New Max-Prop 5 Blade "Whisper" feathering propeller

[Phoenician]

Anyone with experience or thoughts on this new model? The advertised benefits certainly seem interesting

[Cheechako]

so... what were to supposed benefits?

[Phoenician]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

so... what were to supposed benefits?

as per PYI website:

"The Max-Prop Whisper uses five blades to provide ultra-quiet operation and impressive thrust. The resulting improved powering performance is especially noticeable when powering against heavy wind and seas. The five blade design also provides for a substantial noise and vibration reduction in all conditions."

-- PYI Inc. Max-Prop PSS Shaft Seal Seaview Radar Mounts R&D --

[Phoenician]

"In forward the Max-Prop will offer 96% of the efficiency of a fixed blade propeller of the same diameter and pitch. The 4% loss in power can usually be eliminated by precisely matching the pitch of the Max-Prop to fit the boat engine combination. Five blade model will maintain boat speed about 15% better than a three blade when powering into heavy wind and seas."

"A five blade propeller will offer the smoothest possible run under power, quieting down your drivetrain."

(the above from the PYI website)

I have a 3 blade Classic Max-Prop, very happy with it, but it came with electrolysis pitting from previous owner. I had been considering replacing it at some point in the future, and saw this new model from MaxProp. I wonder if the advertised benefits are substantiated in reality

[Cheechako]

Anyone experience a 3 blade prop to be "noisy"? I suppose jockeying around the marina maybe....
Hard to say about the benefits I guess. My suspicion is the reality will be unnoticeable. Is the hub larger on a 5 blade than a 3 blade? the smaller the prop, the more that may be a bad thing.

[robert sailor]

Don't have direct experience with water props but water is a medium like air and typically you will get a quieter prop with more blades but usually no more thrust. Hard to beat a big 2 blade prop turning slow for efficiency.