If properly selected, a fixed prop is the most efficient there is for motoring, if you gain over your fixed, you had the wrong prop. Many props like the Maxprop for example are inefficient due to their blade design, you will always lose a little with a Maxprop in motoring, but of course most don't but a folding or feathering prop for motoring do they?
The exception to that
rule is an Autoprop, due to its blade shape, you ought not lose any efficiency over a fixed, but the Autoprop really comes into its own Motorsailing. In calm seas with 6 kts of
wind on a close reach, I can Motorsail at 6 to 6.5 kts with my
motor at 1000
RPM. I sail at 3 kts. Much rolling of course in those light winds, and I can't keep the
sails filled and just
motor with the main up.
An Autoprop is sort of a poor mans variable
pitch prop, which would likely be the ideal, assuming the operator knows enough to use it correctly.
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