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Tord · 21-12-2004, 14:17

The fixed pitch propellor is most efficient at one speed, its design speed and design rpm. At all other speeds it is less effcient, but can still be more effcient than a reversible, as reversing
a propellor will always be inefficient, unless the
propellor is designed to be as efficient forward
as backwards, which in turn means the blades have no twist, thus are much less effcient than
a good fixed pitch propellor, when going forward.

The solution is of course to have vertical propellor shafts and 90 degree gearboxes,
to make your inboard act like a small outboard
without a reverse :-)!

BC Mike · 21-12-2004, 15:17

I will make my final decision at the Vancouver boat show in early February, a geared folding prop will likely be the best choice and the best price. I do not worry much about reverse, the folding Martec has always been sufficient. I intend to motor with the pointy end forward except the odd time exiting the marina.
Michael

Jim Morris · 22-02-2005, 20:00

I realize that there haven't been any activity on this thread for a long time but I'm interested in getting feedback on a feathering prop.

I have a CS36 sailboat. Fin Keel, 15500 lbs, Westerbeke 30. Currently have a fixed 3-blade prop and am considering a Kiwi feathering prop.

If anyone is still monitoring this thread, your thoughts would be appreciated.

Jon D · 23-02-2005, 06:44

Not familiar with the kiwi but have had maxprops on two different boats. You will love the difference.

On a 36' 11,000 lb racer had a two blade on the current 47' 30,000 lb have a 3 blade.

Of note is the three blade ones generally have lower harmonics when motoring. The PYI folks are very good at helping size and spec the correct prop.

BC Mike · 23-02-2005, 08:26

I just ordered a two bladed geared folding prop from the same dealer as the Kiwi feathering prop. Norm Ross the owner is one of the nicest guys anywhere, I have known him for about twenty years. Phone is 604 506-2032 Fax 430-0309
email norm@WestByNorth.com We have a CS36 in our puddle but I do not know what prop he is using. The Beneteau 34 has a Kiwi feathering prop and it made a huge difference, it used to be a Beneslow. I think you will find the pricing from Norm attractive especially on the feathering prop. I have heard about props sticking in position but I do not know the whole story with respect to how clean the prop was. The Zebra mussells in the East are causing problems I have heard. I am trying to get the Tanzer 8.5 down to the big puddle later this year.
BC Mike

David_Old_Jersey · 26-01-2007, 11:47

Anyone got any reports on the Kiwi Prop?

I am 99% certain to buy one (both from what I have read elsewhere and on price).........just that I thought with a load of Kiwi's here.............

BambooSailor · 26-01-2007, 11:52

There is very positive report on Kiwi prop in February issue of Practical Sailor.

**Alan Wheeler** · 26-01-2007, 12:06

I have never seen one yet. But I have heard nothing but positive comments about them. Never one single neagative, apart from a prospective buyer that had a negative comment about the "plastic" blade.
It's not actually "plastic", but a very strong composite and I think if there were issues with them, we would have heard a great deal of negative comments buy now.

David_Old_Jersey · 26-01-2007, 13:33

Quote:

think if there were issues with them, we would have heard a great deal of negative comments buy now.

I was thinking much the same............just thought with this having started in Kiwiland that folk down there may have been using the product longer than elsewhere.