Feathering Prop vs. Fixed Blade Prop

[svsirius]

Originally Posted by teejayevans

My biggest concern with non-fixed prop, is that it will decide to stop
feathering, requires more maintenance, and will require a haul-out if it
does fail.
Tom

Having owned Max Props for over 20 years without any failures I think that is an unrealistic fear. Yes they require some maintenance but what on a boat does not.. you still have to zinc and clean a fixed prop Max Prop is the same only additional maintenance is a lube once every 18-24 months. I have done that in the water as well no biggie.

[wwilson]

I second svsirius. I've had a 500mm Maxi for 10 seasons with never a failure. It gets greased (and cleaned) annually and shows no sign of wear or failure.

I've had occasion to ask for help from PYI for paint recommendation or to get another zerc plug and always been treated in a 1st class fashion.

I wouldn't challenge for a minute the value of simplicity and in that aspect the fixed prop wins, but in all other regards I would recommend the Max Prop.

Wayne

[sailingfool]

I had ran my last MaxProp for ten years without any surprises and always found it tot be an excellent product, even worth the major cost involved...

[Fstbttms]

Originally Posted by wwilson

I've had a 500mm Maxi for 10 seasons...

Holy crap, that is one big Max Prop!

[wwilson]

Originally Posted by Fstbttms

Holy crap, that is one big Max Prop!

Fast - that is 19 5/8" Dia. It just looks big through your divers mask in that cold SF Bay water. Back here in the thick water of the Chesapeake, it's just right.

[Fstbttms]

Originally Posted by wwilson

Fast - that is 19 5/8" Dia. It just looks big through your divers mask in that cold SF Bay water. Back here in the thick water of the Chesapeake, it's just right.

Oh. When we (hull cleaners) talk about Max Props, the reference we use is hub diameter. Most are 63mm, 70mm or 83mm. A really big one would be 100mm. I know they make 'em bigger than you could lift, though. Thought you had one.

[Waltthesalt]

I think the reason for a maxiprop is to reduce sailing drag... Period!!. Pitch and diameter are separate issues. If you have the right pitch and diameter then it is irrelavent whether it's a feathering prop or fixed prop. The feathering prop just reduces tha drag while sailing. It also may have more thrust backing. Most go with a fixed prop because feathering props are expensive. So if it has the right pitch and diameter I'd stay ith what you have. If you don't have enough blade area... cavitating under load then you may need three bledes instead of tow. At this point I recommend Dave Gerr's book "The Propeller Handbook" (in most librarys) which is difinative on all aspects the subject.

[MC1]

BTW Darold, here's the before / after pic's of my MaxProp as reconditioned by PYI if you're considering doing that (plus lot's of other prop info. if you scroll the post up/down) . . .

Folding vs Feathering Prop - views requested

[Benevento]

Thanks for sharing the photos. I plan to send my prop to PYI to be refurbished. Good to know you had success doing the same.
Darold

[samchristo]

We had a Campbell prop on Grace for a number of years and it performed quite well. But we replaced it with a Brunton Autoprop and were immediately aware of more power, both forward and in reverse. We replaced the prop to maximize fuel economy and I think it's been a wise choice. I have been impressed with the Autoprop's ability to get me off groundings when I thought for sure I was going to get to know the local TowBoatUS guy.

Sam
s/v Grace PSC34#163