graham_s
New Member
Replacing original fixed 3 blade. Considering: Darglow Featherstream; Max Prop; Gori; Brunton Autoprop. Any thoughts, experiences or recomendations please?
Beneteau Oceanis 361. Which propeller
- Thread starter graham_s
- Start date
Norman_E
Well-Known Member
No personal experience, but there have been lots of recommendations for the Kiwiprop, which is also considerably cheaper than some of the alternatives. I suggest you check it out.
One thing to consider is that feathering props like the Kiwiprop generally give better thrust astern than folders.
One thing to consider is that feathering props like the Kiwiprop generally give better thrust astern than folders.
ozzyb
Well-Known Member
We've got the Gori 2 blade folding on our 361. Its good ahead and only snagged a line once when motor sailing. There's not room to fit a rope cutter between the stern gland and the prop. Folded when sailing its unlikely to snag & gains about 1/2 Knot I estimate.
However in reverse it kicks distinctly to Stb'd until you get some way on. The Stb'd kick can be useful when coming alongside or slipping but needs practice.
However in reverse it kicks distinctly to Stb'd until you get some way on. The Stb'd kick can be useful when coming alongside or slipping but needs practice.
Sailfree
Well-Known Member
What HP and is it saildrive or shaft.
Of all the feathering props I prefer the Variprop which is German engineering at its best and the pitch can be adjusted from outside the prop for both forwards & astern - Darglow you adjust during assembly of the hub. Variprop are cheaper than Darglow but not as cheap as Kiwi but Kiwi have plastic blades and non adjustable astern pitch and there have been various posts about astern problems with the Kiwi.
Remember ignore the BS some write the best prop for forward power is a correctly sized fixed prop but it's a drag when sailing. Best for astern power (brakes!) is a feathering and least drag of all when sailing is a folding prop. Best for motor sailing is the self pitching Bruntons.
Like boats a prop is a compromise best chosen to suit your own priorities.
Of all the feathering props I prefer the Variprop which is German engineering at its best and the pitch can be adjusted from outside the prop for both forwards & astern - Darglow you adjust during assembly of the hub. Variprop are cheaper than Darglow but not as cheap as Kiwi but Kiwi have plastic blades and non adjustable astern pitch and there have been various posts about astern problems with the Kiwi.
Remember ignore the BS some write the best prop for forward power is a correctly sized fixed prop but it's a drag when sailing. Best for astern power (brakes!) is a feathering and least drag of all when sailing is a folding prop. Best for motor sailing is the self pitching Bruntons.
Like boats a prop is a compromise best chosen to suit your own priorities.
jh001ace
Well-Known Member
I have a Varifold on my 331, very pleased with the performance and build quality.
alandee
Well-Known Member
We have a Kiwi on our 36CC which is the same hull form as the 361. We used it for a season in the UK and then through the French Canals (251 locks) and along the French and North Italian coastlines. No problems at all. The blades are not made out of plastic but from Zytel which is a composite used for jet engine blades. As for a rope cutter, the Ambassador comes with a spacer which fits between the shaft and the gear box flange which extends the prop shaft to allow fitting of the cutter. We have two very small nicks in one of the blades but carry a spare (£40.00) should we ever need it. The comments on the Kiwi web sites make for interesting reading. Good Luck.
AlanRD
Well-Known Member
I have a three blade Volvo folding prop on my 361. No problems with performance whether going forwards or backwards. There is room for a rope cutter as well. It still has the usual prop walk which probably proves it is working properly.
Maintenance so far over two seasons has been cleaning overall and greasing the moving parts.
Maintenance so far over two seasons has been cleaning overall and greasing the moving parts.