Questions about Ecowind Four Blade Max-Prop

[GypsyPaula]

Hey guys, does anyone out there have any experience with the Ecowind Four Blade Max-Prop being offered by PYI? I visited their offices and like the group, and am thinking about adding one of these to a Hylas 49 I am in the process of purchasing. It's a lot more money that the standard Max Props, but technologically it seems a lot more advanced. The prop itself is manufactured in Italy. If the prop acts as advertised it should add significantly more motoring range and a bit more speed without sacrificing sailing speed. And that's the question--will it act as advertised and are there any problems with it. Thanks for any feedback.

[jimrafford]

I don't have any experiance w/ the 4 blade but I had a 3 blade max prop on our previous cs36. In general the prop performed well. Drawbacks were a lot of propwalk in reverse and you have to do a short haul to change the pitch.
I've ordered a KIWI prop for the new boat.
Jim

[GypsyPaula]

Hi Jim:

Thanks for getting back with me. I checked out the KIWI for comparison, but it is limited to applications under 55 hp. The boat I'm considering purchasing has a 75 hp engine, so the KIWI won't work for me. Interesting though, the overall design of the KIWI is very similar to the Ecowind. I'm still hoping for feedback on experiences using the Ecowind so wish me luck.

Paula

[Fstbttms]

Originally Posted by jimrafford

I had a 3 blade max prop on our previous cs36. ...you have to do a short haul to change the pitch.

Not true. You are misinformed.

[skipgundlach]

Originally Posted by Fstbttms

Not true. You are misinformed.

If he has the original model, while you COULD, if VERY careful, disassemble the rear of the hub and change the pitch under water, dropping a part could ruin your day.

You're right about the newer model; I don't know, as I've not bought one recently, but I think both types are available.

The support at PYI is excellent, BTW...

L8R

Skip, happy user of a three-blade, with full power in reverse and no drag while cruising

PS use PropSpeed on it' you'll never have to touch it for at least two years if you apply it properly; stuff just slings off the slick surface. I'm reapplying in my haulout after nearly 4 years in the water, this spring. Well worth the cost...

[Fstbttms]

Originally Posted by skipgundlach

If he has the original model, while you COULD, if VERY careful, disassemble the rear of the hub and change the pitch under water, dropping a part could ruin your day.

Please. I've done it underwater so many times, I've lost count.

[chrisncate]

Originally Posted by Fstbttms

Please. I've done it underwater so many times, I've lost count.

So it must be easy for everyone then?

[Fstbttms]

Originally Posted by chrisncate

So it must be easy for everyone then?

Not the point. The point is; it is erroneous to claim that a boat must be hauled to repitch a Max Prop. It simply isn't true and the guys at PYI will be the first to tell you so.

[chrisncate]

Originally Posted by Fstbttms

Not the point. The point is; it is erroneous to claim that a boat must be hauled to repitch a Max Prop. It simply isn't true and the guys at PYI will be the first to tell you so.

You are technically correct, however for the typical everyday sailor who does not have access to dive equipment, nor the skills to do this job underwater, it's a job typically done in a haul out scenario.

But you already know this I suspect, correct?

[Fstbttms]

Originally Posted by chrisncate

You are technically correct, however for the typical everyday sailor who does not have access to dive equipment, nor the skills to do this job underwater, it's a job typically done in a haul out scenario.

But you already know this I suspect, correct?

The typical everyday sailor who does not have access to dive equipment, nor the skills to do this job underwater would normally hire a professional to do a job like this, just as he would hire a mechanic to work on his engine or a rigger to replace his rig. It is cheaper, faster and more convenient to have a skilled, knowlegeble diver do it while the boat is in the water than to haul the friggin' thing for what is essentially a pretty easy job that can be done in an hour or two.

FYI to all- there is almost no prop work that cannot be performed while the boat is in the water and that goes for fixed, feathering or folding props.