stmotorman2000
New member
Well it looks as though I am the first to start on this topic.
No I am not a closet prop fiddler, but just a previously frustrated boater with a boat that did not perform as it says on the can and a wish to share my experience.
first of all to solve my problems I did some research as to why and how props perform.
As I understand it the pitch of a bronze prop is calculated and set for optimum performance at full throttle and RPM of a vessel, but as soon as you throttle back to cruise your props become inefficient!
I am also well aware that performance is also to do with boat weight, clean fuel, clean hull as well as the engines achieving the correct top RPM etc.
Taking all this into account I have had my props repitched on several occasions with no dramatic improvement.
So what to do!!
I searched the web and where upon I discovered Contur Carbon fibre propellers, sold by Fleetwater Marine in Southampton.
Well what a dream come true......and these certainly do what they say on the can!!
Performance was up to what it should be, in fact 10% better than quoted by the boat builder, approx 15% reduction in fuel consumption therefore greater range, much quicker onto the plane.....the list is endless.
The brochure explains that the blades, being made of carbon fibre will flex dependant o the load applied, i.e. they act like a variable pitch prop, so therefore if you reduce RPM the blades adjust to the most optimum pitch to suite and visa versa. So hey presto unlike a bronze prop you have an optimum pitched prop at all times.
One thing though they are not cheap but i suppose new technology never is, but in my opinion they are well worth the expense, and set against the overall value of an underperforming expensive boat they are pea nuts.
One added advantage is that being carbon fibre, the blades do not corrode and can be individually replaced if damaged. You can even replace them oneself without taking the boat out of the water.
I was initially sceptical, as many smaller props have been made from carbon, but not to this size. I was assured they were different to anything that has come before and sure enough they are.
Has anyone else come across them....if not you will be amazed.
As you can imagine I am well satisfied.
<hr width=100% size=1>
No I am not a closet prop fiddler, but just a previously frustrated boater with a boat that did not perform as it says on the can and a wish to share my experience.
first of all to solve my problems I did some research as to why and how props perform.
As I understand it the pitch of a bronze prop is calculated and set for optimum performance at full throttle and RPM of a vessel, but as soon as you throttle back to cruise your props become inefficient!
I am also well aware that performance is also to do with boat weight, clean fuel, clean hull as well as the engines achieving the correct top RPM etc.
Taking all this into account I have had my props repitched on several occasions with no dramatic improvement.
So what to do!!
I searched the web and where upon I discovered Contur Carbon fibre propellers, sold by Fleetwater Marine in Southampton.
Well what a dream come true......and these certainly do what they say on the can!!
Performance was up to what it should be, in fact 10% better than quoted by the boat builder, approx 15% reduction in fuel consumption therefore greater range, much quicker onto the plane.....the list is endless.
The brochure explains that the blades, being made of carbon fibre will flex dependant o the load applied, i.e. they act like a variable pitch prop, so therefore if you reduce RPM the blades adjust to the most optimum pitch to suite and visa versa. So hey presto unlike a bronze prop you have an optimum pitched prop at all times.
One thing though they are not cheap but i suppose new technology never is, but in my opinion they are well worth the expense, and set against the overall value of an underperforming expensive boat they are pea nuts.
One added advantage is that being carbon fibre, the blades do not corrode and can be individually replaced if damaged. You can even replace them oneself without taking the boat out of the water.
I was initially sceptical, as many smaller props have been made from carbon, but not to this size. I was assured they were different to anything that has come before and sure enough they are.
Has anyone else come across them....if not you will be amazed.
As you can imagine I am well satisfied.
<hr width=100% size=1>
