Feathering Prop

[Dmarina]

Looking for a feathering prop to fit a 40' Acapulco full keel sailboat. All that I have found will not fit a full keel. Any information and/or suggestions will be greatful appreciation. Thanks

[mitiempo]

In what way will they not fit? Many full keel boats have successfully installed feathering props from Max prop, Kiwi prop and others.

[Shortman]

Likewise wonder why not. Love my Kiwiprop on my fin keel Pearson.

[mitiempo]

If there is room for a conventional prop there will be room for a feathering prop of the same size.

[Fstbttms]

Originally Posted by mitiempo

If there is room for a conventional prop there will be room for a feathering prop of the same size.

Not necessarily. Feathering props tend to have greater hub lengths than fixed-blade props and there could be a rudder clearance issue, especially on smaller boats. But I have trouble imagining that on the Acapulco 40 it would be a problem.

[olson34]

Originally Posted by Fstbttms

Not necessarily. Feathering props tend to have greater hub lengths than fixed-blade props and there could be a rudder clearance issue, especially on smaller boats. But I have trouble imagining that on the Acapulco 40 it would be a problem.

"Ding!"
We have a winning response...

(Must confess -- I've never seen the prop area available on an Acapulco 40, altho I have heard of the design)

Note B: some featherers, like the Autostream, have slightly swept back blades.

Like many issues, the best answer is "it depends..."


Interesting aside-- I wonder how many MaxProps Sailnet sells at $14000 to $18000. ?
Profitable business!!

[mitiempo]

Here's a pic of the Acapulco 40 propeller aperture.

[Dmarina]

Hi all and thanks for all the imput, but to clear up the question regarding a Kiwi prop fitting our boat, I contacted Daniel Gleich - (from Marina Del Rey), Kiwi Rep, and he sent me an email showing that the Kiwi would not fit our boat. The rudder and the keel would have to be altered. If you go to http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?classID#5144 you can see the prop and keel design. So back to my question; Is there a feathering prop that would fit our boat? Thanks for any information. The picture posted by mitiempo also show where you would have to alter the prop area, as the feathering props set back to far on the shaft. Thanks again

[mitiempo]

It is pretty tight, and both the rudder and the aft end of the deadwood are in the way. I would think any prop, feathering or not, would appreciate a bit more room.

From Saolboat data:

[St Anna]

I have a Hydralign feathering prop on the peterson and the rudder has to be "shaved" to remove this prop. In a 'closed' space which we and the acapulco seems to have, the prop is very noisy and needs as suggested earlier to be larger than a fixed prop.

My conclusion after the fact - was it worth it - I dont think so as I have to pull the shaft out next time she is out; so - cut into the rudder etc etc. I havent decided whether or not to put the old fixed prop back for a year or 2. We will be doing the weekend club racing stuff, so I could use the advantage, although it adds to the handicap time a bit. Eh - I dont know.