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From: Rosalie B. (no email)
Date: Fri Aug 18 2006 - 08:37:35 EDT
On Fri, 18 Aug 2006 03:49:45 -0000, you wrote:
>Now that we have a boat, I'm starting on a list of upgrades I'd like
>to make. One of the items I'm considering is a folding or a
>feathering prop. Has anyone seen or heard a performance comparison of
>the two or have experience with one or the other or both? I'm leaning
>toward feathering, such as the Max-Prop or AutoStream, but I'm going
>to do a lot more research before committing that kind of money. I've
>also heard people say they wouldn't spend that kind of money, just let
>the prop free-wheel under sail to reduce drag and I've heard others
>say a free-wheeling prop will ruin the transmission over time. Any
>comments would be appreciated.
>
The CSY group have debated this question extensively.
In our case, when the prop free-wheels it makes a lot of noise, and
it can't be locked into position. I understand that some types of
transmission can do this by putting it into reverse or something. We
can't do that. Although one owner on long passages put a vise grip on
the shaft to keep it from rotating.
We have replaced our fixed prop (3 blade) with a MaxProp, and I think
it has been money well spent. The shaft no longer sounds like a
freeway at full speed when we are under sail. Other CSY owners have
also put MaxProps onto their boats and they've been happy with them.
We did a short test sailing with the engine on but in neutral (to run
the refrigeration) and the prop free-wheeling, and then with the
engine off and the prop feathered and figure that we gained about a
half knot in speed.
It does take a little bit of time to learn to make the prop feather.
Other people in the group have put on the AutoProp which I think is a
folding prop, and they also were happy with it. They also did test
runs with the old prop first, and then with the AutoProp. We got the
MaxProp because it was less expensive.
I have also heard that having the prop free-wheel for extended periods
of time (I've heard over 8 hours) will cause the transmission to burn
out. I think this probably depends on your specific type of
transmission, so for that you need to look at your manual.
grandma Rosalie
S/V RosalieAnn, Leonardtown, MD
CSY 44 WO #156
http://home.mindspring.com/~gmbeasley/id1.html
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