Calling FullCircle

[Deleted member 478]

Jim

Was it you that installed a KiwiProp on your beloved and promised us a performance report?

Thanks

 

[FullCircle]

Kiwiprops.....

Indeed it was.
I have been a slack twat, and not put on the replacement blades that I felt the prop needed for full performance.
These were provided on the basis that I will send the old ones back when I have changed to the new ones. Very trusting, and super helpful at all stages.
Calculations showed I needed a 17 inch x 22.5 degrees prop, but I felt it was a little down at equivalent engine revs from my fixed 2 blade.
So we agreed to go to 17.5 inch x23 degrees, which are still on my boat awaiting fitment and trial.

I am getting 3650rpm at max throttle, which is about right, but speed on a clean hull was about 7.4 kts, which is down from the 7.9 of last year.
At cruise revs of 2600 (most economical power/torque on the curve), I am about 0.4 kts down.
However, the general performance is still very good, reverse is instant, and definitely 1/4 to 1/3 knot up on sailing speed, and she accelerates out of my sloppy tacking a lot faster now.
No knocks or bangs, and no revolving shaft.

Like, Velcro, it is something I wish I had invented.
Worth every penny.

I must go and dry out on a hard bit. I must go and dry out on a hard bit. I must go and dry out on a hard bit.
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Deleted member 478]

Re: Kiwiprops.....

IIRC, they were claiming increases in performance not only when under sail, but also substantial increases compared to a fixed blade. Am I correct?

 

[FullCircle]

Re: Kiwiprops.....

No I dont think the power was claimed as an increase, but torque is good.
Remember the blades are flat, relying on the twist on power take up to provide the bite into the water. Given that MOBO props are very swoopy shapes, I cant see how these are anything other than a very decent compromise solution.

Fitting was easy, there is a 4 page measurement document to fill out prior to order. I also bought their grease setup, not horribly expensive. The Stripper fitted just nicely too, and they were aware of each others product and fitment needs, which is good.

 

[JackFrobisher]

Re: Kiwiprops.....

Firstly, let me make it clear that Vecta Marine has been a model supplier at all times, but my experience of a Kiwi has been fraught of late. I also have had correspondence with another user, via a pal in the CA, who has had the same problem.

We fitted a Kiwi during the winter ashore and started sailing with it in March. It worked well, though I think it might need a bit more pitch (currently 18" at 22 degrees). Performance ahead under power was as good as the two-blade, in astern it was startling. General performance of the boat under sail is significantly better. Never before had we achieved (just touched) 7 knots whilst beating hard. We got 6 if we were very persistent and lucky. No shaft rotation.

A couple of weekends ago, it suddenly stopped going astern. Couldn't rev the engine at all. Ahead was still fine and it sailed as usual. Dried out and found that the rotation that puts the blades into astern wasn't working. The hub didn't rotate at all. Injected lots of grease but no joy.

We were able to re-fit the two-blade and sent the Kiwi back. It appears that something had got into the mechanism and graunched it sufficiently to stop the bearing faces moving against each other, despite the grease. Vecta is making a new hub and we hope to fit it in a week or so.

The other failure was the same (symptoms) but due to location and lack of a spare prop, has been addressed by dismantling cleaning and re-greasing. I await the outcome of that one. It appears that dismantling in the field is not too difficult.

I'll post an update later in the summer (after our cruise to Southern Brittany) if anyone is interested.

 

[Deleted member 478]

Re: Kiwiprops.....

Yep, I am interested and would appreciate an update. Thanks

 

[FullCircle]

Re: Kiwiprops.....

Sshhh, dont tell anyone, but I had mine apart. Its a doddle. I would also be interested to learn about this mode of failure.
And yes, Alan and the team at Vecta are splendid. Courteous and knowledgable, and very 'customer facing'.
They also sent Lynn & I a Kiwiprop baseball cap each as an engagement present /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Koeketiene]

Re: Kiwiprops.....

[ QUOTE ]

They also sent Lynn & I a Kiwiprop baseball cap each as an engagement present /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Wow - true class!
Hope you both wear them at the wedding /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[JackFrobisher]

Re: Kiwiprops.....

We only got one and I haven't had a turn with it yet. Gits!
/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

 

[cookjwm]

Re: Kiwiprops.....

Dunno about kiwi but I fitted a Brunton autoprop 2 bladed on my volvo 2020 saildrive on a first 31.7, replacing standard (non volvo) folder and its transformed the boat under power. Used to get 5.5 knots max, now get 7 knots at 2500 rpm on flat sea, no idea what she will do at max revs ,have not tried it, but economy is far better rev for rev, handling under power is excellent and the whole set up is quieter....a good buy