East coast prop specialist?

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Mudhook

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I need advice on props as the one I have just removed is pretty definitely oversized. Who has prop expertise on the east coast? I know I could order one online but I'd prefer to talk props with someone versed in the dark art, and to be sure that my measurements of shaft, taper and key sizes are correct. I think I'm looking for something like 15 x 10, 14 x 11 or 14 x 10. Propcalc software says 13.36 x 11.41 which isn't a great deal of help.

Any advice? Or anyone got a decent prop that might be for sale? (1-inch shaft, 12:1 taper and 1/4 inch keyway I think).

I'm on Essex/Suffolk border; boat is at Woolverstone.

Regards, Mudhook.
 
Does anyone have experience of Brunton's for small boats? From their website it looks like they are into military patrol boats, supply vessels, etc.

Regards, Mudhook
 
From limited experience of faffing around with prop calculations, it isn't an exact science - more a bit of a black art!

Propcalc is a typical computer program: precise to umpteen decimal places, but no intelligence. If it says 13.36 x 11.41 then 13 x 12, 14 x 11 or 15 x 9 wouldn't be far wrong. I assume you're not into spending gazillions on an autoprop or max prop, so what ever you put on will be a compromise.

My understanding, which comes with all the usual health warnings, is that a a bigger, finer prop will give more drive into a seaway and better braking, but more drag when sailing, while a coarser, smaller prop will do the opposite.

I expect a real expert will come along and put me right in a minute!
 
They definitely do props for yachts, and exhibit at SBS and LBS, their Autoprop is highly thought of but expensive, I believe they make "normal" props as well.
 
I see you are based at Pin Mill. French Marine have a branch at Levington (don't know about Walton) and they can probably help. Mike French can probably tell you off the top of his head. I don't think you'll go far wrong with any of the recommendations, just that I've always found French Marine knowledgable and helpful
 
[ QUOTE ]
Since when has Aldershot been on the east coast then....glad your not the navigator on my boat.

[/ QUOTE ]

He may not be, but I am, and I have nothing but praise for the Company and Geoff's expertise.
Most people can and do deliver anywhere in the country.

Glad you are not part of my crew!
 
Don't want to hijack this thread, but surely the reason to ask for a supplier in a local area is so that he can go along in person and talk to them.

I don't know Geoff, and I'm sure he's a nice guy, just not what the original poster was asking for.

I also feel that as eastcoasters we have a duty (where realistic) to shop locally and support our local (generally more helpful and cheaper) businesses, instead of simply added to the profits of the southcost-serving big guns.
 
I agree, the sensibly priced East Coast marine industry should be supported. Although for my sins I sail in the Solent, my boat was built around the Maldon area and when looking for replacement parts it helps to consider who was the most local supplier to the yard. Having said that, and no disrespect meant to the people mentioned so far, the folding prop came from Darglow. When I decided to replace it, I phoned them and they greeted me by name (albeit the name of the original owner) and reeled off the full spec of the existing prop (shaft size, taper, thread, diameter and pitch) from the four figure ledger number stamped on it. The replacement arrived within the week and fitted perfectly. That kind of service is rare in the South and worth mentioning whenever one comes across it!
Rob.
 
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