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Feathering Props

B

bbeach

Bill Beach
Hi gang,
I'm in the market and can't make up my mind. As stated lower on
the BB, I've found out that the Autoprop won't work. I have a
fascination with these types of props because I'm going off shore
this fall. I realize that most only give 1/2 to 3/4 kt faster
forward speed (if any)and is it really worth the expense....well
if you're on a long passage of over 500 miles I would say yes. In
these terms, the smoother sailing also decreases your time at sea
during a passage. But, $2500 is a lot of money for a little
quicker passages, unless you get caught at sea in major storms
then no amount could have offset it.
I'm getting ready to look at 2 props. I know quite a bit about
the Max-prop. It's expensive and I've heard negative reviews on
forward propulsion. All featherings will be great in reverse,
that's not an issue. My next look is at CDI's plastic props and
the German made Sailprop. Someone suggested a prop made in
Australia....Any suggestions, comments?
 
Me again,
Been in touch with 2 Aussie companies offering the Autostream feathering 2 and 3 bladers. The price is right! Under $900 US!! including extra zincs ($21 ea). Besides, zincs can be melted down here cheaply and remolded to the necessary shape.
I am still getting info on possible mods to be done to shaft. It doesn't sound like there are any, but checkign to make sure.
 
I have had a 15 inch 2 blade MaxProp on my Charley 38 for 11 years or more and it has provided great service, improved speed forward and great in reverse. Never had a problem with it. Sailing, it has added at least 1/2 knot and more over the two blade fixed prop that I had prior to that, and at near 1 knot over the three blade that was on the boat when I bought her in 1979. It has never failed to feather and has responded quickly shifting from forward to reverse. I have no idea what they cost today. I paid $1100 at the time. Changing pitch can be accomplished by one pair of hands, but it is a lot easier with two pairs. I would think that they have made some improvement over the model that I have but I don't know to what extent. See my comments on the BB about alterations to fit the aperture of the CM38. You may not have the same problem depending on what boat you have.
 
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Two things. You ststed the Auto-prop did not work. Please elaborate. and which prop did you end up with. I am looking into a feathering prop for my 37' Pearson.Regards olesalte@aol.com
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