Anyone have a variprop - feedback please?

[By Invitation]

I am considering a 4 bladed Variprop for my Cheoy Lee 41. I really like what I see so far except the cost - "it is what it is ! ". There are less expensive feathering props out there but quite frankly I only want to purchase one prop- the last one. I also have a restriction on the aperature that limits what I can install and the Variprop will fit nicely.

Any feedback from owners of these props would be appreciated. Comments on reliablilty, performance, customer service etc.

Thanks in advance,

Scott
Cheoy Lee 41
S/V Invitation

[irwinsailor]

I can' help you with your question but I can give you something else to think about. While at the boat show last week I talked to the guy from Gori propeller. They make a folding prop that is designed to stop propwalk in reverse. I have not ever seen one on a boat but it looked good to me. I have a price list.

[By Invitation]

Gunner,

Thanks for the reply but my aperature is so tight that a folding prop just won't fit. It will hit the rudder when it's in the closed position - not a good thing. I am either restricted to a feathering prop or a standard 3 blade fixed. I am putting so much time and money into making this boat comfortable and as fast as possible that putting on a fixed blade kinda defeats a lot of the other work I am doing.


Thanks

Scott

[Geoff S.]

Gunner;

While it's on my "luxuries" list (which I'm not allowing myself to get to until the "necessaries" are dealt with) I'd love to see that price list for the Gori. Several (including the well-respected Mr. Perry) have said good things about them.

You can either post it here, or email it to me, divacrew@yahoo.com

Thanks!

Geoff

[Rick]

I recall reading a few articles (20 years ago and more) written by nautical architects regarding the need to open any aperture around a prop in order to gain thrust. Except in the cases of fan ducted designs you loose too much.

Some ownders of the older hull designs with tight apertures have endeavored to open them (yeah, you probably have to hire a competent person to do this) and gain not only better performance but better prop selection. Have you considered this?

[GordMay]

Recommended Propeller Clearances (Minimum):
a) Tip of Prop’ to Hull = 15% of Prop’ Diameter
b) Back of Prop’ to Rudder = 15% of Prop’ Diameter
c) Front of Prop’ to Deadwood = 30% of Prop’ Diameter @ half radius from shaft centreline
d) Front of Prop’ to Strut or Keel @ Shaft = Between 1 - 1.5 time Shaft Diameter

Gord May