[C320-list] KIWI PROP

[Shawn Maloney]

Sorry I cannot recommend the Kiwi prop.  I had one for three years and it
loaded my Perkins up so bad in reverse that it would stall out (no
adjustment for the pitch).  It damaged my gearbox and even sheared off its
own roller stopper.  The composite material also wears down over time and
this also changes the pitch.  I remember seeing a video on you tube about
this same problem.

Now I have a Variprop :)

Yes a feathering or folding prop whatever the manufacture will yield much
better sailing performance. I believe it has a larger effect than new sails.

Shawn Maloney Hull #14

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of
sail-ability at sympatico.ca
Sent: Monday, July 26, 2010 5:52 PM
To: Catalina List
Subject: Re: [C320-list] KIWI PROP



 For those of you who retrofitted the standard 3 blade prop with the KIWI I
would like to know;

Was this a worthwhile investment in propulsion improvement and would you do
it again?

I have just finished a cruise in a weedy area and was having a devil of a
time keeping the 3 blade clear; I was reversing and forwarding more times
than  I care to remember and even spent some time in the water getting the
bales of weeds removed. I guess the simple fix is to stay away from weeds!!

Cheers

John Morrison

#574