you ~ _/) ~
It's much less costly, and seems to be getting some good reviews. Also, you may want to read the February/04 issue of Blue Water Sailing magazine article on folding and feathering props. ~ happy sails to you ~ _/) ~
Why Max-Prop
Sturdy, sophisticated and gives unparalleled power in reverse in case you run aground.
Sturdy, sophisticated and gives unparalleled power in reverse in case you run aground.
Boy this topic has been done quite a bit
A quick search in the archives will give plenty of opinions. (Clink on the Link Below) All the props have their pros and cons. One point though, I think the Autoprop folks would question the use of the phrase "unparalleled power in reverse" . Not saying that the max prop doesn't have good power in reverse, being a reversing feathering prop and all. But from all the info I have read and researched, the Autoprop has as much or more engine thrust in reverse than these other props, due to its automatically self-pitching prop blades.
A quick search in the archives will give plenty of opinions. (Clink on the Link Below) All the props have their pros and cons. One point though, I think the Autoprop folks would question the use of the phrase "unparalleled power in reverse" . Not saying that the max prop doesn't have good power in reverse, being a reversing feathering prop and all. But from all the info I have read and researched, the Autoprop has as much or more engine thrust in reverse than these other props, due to its automatically self-pitching prop blades.
Maintenance issues
Just one quick note. If you go to a feathering prop, cool. Just remember that little beasties will grow on them and cause them not to fully deploy in their full pitched positions. I sail regularly on a Nautical 60 and just about every time before we go out, I'll go over the side with small ball peen and wire brush to get the barnacles off and make sure the blades are fully articulating. I know; someone will tell you that all you have to do is paint the prop with bottom paint, but what they don't tell you is that the friction of the prop when powered will cause the water to strip the bottom paint off of it. You'll get the idea your prop needs cleaning when you get reduced performance and this is true with all props whether fixed or feathering. But, the feathering props are more succeciptible to reduced efficiency because beasties keep the props from articulating fully. Just a thought, that's all.
Just one quick note. If you go to a feathering prop, cool. Just remember that little beasties will grow on them and cause them not to fully deploy in their full pitched positions. I sail regularly on a Nautical 60 and just about every time before we go out, I'll go over the side with small ball peen and wire brush to get the barnacles off and make sure the blades are fully articulating. I know; someone will tell you that all you have to do is paint the prop with bottom paint, but what they don't tell you is that the friction of the prop when powered will cause the water to strip the bottom paint off of it. You'll get the idea your prop needs cleaning when you get reduced performance and this is true with all props whether fixed or feathering. But, the feathering props are more succeciptible to reduced efficiency because beasties keep the props from articulating fully. Just a thought, that's all.
Bob, 3 years with an autoprop
and I have yet to have that problem. Now I only sail 8-9 months a year up in the northeast, so that might be the reason and I like to use the boat as often as I can. But at the end of the season I have yet to have more than 1 or 2 barnicles. And I have never had them anywhere near the hub where the blades rotate. Maybe by the nature of the blades in a hub and just sitting in my slip they will always swing around even with a little tidal current Maybe the stainless steel shaft and special bronze Autoprop(even with zincs) react enough to keep the hard growth off. I do get a slime, but thats all. You are correct about the paint, I try and put it on every year, but by the time I haul it, its basically gone, so I also might dive later in the season and slather a little heavy grease or Tefgel to keep it relatively clean for the rest of the season
and I have yet to have that problem. Now I only sail 8-9 months a year up in the northeast, so that might be the reason and I like to use the boat as often as I can. But at the end of the season I have yet to have more than 1 or 2 barnicles. And I have never had them anywhere near the hub where the blades rotate. Maybe by the nature of the blades in a hub and just sitting in my slip they will always swing around even with a little tidal current Maybe the stainless steel shaft and special bronze Autoprop(even with zincs) react enough to keep the hard growth off. I do get a slime, but thats all. You are correct about the paint, I try and put it on every year, but by the time I haul it, its basically gone, so I also might dive later in the season and slather a little heavy grease or Tefgel to keep it relatively clean for the rest of the season
Tom, Cold Water?
