Kiwi prop

[FullCircle]

[ QUOTE ]
Well I hope you have more luck with your prop.
We fitted ours to the Sun Odyssey 35,I noted that the prop that is fitted to our boat has the lock nut,locked to the to the prop shaft,but the kiwi prop is locked to the prop by two small grub screws which have to be checked to ensure they are still tight!!
We checked our locking screws a few weeks before the prop fell of.

[/ QUOTE ]


Just for the sake of balance, our Kiwiprop has been on our Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35 since 2005. We had an issue with reverse first year (sorted, inadequate quantity of grease in the hub), but the performance has been superb, and we don't get the noises. It also has not fallen off, or even looked like doing so, although we did remove it to get the stern tube replaced in the hull. I find Loctite to be an excellent product.

 

[sailorman]

I find Loctite to be an excellent product. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[anjou]

yes thank you for your comments, the prop shaft did rotate with speeds above 5 knts.

 

[anjou]

Thank you for your comments, yes we did use "Loktite" and I would still like to know why this prop could fall off?

 

[FullCircle]

[ QUOTE ]
Thank you for your comments, yes we did use "Loktite" and I would still like to know why this prop could fall off?

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, sorry to say it, but I think you installed it incorrectly, as there is a nut to secure it, not just 2 grub screws as you said. also there is a specific section on autorotation in the manual.

Here is a link to the manual. It does not stack up with what you are saying, for a correct installation and use.


http://www.kiwiprop.info/pdf/install.pdf

 

[anjou]

Interesting observation. Yes there is a nut to hold the "Kiwi Prop" but you missed the point. The prop that Jenneau fitted to our boat has the lock nut LOCKED to the prop shaft,the "Kiwi Prop"has the prop LOCKED to the nut by two small grub screws that are fitted and glued in with "Loctite",the "Kiwi Prop"nut is not locked to the shaft,so the "Kiwi prop"could come off or does come off, I have now been advised that other "Kiwi Props" have come off.I would add that I am very used to removing and replacing props.

 

[FullCircle]

[ QUOTE ]
Interesting observation. Yes there is a nut to hold the "Kiwi Prop" but you missed the point. The prop that Jenneau fitted to our boat has the lock nut LOCKED to the prop shaft,the "Kiwi Prop"has the prop LOCKED to the nut by two small grub screws that are fitted and glued in with "Loctite",the "Kiwi Prop"nut is not locked to the shaft,so the "Kiwi prop"could come off or does come off, I have now been advised that other "Kiwi Props" have come off.I would add that I am very used to removing and replacing props.

[/ QUOTE ]

Your shaft taper is what holds most of the grip of the prop to shaft.
I have not heard of other Kiwiprops coming off, on any of the worldwide forums that I use. Could you point some examples please?

 

[anjou]

For us just the fact that "Kiwi Props"can fall off is enough,we had checked the prop a few weeks before it came off and all was well no damage and the grub screws were tight and glued in.Our "Kiwi Prop" came off 500mts from a rocky shore with a force 5/6 on shore wind.Another one came off and was rescued by a friend of ours.Another one was notified to us by Kiwi props. Now I have news of others but trying to get their details.We now feel that after Jenneau have repaired our boat
and fitted a prop with the nut locked onto the shaft is much safer.

 

[Sailfree]

I think Kiwi props have their limitations but mostly regarding the astern issue. I am unaware if their fitting to a shaft is any different from other props.

I have just polished and greased my Variprop. When refitting I made sure mating surfaces were clean. Single nut on the end of the shaft (which would tighten further in direction of going forwards). This is locked/secured by a small grub screw.

With a taper its always a good idea to hit prop hub when screw almost tight to jar it in case friction is preventing nut from being completely tight.

Having just removed the prop shaft on a Jeanneau 43 I can only say that the force I need each year to free the prop on its taper surprises me and I had the same problem getting gearbox flange off its taper. I needed pullers on both.

I did wonder whether it would have ever come off (once in use and firmly seated on the taper for a season) if I had removed the grub screw and securing nut and run the engine!

Sorry to hear of your problems.

 

[FullCircle]

So you have had 2 Kiwiprops come off? One rescued?
Statistically you are way off the scale I think.

Check the shaft taper dimensions, and the matching prop taper.

I can only say that with both my Jeanneau supplied shafts, I have had no issue (I had a shaft replaced under warranty due to corrosion issues).

 

[anjou]

Thank you for those details.
It was a dramatic moment after the "Kiwi Prop" came off with the F5/6 on shore wind with the rocky cliff shore line of southern Brittany 500mts away.