{"id":1258,"date":"1999-11-30T00:00:00","date_gmt":"1999-11-30T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/setsail.com\/?p=1258"},"modified":"2015-10-16T12:09:42","modified_gmt":"2015-10-16T17:09:42","slug":"feathering-props","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/setsail.com\/feathering-props\/","title":{"rendered":"Feathering Props"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Question: I was going to install a feathing prop on my Nautic Saintongue 44 during this spring’s haul-out. Presently, I have postponed this investment because I met a couple in La Paz this winter who had a feathering prop on a Passport about the same displacement as my boat. I asked them if the prop (maxi) was working for them. They replied that if they had to consider it again, they would not do it again. Basicially it was not worth the investment.<\/p>\n

So, what is your opinion on replacing a fixed three blade with a maxi type prop? From manufacturers reports I have read, an increase in speed will be realized, but on a 25,000 lb. displacement boat, is the investment worth it? I do not race, but like to get from one place to the next as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n

What prop has worked best for your boats over the years? Mike <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Hi Mike: A good question, which hinges on your definition of what some speed and maneuverability is worth.<\/p>\n

Leaving aside the issue of which feathering prop for the moment, a three bladed fixed prop creates a huge amount of drag. This has the biggest negative impact in light airs and when sailing to windward. It also has relatively poor handling characteristics when going in reverse (i.e. they tend to circle regardless of what you do on the helm unless you are very lucky, or skilled–or both). <\/p>\n

So switching to a more efficient prop for sailing allows you to go faster. How important is this? Let’s leave aside the issue of the pleasure to be had in sailing fast and concentrate on safety. If you average 15\/20 miles a day more on a passage because you’ve switched props (easy to do in your situation) that means the passage is over three to four hours sooner for each day at sea. If you are racing to port, to beat the arrival of a nasty depression, this could make the difference. Or, you might be trying to make it through a particular coral pass or harbor entrance with the light over your shoulder–again the extra speed gives you a margin of safety.<\/p>\n

And heaven forbid you should ever be caught on a lee shore, fighting your way to weather in a real blow, getting rid of the fixed prop will make a huge difference in your VMG.<\/p>\n

So, I feel strongly that there is a big increase in safety factors to be had in this change. Is it worth three to six months of cruising budget? That is a harder call to make.<\/p>\n

Now, as to the specific aproach, there are a number of feathering wheels on the market–The Max Prop of couse, and the Bruntan’s sef pitching prop. And don’t forget to look at Martec too. Occasionally you can find used versions of these. We’ve had lots of experience with Max props, and within the caveats discussed at length in Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia–they work well.<\/p>\n

If you change let us know what you think of the difference. Regards –Steve Dashew<\/p>\n

An Update:<\/p>\n

Hi Steve: Just wanted to get back to you on your answer to my question a while back about fix props and feathering props. I replaced a 3 blade fixed prop on my 44 foot sloop IOR design boat with a max prop. You were certainly right about the speed increase under sail, the prices was worth the performance alone. Also, backing is better, since prop walk is gone. So far only draw back is getting the right pitch setting. The factory rep suggested a setting of K E, which has not allowed maximum rpm, infact the engine overheated for the first time trying to reach what I did before 2950 rpms with the fixed 17X12. I could only do 2500 rpms with the max set at 18X12.4. So now I will be setting an EH (18X11) to improve max speed. So, the draw back is another haulout and $280 invested. Wounder if I should have bought their adjustable VP model? <\/p>\n

Thanks for your help. Mike<\/p>\n

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