Feathering Propellers

N

Nig

Member
Joined
11 Mar 2002
Messages
39
Location
Newton Ferrers. Plymouth
Visit site
I have been using a Volvo folding prop but this now needs replacing. I am keen to try a feathing prop and like the look of the Autoprop and the Autostream.
The prop would be fitted to a Warrior 40, a reasonably heavy displacement boat with a long(ish) keel.
Any help or comments much appreciated
 
Try a search on autoprop in the reader to reader section, there have been several threads on this lately. We have an autoprop on Rival 38 and are very pleased with the performance both under sail and engine.
 
Autoprops are popular and are particularly good at motorsailing due
to the self pitching. Their shape means they are a bit more draggy
than other feathering props. Heard very good opinions of Autostream
but they're not cheap.
Don't ignore Kiwi prop. Half the price, and the people at vectamarine
are very helpful.
 
We fitted a 19'' H5 Autoprop to our Voyager 38 last year before a trip to the med and have been very pleased with all aspects, including customer service. Price was c. £1600 after LIBS last year.

As already stated props were a recent topic on reader to reader.

Cannot comment on Autostream as never heard of it, but IIRC when I looked at the Kiwi prop which is often recommended there was not one large enough.


Steve
 
I don't know a thing about feathering props, but the Warrior 40 is my dream boat. If you are based in the Solent and ever find yourself short handed, I am your man. Of course my Trapper 500 is the ultimate boat, just a Warrior 40 is what I dream about. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
Whilst the Autoprop is a feathering prop the Autostream is really a folding prop, comparable to the Gori and many others.

If you want comparable feathering props look at the Kiwiprop or Maxprop.

I've had one of the early Autoprops, for the last 14 years and can vouch for it's effectiveness. Unlike the maxprop it is self-pitching so far more effective for motorsailing, but at the expense of slightly greater drag.
Most feathering props create less drag than folding props and are far more efficent in forward gear and incomparably superior in reverse.
 
Re: Kiwiprop

I think Delrin is strong enough unless you actually hit something, when even your metal
prop is going to distort slightly. The Delrin blade can be replaced underwater. Many
boats carry a spare but they are rarely used.
Just ordered one so will let you know in a few months.
SMB, an 18ins Kiwi should be big enough for a 38fter. You can always wind the pitch
up if you have the power. They're rated up to 56HP.
 
Re: Kiwiprop

Thanks for the comments. Quite possibly an 18'' would have been OK, even though my motor is supposed to provide 62hp, but I seem to recall that when I looked at the Kiwi over a year ago there seemed to be nothing suitable to replace my 3 blade 17x12.

Perhaps they have increased their range since then (?) or maybe I just didn't look properly because deep down my heart was set on an Autoprop and looking at the alternatives was like swimming in the Solent.

Either way I am now the happy owner (last time I looked) of a 19'' Autoprop which has been fitted nearly a year and does what they said it would, so I hope not to be in the market for a replacement for some time yet.

Steve
 
Re: Autoprop

I was thinking of changing my 3 bladed fixed prop for an Autoprop (Model: H5-470 specified) for my 40' GRP boat. Has anyone had a similar sized Autoprop fitted that has resulted in any bad experiences? In particular: a) Is there much of an improvement in reverse handling at low speeds b) Have you experienced any vibration problems? c) Apart from lots of grease, how are the bearings protected from the seawater; are there any waterproof seals fitted?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top