KIWI Prop, what are the next cheapest feathering prop alternatives ?

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aidancoughlan

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Hi folks,

I noticed the Delrin (plastic) node cone on my KIWI prop has a crack in it when I hauled out this weekend. I'm not sure of the loads on this/risk of it breaking, but this probably means another passage to find a crane, to haul out to replace it (have to go back to home port now). This is the second time I've had to haul out to fix issues with the KIWI prop - hauling out several times the last time I had problems. Although I'm very happy with it's performance motoring & sailling compared to the old 2-blade fixed prop, I'm starting to worry about the reliability/longevity of the units - I've had this about 4 years.

Has anyone had experience of shopping for feathering (not folding) props recently... I know the KIWI is by far the cheapest, just wondering what is the next cheapest feathering prop : just so I can get an idea whether it's affordable enough for me to start researching an alternative. I know it will vary by size (mine is a 28ft westerly) - but if you've priced them recently, could you list them in order of the prices you received , that will give me an idea of which ones to start with ?

best regards & thanks,
Aidan.
 
Can't offer recent research I'm afraid but can second the comments on Maxprop; mine is eight years old now and no problems experienced yet.
 
I have a 3 blade Maxprop. Not the cheapest, but its a design that has stood the test of time. I needed a 21 inch prop, and the Darglow Featherstream is only made up to 20 inches, but is significantly cheaper and British made. It is comparatvely short, and therefore the only option for boats like Crabbers, which have the rudder close behind the prop.
 
Featherstream from Darglow Engineering. Superior product and priced in between the Kiwi and the Maxprop, which is also available from Darglow.
 
Another vote for Darglow Featherstream. 20" 3-blader was about £1600 recently. Superb piece of engineering, works extremly well in practice and the service I received was exemplary (new prop delivered in just over a week from first enquiry.) No connection etc, just a very satisfied customer.
 
Why does it have to be feathering? If you were to fit a Flexofold from Darglow, you will be amazed how good they are. Yes you CAN go backwards with them too!
 
Good though they are - I have one, but a 3 blade feathering prop (I have one of those as well) is better. The only reason I have the folder is that it is on a saildrive and the Featherstream was not available to fit that. On a conventional shaft drive like the OPs a feathering 3 blade is a better choice for a cruising boat.
 
Many thanks for all the responses folks. I've not been here in a couple of years, and had forgotten what a great resource this forum is.
Plenty of votes for the Maxprop & featherstream so.

Sounds like the Darglow Featherstream is the next cheapest to the KIWI, although a good bit more by the sounds of it.
I do like the idea of a feathering prop - I don't race, so lowest possible drag no what I'm after, and I really like the Handbrake stop you can do with the KIWI !

OK, time for me to think about what next !
 
aidancoughlan said:
Many thanks for all the responses folks. I've not been here in a couple of years, and had forgotten what a great resource this forum is.
Plenty of votes for the Maxprop & featherstream so.

Sounds like the Darglow Featherstream is the next cheapest to the KIWI, although a good bit more by the sounds of it.
I do like the idea of a feathering prop - I don't race, so lowest possible drag no what I'm after, and I really like the Handbrake stop you can do with the KIWI !

OK, time for me to think about what next !
Click to expand...
Off-set the cost by selling the Kiwi
 
Check out Variprop as well (feathering prop).

Darglow have 2 hub sizes and they advised me to go to larger size for charter use.

Variprop pitch can be altered externally both astern & forward. I believe the Darglow pitch is set on the hub as its assembled.

My Variprop done some 2500hrs now on charter boat - no problems.
 
@sailorman "Off-set the cost by selling the Kiwi" - strangely, I hadn't considered that, good idea though.
@nimbusgb - "Have you spoken to Kiwi about your problems?" - made initial contact, prop on it's way back by courier for them to have a look at. fingers crossed it won't take too much to sort out.

I need to get back on the water again soon to go cruising, so if the replacement parts don't cost too much, I'm thinking I will probably stick with the KIWI this season, but look again if I have recurring problems next season or after. It's not so much the costs of the replacement parts, or even the inconvenience of waiting .. but the courier costs + parts + haul out, hard standing & lift in all add up hugely. I may have been unlucky with my particular KIWI (lots of people swear by them, and some seem have them for years without issues), I reckon I could easily have paid for a more upmarket prop if I had a crystal ball. Unfortunately that's broken too :-)
 
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