Brunto Autoprop H5 (tabscrew version)

[JonJon]

Bit gutted to find that after purchasing all these pathetic special tools that Brunton will sell you at exorbitant cost and a bearing replacement kit at an extra 200 quid that the thrust bearing on my H5 is not replaceable. The race is part of the hub and the balls have brinelled themselves into the race. Bought this prop new in late 2010, its only had light use every year, pumped it with grease every year new anodes every year at £25+ a pop min and now looks like I have to send it back to Bruntons to be remachined - how much is that going to cost - I'll find out tomorrow. Jeez I didn't expect this on a 1500 pound prop. Don't think I can afford this prop.

 

[Daydream believer]

Had my prop re furbished about 3 years ago, rubber bush plus bearings & extra hole drilled for a 3 stud rope cutter in lieu of a 2 stud & cost was over £ 300-00. I took it in myself & it was dropped off at the sailing club so no postage. Still a bit of a hit though!!!! From memory( but do not quote me) it is recommended something like 5-6 year intervals

 

[JonJon]

Yes I reckon the 5-6 year interval must be about right. My blades have felt a bit knobbly when you rotate them for the last 2-3 years. I find their website is a bit of a paperchase to get info on what you need. They seem mainly concerned with removing the prop from the shaft which is a doddle anyway.

 

[Topcat47]

Kinell, I cou ld replace my fixed blade prop every third season f or less than that!

 

[JonJon]

Yes I've still got my fixed prop on board somewhere but I would miss the thrust of the Brunton for stopping or manouvering. Useful in marinas. But.......at what cost...

 

[sailaboutvic]

to be honest we brought ours in late 2016 and although I am happy with the prop , knowing what I know now plus the cost of their part I wouldn't buy another Brutons prop.

 

[JonJon]

Well its going to cost around £400. I do think it is a serious flaw that the thrust bearing is not replaceable on this model. Are ball bearings good as a thrust bearing? Gut feel tells me no.

 

[Daydream believer]

Well its going to cost around £400. I do think it is a serious flaw that the thrust bearing is not replaceable on this model. Are ball bearings good as a thrust bearing? Gut feel tells me no.

Considering that you will not be loosing any warranty, have you considered taking it apart & doing it yourself? The bit that you would not be able to do is replace the rubber insert between shaft & hub which you could leave intact.
Bearings will all be standard "off the shelf" & obtainable online or from a local bearing stockist if you have one nearby ( that would be handy as you can then get advice )
You say that the thrust bearing is non replaceable but have you looked to see what it actually is. It might just be a plastic bush which can be bought cheaply. I made my own for my Ambassador rope cutter for several years --until this year when i made my own rope cutter complete!!( PBO cannot publish the article of how I did it for< £ 70-00 due to legal issues!!)

 

[JonJon]

Yes I have had the baby to bits. You confuse me when you say rubber insert - there isn't one are you talking about the cutlass bearing on the shaft.? The bit that's non serviceable is the bearing groove on the hub of the propeller that the ball bearings race round in for the blade to hub swivel joint, its machined into their sexy alloy and the only option is to get them to machine it again.

 

[Daydream believer]

On mine there is rubber between the shaft & the main hub within the prop. If the prop hits an obstruction the rubber shears & this is supposed to take the shock load off the saildrive gearbox.
It will still give enough friction to get one into harbour whilst it gradually breaks completely.