Propellor Choice

braehouse

braehouse

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Hi to all.

Looking for some advice relating to propellor choice.

I have a HR37 with a fixed 3 blade propellor that I would like to replace with either a folding or feathering propellor. Hallberg currently ship new boats with a Gori prop that I have got a quote for.

On face value it would appear that most owners are generally happy with the Gori although there is a little bit of "messing" around required to get the prop into "overdrive" gear or back into normal. My major concern with this prop is its inability to make headway in overdrive in anything other than a smooth to slight sea. Has anyone any experience of this and if so how does the prop compare with say my standard fixed 3 blader when bashing into mod or rough seas?

I am not bothered about prop walk as often use this to my advantage however I am concerned about its ability to press on, increase boat speed when sailing and be able to perform well in a "crash stop" situation.

Is there a better alternative? Maxprop, Bruntons, variprop etc?

What would you fit and why?

Thanks in advance for any responses.

Regards

chris
 
I have an Italian J prop crash stops , full power 8 kts in heavy weather, minimal maintenence each season. I have no complaints. When ordering new main and genoa to try and increase performance was advised by all to first invest in folding/feathering prop as speed gain would be more than expensive performance sails. The J prop was already fitted.
 
I've owned boats with fixed three blade, two blade folding Gori, and now a three blade folding kiwi prop.

My favourite is the kiwi, as it's really easy to use, install and maintain, with good sailing and motoring performance. It's configured that the pitch in reverse is set to maximum, so you get good stopping power. The forward pitch can also be adjusted by the user.

I'd recommend that you investigate the kiwi. PM me if you want to discuss this further.
 
Second the choice of Kiwi prop. Driving power of three blades, stopping power of extra pitch in reverse, and very little drag when sailing. Triple whammy and a satisfied customer.
 
I have a Bruntons Autoprop and I can't fault it. Excellent drag reduction compared to my old fixed two-blade and truly brilliant under engine in ahead and astern. Max cruising speed under engine is 800rpm less than the old two balsde so much quieter and less deisel. It's added more than 0.5kt to sailing speed too.
No connection to the company - just v satisfied customer.
 
I am also considering changing my fixed 3 bladed prop for a folder or feathering prop ..

After much reading and asking around Including posting a request on this forum for info on the Kiwiprop . To view the results search for Kiwiprop or Kiwi prop. I THINK I have narrowed it down to either a Kiwiprop or a two bladed Varifold . (But that could change tomorrow !)

So I am interested to read answers to your posting.

Good Luck
 
[ QUOTE ]
The Darglow Featherstream is only £1,000 (+vat) (just had a quote) - £100 more than the Kiwi.


[/ QUOTE ]
On their website Kiwiprops are priced at £795 +VAT, so £240 difference surely?

Alan
 
Cellbuoy, glad to hear you love your Autoprop! I have just ordered one and, whilst they are a bit more expensive, the benefits you list are exactly what I am looking for. My only concern is of possibly increased vibration in the long term as wear sets in, particularly as it is comparatively a fairly hefty rotating mass. Any comments on this? Must say Toby at Bruntons has been very helpful.

Nigel
 
I posted some of this elsewhere but its equally relevant to this thread

Of all the feathering props I prefer the Variprop which is German engineering at its best and the pitch can be adjusted from outside the prop for both forwards & astern - Darglow you adjust during assembly of the hub. Variprop are cheaper than Darglow but not as cheap as Kiwi but Kiwi have plastic blades and non adjustable astern pitch and there have been various posts about astern problems with the Kiwi.

Don't underestimate the importance of tuning the pitch to match exactly your engine power. Its very easy on the Variprop and Seastream. The Seastream is Australian and looks very good especially as its Stainless Steel but it is the dearest and they were not interested ion offering discounts even to a charter business. Apart from needing to set up the pitch when assembling the hub I was put off by Darglow when they immediately recommended a larger hub for boats on charter (heavier) use.

Remember ignore the BS some write the best prop for forward power is a correctly sized fixed prop but it's a drag when sailing. Best for astern power (brakes!) is a feathering and with little drag but for least drag of all when sailing it's a folding prop. Best for motor sailing is the self pitching Bruntons.

Like boats a prop is a compromise best chosen to suit your own priorities. With charter skippers of various abilities I rate the crash stop ability (6kts to 0 in a boat length) and power astern to get off the putty as my high priority.
 
How do you know what pitch to set? You can't haul the boat out to keep making fine adjustments and if you did I would have thought it difficult to rember if the new setting are much better than the old settings.

Redaing the posts above if you buy the Bruntons Autoprop would that mean that there are no settings regarding pitch at all? Is there a downside to the Autoprop apart from cost?
 
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