2 Blade Autoprop

[mobeydick]

There is now a 2 bladed Autoprop for a more reasonable £1000 approx. Anybody with any experience of it?

I assume it would weigh less and be simpler and perhaps the auto-pitching feature makes the lack of blade area in rough weather (when you need it most) less important?

 

[Shanty]

I've had one fitted for three seasons now. Cost a lot less than £1000 - from memory £6-700.

Previously, I had a fixed three bladed prop. The Autoprop gives me 0.5 - 0.75 knot more speed under power and under sail. Its also excellent for motorsailing.

 

[vyv_cox]

I've had one for about 5 years, bought in Holland. No problems with it at all, except:

Its anode was originally attached when bought with metal bolts, about 4 mm thread, probably galvanised steel. The anode fell off in the first season, the replacement anodes came with nylon bolts and the anode now lasts more than one season.

I had to buy a grease gun, although I already owned two, to obtain the correct fitting for the nipples provided.

In heavy chop the drive is not great. We briefly motored upwind into about 40 knots of wind off the Spanish Med mainland. The boat made almost no progress and we anchored until conditions improved. I suspect that the three blade version may have kept us driving more effectively.

 

[Miker]

I've had one for 5 years. I would endorse previous replies. I have had no problems motoring in a heavy sea, for me, but then I am a fair weather sailor. It will also stop on a sixpence and has made berthing in a marina much easier.

 

[mobeydick]

OK thanks. I had not realised it had been around that long. I mostly see reports on the 3 bladed version, which is somewhat more expensive and heavy.