Cat Propellers

[CAELESTIS]

Looking at used cats, the vast majority have folding props instead of the Max-prop feathering type.

Is this due to the manufacturer selecting the prop and the owner not wanting to buy two new ones? Better application on a cat? Less drag?

Looking at Catana in particular (471, 472, 47, etc).

[FSMike]

Perhaps because folders are cheaper?

[ggray]

Mine came with folders.

My hunch is that relatively speaking, feathering props have more reverse thrust, less forward thrust, so with cats having probably less displacement per horsepower or blade area, reverse thrust is less important than it is for keel boats.

Also, folders are less likely to snag crab pots, etc., and with twice as many appendages to snag, every little advantage helps!

[svcattales]

I have to remove props to change sail-drive zincs. My Flex 0 Fold Folding props are easier to remove than Max-props (I had a Max-prop on my monohull.) Great prop, but more complicated to take off and on.

I have wrapped a few crab pots with folders and Max-props could make the problem worse since they don't fold back.

[admiralslater]

Originally Posted by svcattales

I have to remove props to change sail-drive zincs. My Flex 0 Fold Folding props are easier to remove than Max-props (I had a Max-prop on my monohull.) Great prop, but more complicated to take off and on.

I have wrapped a few crab pots with folders and Max-props could make the problem worse since they don't fold back.

IF you have sd 20 saildrives there is an adaptor plate that lets you change zincs with out prop removal