Next message: Rosalie B.: "Re: [world-cruising] To Fold Or To Feather?"
On 8/18/06, Lynn H. Ogden <> wrote:
>
> Non are as efficient as a fixed two or three blade prop. They cost a lot
> of money. They require more maintenance than a fixed prop, and some
> expensive replacement components. For me, I think they are a waste of money
> - unless you race a lot. Further, having a component with a lot of moving
> parts that can foul or break under the boat, under water, that you can't see
> or repair with out a diver or a haul out or extra spare parts isn't for me.
Simple is always good (KISS), but every so often, simple can be improved.
Feathering props are one of those improvements. They *are* more efficient
than fixed props in reverse. They *are* robustly made, and rarely, if ever,
fail. Maintenance might involve five minutes per year to add grease...not
exactly a back-breaker. The winches on your sailboat are more fragile and
require more maintenance than the feathering prop. Further, they can be
adjusted by the owner to most efficient pitch, depending upon your cruising
RPM. Some - like the Autostream - can be adjusted while the boat is in the
water.
A feathering prop will probably add one-half knot of speed over a fixed and
locked prop. That's 12 miles/day or two hours/day of cruising time. A
fixed-blade prop will be more efficient when you're moving forward under
power. Definitely a benefit if you prefer motoring to sailing.
I've had a three-blade Max-Prop for 18+ years. I never race. I'd
cheerfully "waste" my money on another, if I were to purchase a new cruising
boat.
--
Best,
Bryan Genez
"Capella" V40-158
New Bern, NC
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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