Autoprop and Ambassador stripper

[Gezzer]

Hi,

Has anybody fitted a Bruntons Autoprop as well as an Ambassador stripper, I have the stripper fitted already to my Beneteau 343 with the standard prop, and was thinking of fitting an Autoprop whilst she is out of the water but on first inspection it all looks a bit tight for space on the end of the shaft, Autoprops all look a bit long to me.

Of course I need to give it all a good measure up, but was just wondering if anybody has already done it

cheers

 

[alan]

Can't help with your actual question but as a by-line: I fitted an autoprop to my 343 because of the tendancy to always go to the left when in astern ..... in my berth I had to reverse all the way to the "main channel" before I could turn. Are you considering an autoprop because of the strong prop kick in astern?? If so, then I can tell you that it has really helped my manoeuverability and I can now back out of my berth and turn right in astern within 1.5 boat lengths!! Sorry, can't help with your question but fiitng an autoprop will definitely improve your handling.

Alan.

 

[Gezzer]

Thanks Alan

I want to fit an Autoprop for two reasons mainly, yes better control / less prop walk in astern, although I have got fairly used to the kick compared to my previous boat (a Hurley 24) which used to be pot luck the benny is very predictable, but mainly for less drag, an extra .5 - 1 knot would be good.

Does the Autoprop bite as well when moving from forward to reverse, for instance when stopping the boat, i hear there is a bit of a lag, but I guess you get used and account for it.

 

[alandee]

Hi. The Ambassador Stripper has an optional spacer and replacement bolts to fit between the end of the shaft and the gearbox although it depends on how these two items were joined in the first place. I have a Beneteau 36cc which utilises 4 no. 10mm bolts which are easy to undo and replace with the longer bolts provided which also go through the spacer. This gave me an extra 20mm so that the shaft had extra length in order to fit my Kiwi prop. Contact Ambassador direct and state which prop you intend to use in order to get the correct spacer. I hope I have been of some help. Good Luck.

 

[vyv_cox]

Yes

No problem at all. I fitted both the prop and stripper some years ago so my memory is slightly hazy. I believe I moved the shaft aft a small amount, no more than about 6 mm judging from photos I have of the setup before the Stripper went on. This is no problem to the flanged connector, which still has plenty of shaft to contact.

 

[Piers]

Hi Gezzer. To me your anode looks too close to the cutlass bearing. It needs to be a good foot fwd to allow for water to flow well through the bearing to prevent wear.

 

[vyv_cox]

Instructions for cutless bearings say that there needs to be half an inch bewteen anodes and the bearing. The Stripper instructions say the same thing.

Putting the anode between bearings, rather than close to one, runs the risk that unbalance forces will lead to vibration and possibly bearing or gearbox damage. IMHO a foot is far too much.

 

[alan]

It is a little slower when going from ahead to astern but you very soon learn to account for it. You need to be slightly more "heavy handed" to stop the boat but after a couple of manoeuvres you don't notice the difference any more. You should get the advantage in speed under sail that you anticipate but my reason for fitting the autoprop was the vicious kick to port in reverse of the 343 ........... however this did help me to get into tight berths before I changed the prop; you just need to be prepared before hand to make sure you take the correct approach in order to use the prop-kick to advantage.
This is the second boat to which I have fitted an autoprop and am very satisfied; if only I could find a way to stop it fouling during the warm weather here in the med I would even more happy!

You won't be disappointed with the performance, I am sure.

Alan.

 

[boatmike]

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Does the Autoprop bite as well when moving from forward to reverse, for instance when stopping the boat, i hear there is a bit of a lag, but I guess you get used and account for it.
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You are right. When going from forward to reverse or vice versa you need a burst of throttle to kick the blades over in the other direction before running at slow speed. It works OK you just need to remember to give it a bit of welly. Then theres no lag.

 

[Miker]

I've got an Autprop and an Ambassador on my Beneteau 260 and agree with the above. Much better for manoeuvring (I can never spell that word!) in the marina, and it stops on a sixpence.