Folding prop How to fit.

[owendov17]

Having read a test in a recent Yachting Monthly on folding and feathering props , I am wondering how I can fit one to my Vertue.

"Owendo" has the usual cut out in the rudder to house the 12" 3 blade prop. The present cutout is not deep enough to house the folded prop.

I am wondering if anyone has worked out how to fit a folding 2 blade prop, perhaps by modified the shape of the cutout?

I suppose the second best would be to fit a 2 blade prop in place of my 3 blade and arrange to lock it in the North South position. This would reduce the drag, but by how much?
According to the article dragging a 3 blade prop through the water is akin to dragging a bucket over the stern.

Any comments or suggestions would be welcom

 

[sailorman]

Having read a test in a recent Yachting Monthly on folding and feathering props , I am wondering how I can fit one to my Vertue.

"Owendo" has the usual cut out in the rudder to house the 12" 3 blade prop. The present cutout is not deep enough to house the folded prop.

I am wondering if anyone has worked out how to fit a folding 2 blade prop, perhaps by modified the shape of the cutout?

I suppose the second best would be to fit a 2 blade prop in place of my 3 blade and arrange to lock it in the North South position. This would reduce the drag, but by how much?
According to the article dragging a 3 blade prop through the water is akin to dragging a bucket over the stern.

Any comments or suggestions would be welcom

you can only fit a feathering type ( if you have room for it to pivot). talk to manufacturers giving them all your boat details + photos ,dims ect

 

[Tranona]

Masny of the feathering types also have long hubs plus the space needed to feather. The exception is the Featherstream from Darglow Marine which has a very short hub. It can be fitted in a Contessa 32 which has a small aperture. I have one fitted to my boat also in an aperture. You should be able to get a 13 inch one in, or even a 15 inch which has a larger body.

Talk to Darglow

 

[owendov17]

That is great I will get on to them as you suggest are you happy with your unit? any chanve of a picture if your boat is out of the water.
my email is owendov17@gmail.com

 

[Woodlouse]

Another thumbs up for Darglow here. Their post purchase customer service is quite frankly excellent. The props are pretty damn good too, not to mention affordable (relatively anyway).

For fitting their props to Contessa 32's they made an alternative anode, the standard one is a cone, the modified more of a thick disc, this brings the hub size down enough to fit into the smaller aperture.

 

[Tranona]

That is great I will get on to them as you suggest are you happy with your unit? any chanve of a picture if your boat is out of the water.
my email is owendov17@gmail.com

As it happens I have just hauled it out today so will take a picture over the weekend. Mine is slightly different from the current models as it has a different anode that we have to machine down. As woodlouse says the newer ones have a flatter anode and the blades are stainless.

Biggest problem you are likely to face as your rudder is not vertical is working out whether there is clearance when the blades rotate and the helm is over. You will see my solution (courtesy of an angle grinder) when you get the picccy.

 

[Woodlouse]

As it happens I have just hauled it out today so will take a picture over the weekend. Mine is slightly different from the current models as it has a different anode that we have to machine down. As woodlouse says the newer ones have a flatter anode and the blades are stainless.

You know they make two types of anodes? The normal cones, and the flatter ones for those that don't have the space (e.g. contessas).

 

[owendov17]

Thanks again for all the help. Looking forward to getting the pictures

 

[Tranona]

You know they make two types of anodes? The normal cones, and the flatter ones for those that don't have the space (e.g. contessas).

Yes, I know. Richard is a long standing friend. However, the bolt spacings on the body of mine are different from the flat one, so won't fit. Just as easy for him to put it in the lathe and turn it down rather than do a new casting.

 

[davidej]

Have you looked at the Brunton Autoprop. It feathers rather than folds which has a similar effect of reducing drag. It has several other advantages and it, almost certainly, will fit the available space.

 

[owendov17]

Thanks bit on the pricey side though

 

[Tranona]

Thanks bit on the pricey side though

Bruntons main advantage is that they are very good if you do a lot of motorsailing. They are popular with long term users in the Med for this reason.

Bit wasted on a boat like a Vertue where the engine is at best an auxiliary and the prime purpose (I assume) is to reduce drag when sailing. Will still also have the problem of blade clearance when chaning pitch.

BTW have just sent you pics.

 

[owendov17]

Many thanks for pictures. Must say I am wondering if a standard 2 blade with a shaft brake might be the best idea. The 3 blade does produce a lot of drag.

Thanks for your help.