Propeller Poll

[geem]

I think one of the major benefits for us with a folding prop is the hugely reduced risk of picking up a net or rope around the prop when sailing. On a recent trans Atlantic crossing we were towing our Dougen generator and picked up rope twice in a couple of days. A week later in the night we picked up a massive net about 30ft long. It broke the Duogen. If it had been around the prop is would have been a nightmare to remove mid ocean with a good swell running.

 

[pandos]

The Ultimate Propeller Test – 10 things to know

Interesting comments on that test also a link to a pdf of the YM article/test.

My previous boat came with a folding prop and a 3 blade fixed prop which was fitted. I assume the fixed prop was better on that boat than the folder as why would the previous owner have switched back.

I still have the folder sitting on a shelf somewhere.

 

[LONG_KEELER]

Some time ago, there was a Leisure 23 SL in the same yard as me.

It had an inboard petrol engine with a controllable pitch propeller. I believe it had a rod to the propeller which was adjusted by a lever inboard. It seemed quite a good idea at the time but obviously never caught on.

 

[Tranona]

Some time ago, there was a Leisure 23 SL in the same yard as me.

It had an inboard petrol engine with a controllable pitch propeller. I believe it had a rod to the propeller which was adjusted by a lever inboard. It seemed quite a good idea at the time but obviously never caught on.

It did catch on - in the 1940s to 1970s and was very popular, particularly in Scandinavia. Most were made by Sabb connected to the simple fishing boat engines for use in yachts. The early (1966) Golden Hind parked next to mine has one on a 10hp single Sabb. Was admiring it only this morning. These engines have almost constant power output over a small rev range and speed/direction control is by varying the pitch using a handle in the cockpit. Works extremely well. VP props are still widely used on commercial boats, again particularly in Scandinavia. Lots of good youtubes of big fishing boats berthing in tights paces, turning on the spot with a big single semi diesel and a VP prop.

Of course by today's standards the Sabb is very crude and they died a death when lightweight small diesels came in using dedicated reduction gearboxes to bring shaft speeds down so that large diameter flatter pitch props could be used to harness the power.

 

[dunedin]

The Ultimate Propeller Test – 10 things to know

Interesting comments on that test also a link to a pdf of the YM article/test.

My previous boat came with a folding prop and a 3 blade fixed prop which was fitted. I assume the fixed prop was better on that boat than the folder as why would the previous owner have switched back.

I still have the folder sitting on a shelf somewhere.

Or like on a boat I bought, I discovered that it had an excellent folding propellor, but the owner removed it and fitted an inferior prop before I took delivery (after the test sail, when boat was ashore for survey, without telling us).

 

[pandos]

Or like on a boat I bought, I discovered that it had an excellent folding propellor, but the owner removed it and fitted an inferior prop before I took delivery (after the test sail, when boat was ashore for survey, without telling us).

I think the difference there is that there was no need at all for my PO to give me the folding prop or even mention it..( I knew nothing about boats at the time but this looked like a good lump of yacht and it had a big wheel at the back...(dufour 35 from 1979)

I must dig out the prop and maybe sell it...I have no urge to fit a folder...

 

[Bobc]

I think your choice pf prop depends on your needs. A friend of mine has an X43, and has a Flexofold on it. That's perfect for his needs, as he races a lot and the boat is easy to handle and spins on a sixpence. The thrust is reverse is woeful and you need to give yourself a big space to get water flow over the rudder before you get any steerage.

I. on the other hand, am not fussed about squeezing the last 0.1knots out of my boat, and are to me, better grunt in reverse and improved close-quarters handling is more important. So for me, the Feathersteam fits the bill nicely.

Two different people with two different boats and two different needs, chose two different props and both are happy with their choice.