Next message: Rosalie B.: "Re: [world-cruising] To Fold Or To Feather?"
On 8/18/06, <> wrote:
>
> I've heard the argument before about how efficient the folding/feathering
> props are in reverse, in fact the sales literature are full of that
> statement. One of the manufactures has a movie clip on its web site of a
> vessel backing around its marina. I don't know about you, but I spend very
> little time in reverse to warrant a +/- $2000 prop that "backs up"
> well. Like wise, 12 miles a day aren't worth $2000 to me either. I
> Annapolis many years ago I went sailing with a friend who had to dive over
> the side to scrape the growth off of his folding prop before he could get
> out of the marina. To me that would be a back breaker.
Not to put too fine a point on it, but barnacles grow on fixed props, too.
And if left untreated long enough, the prop will resemble a cauliflower.
I understand they're not for everyone. I just didn't want the myth of high
and expensive maintenance to go uncorrected. They are a very low
maintenance item, with zero requirements for spare parts. For some people,
12 miles/day means the difference in making port/anchorage on time or in
daylight...or perhaps making it through a strait before the tide turns.
Bottom line is that a feathering prop makes the boat sail more efficiently
and has some benefits under power. For some, me included, that's worth the
price. For others, it's not. That's OK.
--
Best,
Bryan Genez
"Capella" V40-158
New Bern, NC
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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