Tom, you think maybe that might have to do with the temperature of your water there? Down here, the water in winter may -- may -- get down to 48-50 degrees and we don't have a lot of barnacle growth during that time. In summer, tho, water temps here are at least 85 degrees, making this semi-tropical. That might have something to do with it, I'm not really sure. Someone who is a qualified "barnacle-ologist" might know better than me and it does seem that we have different levels of barnacle growth during different years. I didn't think about your point, but it is a good point.
Tom, you think maybe that might have to do with the temperature of your water there? Down here, the water in winter may -- may -- get down to 48-50 degrees and we don't have a lot of barnacle growth during that time. In summer, tho, water temps here are at least 85 degrees, making this semi-tropical. That might have something to do with it, I'm not really sure. Someone who is a qualified "barnacle-ologist" might know better than me and it does seem that we have different levels of barnacle growth during different years. I didn't think about your point, but it is a good point.
pricing not opinions
I am more interested pricing experiences than opinions on which works better. I realize that this has been through many times and is in the archives, that is why I am going with a feathering prop. But I am curious if the are priced about the same or are there significant differences.
I am more interested pricing experiences than opinions on which works better. I realize that this has been through many times and is in the archives, that is why I am going with a feathering prop. But I am curious if the are priced about the same or are there significant differences.
John, oh sorry in that case
You could always verify very quickly by calling Max Prop and Autoprop. Remember the prices you get over the phone could be about 10% less if purchased at a Boat Show. ball park - Autoprop and Maxprop 3 blade ~$2k maxprop 2 blade ~ $1.6k Don't know about autostream If you really try and look around you might find the right sized one on the used market and save a few bucks -- good luck
You could always verify very quickly by calling Max Prop and Autoprop. Remember the prices you get over the phone could be about 10% less if purchased at a Boat Show. ball park - Autoprop and Maxprop 3 blade ~$2k maxprop 2 blade ~ $1.6k Don't know about autostream If you really try and look around you might find the right sized one on the used market and save a few bucks -- good luck
John, one last thought about Seal Beach...
I now realize that I had been thinking of you using your boat in Seal Beach and, because I grew up in nearby Long Beach, pictured you leaving your boat in the water for an extended period vs. the typical seasonal cycle that Chuck likely follows where the boat gets only seasonal use, a fresh bottom job annually and prop fouling isn't so much of a concern. That's why I mentioned the fouling issue re: Autoprop's operation. Originally, I was also shopping for a used MaxProp - they were almost impossible to find - but in the end realized that a factory refurbished prop (done in Italy as I understand it) wasn't going to cost much more, assured me of tolerances to spec, and also brought post-sale support along with it. The comment about boat show pricing is quite relevant to you right now, and PYI should be offering props at roughly 10% less, just as was mentioned. Be sure to 'report back in' and tell us what you ended up doing; all of us will learn another data point if you do so. Jack
I now realize that I had been thinking of you using your boat in Seal Beach and, because I grew up in nearby Long Beach, pictured you leaving your boat in the water for an extended period vs. the typical seasonal cycle that Chuck likely follows where the boat gets only seasonal use, a fresh bottom job annually and prop fouling isn't so much of a concern. That's why I mentioned the fouling issue re: Autoprop's operation. Originally, I was also shopping for a used MaxProp - they were almost impossible to find - but in the end realized that a factory refurbished prop (done in Italy as I understand it) wasn't going to cost much more, assured me of tolerances to spec, and also brought post-sale support along with it. The comment about boat show pricing is quite relevant to you right now, and PYI should be offering props at roughly 10% less, just as was mentioned. Be sure to 'report back in' and tell us what you ended up doing; all of us will learn another data point if you do so. Jack
prop fouling
Jack, I don't think it's really an issue-the water noth of boston is a heavy fouling area, and although my season runs early april to early december this year she sat in the slip a lot (unfortunately, work got the better of me this year
). the prop was very clean when we hauled-but i had a 4 inch sponge growing off my knotmeter paddlewheel!
Jack, I don't think it's really an issue-the water noth of boston is a heavy fouling area, and although my season runs early april to early december this year she sat in the slip a lot (unfortunately, work got the better of me this year
). the prop was very clean when we hauled-but i had a 4 inch sponge growing off my knotmeter paddlewheel!
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