JF props from Darglow

[cjepearson]

I would like to fit a feathering prop, but only have 25mm between aft tip of present fixed prop and the forward edge of the rudder. I did find two props that would fit at LIBS yesterday, so would appreciate some feed-back. One is the Variprop, made in Germany and sold by Bruntons, and the other is the JF Prop made and sold by Darglow of Wareham. Has anybody fitted one of these "restricted aperture" props? Thanks in advance

 

[Georgio]

Yep, I have a Darglow jobbie and it's great, but make sure you service once a year (quite an easy job).

 

[matt1]

Yep, fitted the Darglow last year. Very happy with it. Reckon it adds half a knot under sail and this is 100% of the time so probably better value than a cruising chute! Money well spent IMHO. Good servcie too. Make sure you take cash to the boat show in future and they will sell you x3 anodes for about the price of two

 

[Sailfree]

Very happy with Variprop. Had one on last 2 boats.

 

[macd]

Bought a JF prop 2 years ago, since little else seemed suitable for space ahead of skeg. A couple of technical reports suggest it's not so efficient as some less constrained designs of feathering prop, but it does nonetheless work well. Had no reason to stretch Darglow's service, but they delivered in a businesslike way. Be wary, though, of claims that it eliminates prop walk. Mine did nothing of the sort. On the contrary, it made an unpredictable kick to port a reliable one -- which I much prefer.

 

[kds]

Yes - have had 2 seasons with a Darglow. Very pleased at its thrust and the lack of drag when sailing. Nice people to deal with, too.

 

[DanTribe]

I fitted a 3 blade JF 5 years ago and have been very pleased with it.
Certainly improved astern performance and reduced prop walk.
Also much cheaper than nearest alternative.
One slight disadvantage is that it has to be sent back to be adjusted if the pitch isn't quite right first time. I think mine is slightly under geared but didn't bother to get it changed.
They are very helpful people and guided me through the operation very patiently.
Budget for replacement anodes though. You can usually buy them 3 for price of 2 at boat shows. Also worth buying the grease that they recomend from them because I found it hard to source elsewhere.
Dan

 

[oilyrag]

Thanks Bellatrix - I've been looking for a reasonably priced 3 blade feathering prop that would fit in a restricted aperture on my boat (Kiwi won't fit - grrr) and had never heard of these JFs from Darglow - just been to LIBS and ordered one!!