VariProp - Comments, Please

[Yachts66]

I started a thread four years ago on AutoProp which is still going strong much to my amazement. Thanks to the many posts in that thread I've decided to not use the AutoProp. My current research is leading toward what appears to be a much lessor known brand, VariProp. The company makes several different types of folding, feathering and variable pitch props, but my interest lies in their variable pitch feathering propeller, which the call VariProp. If you have one, or know about them, please do enlighten us.

Much Thanks,

Thomas

[Sharkman]

We used a Variprop feathering prop for 6 years on a hard working commercial charter boat and it was a model of reliability. Performed flawlessly for around 50k nm with only basic annual maintenance, and was smooth and quiet throughout.

Pitch can be adjusted externally, which is useful. The only drawback is the price of the anodes, which in common with others such as Maxprop is extraordinarily high. Otherwise a great piece of gear, and we plan to buy one for our current boat as soon as funds allow.

Best wishes

Colin

[Yachts66]

Thanks Colin. I know several folks who cast their own zincs. It's not hard to do at all, so I'm wondering if you couldn't make a simple plaster bold for the overly priced prop zinc and cast your own? Of course, I haven't seen the zinc, but would this be a potential solution?

Thanks,

Thomas

[smj]

We tried a pair of Variprop's on our cat. To make a long story short they didn't work well with our diesel setup. Throughout the whole process Variprop was very understandable and refunded all of our money. They get an A+ for customer relations and after sales service from me.

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by Yachts66

Thanks Colin. I know several folks who cast their own zincs. It's not hard to do at all, so I'm wondering if you couldn't make a simple plaster bold for the overly priced prop zinc and cast your own? Of course, I haven't seen the zinc, but would this be a potential solution

Jeezus, I know sailors are cheap SOBs, but these things ain't made out of gold, for krissakes.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by fstbttms

Jeezus, I know sailors are cheap SOBs, but these things ain't made out of gold, for krissakes.

Nor of (just) zinc ...

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Nor of (just) zinc ...

Had always assumed as much since pure zinc is somewhat brittle and probably not suitable for the purpose.

So, any idea what alloys are used to make boat zincs?

[Pete7]

This review on folding propellors might be worth a read:

http://www.flexofold.com/upload_dir/...onthly_low.pdf

Pete

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by skipmac

... So, any idea what alloys are used to make boat zincs?

It depends ...
For example, see ➥ Sacrificial anodes: zinc anodes, aluminium anodes

[Astrid]

Had always assumed as much since pure zinc is somewhat brittle and probably not suitable for the purpose.

So, any idea what alloys are used to make boat zincs?

Zinc alloys with Aluminium and Cadmium are generally used for 'zincs' and protect better than the prior special high grade zinc which could only be had from smelters. The problem with casting your own is the danger of contamination by iron, if you use an iron melting pot, and iron will tend to prevent your home made zinc from doing its job properly. Iron content greater than .0014% degrades the zinc's ability to protect a boat as the iron, either elemental in the original zinc or absorbed during melting, can form a tough film of iron oxides which negate the zinc's ability to remain reactive and provide corrosion protection. Aluminium and cadmium alloyed into the zinc allows for up to .005% iron contamination without losing reactivity.

[Yachts66]

No problem there just use a ceramic crucible!

[ron-bick]

If you are looking for a good deal on a never used 17" VariProp, please see my Classified posting...$500 OBO.
Best regards,
Ron Bick