[C320-list] Light wind performance

[Bruce]

We love our Autoprop as well for all of the reasons you mention.  I will caution hower that you need to be very careful about maintenance.  I believe the three blades are made out of less noble metal than the hub.  The zink is attached to the hub so the only electrical path to protect the blades is through the stainless steel roller bearings.  If the blades get loose this electrical connection can become suspect and the blades will be damaged due to electrolisys.  Could creat a $3500 problem.
Bruce
Somerset 741 Dana Point, CA  

Bruce Heyman 
949-289-8400

-----Original message-----
From: Mike Ott <wmo48 at yahoo.com>
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Sent: Fri, Jun 24, 2011 13:20:21 GMT+00:00
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Light wind performance

When we bought Amanda Lu, 3 years ago, she came with an AutoProp.  I had 
never owned a feathering prop before, and the previous owner sweared by the 
handling, especially in tight marina slips and fairways.  My surveyor had heard 
good reports but no actual experience.
After 3 seasons, I'm a firm believer.  The sailing drag is none existent and she 
handles like a power boat when motoring in forward and reverse.  No more 
controlled-crash-docking.
Mike
"Amanda Lu"
#508




________________________________
From: Brad Kuether <bkuether at comcast.net>
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Sent: Fri, June 24, 2011 8:17:48 AM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Light wind performance

I looked at the Kiwi and gave it a tremendous amount of thought.

In the end, the Flex O Fold had much better performance in forward (actually the 
best out of all folders...) , and pretty much the same performance in reverse as 
the 3 blade, and was only $300 more.

I had NO issues with the blades being composite as my prior boat had a CDI 3 
blade composite, and I LOVED it.

CDI stopped making feathering props, and changed owners and has started back in 
that business.  However they didn't have a 3 blade yet, AND they clearly said 
the prop "changed".  This apparently was to save on cost, which ultimately drove 
me back to the FOF.

NOW:

With that being said, I will say that the feathering has one advantage that I 
didn't consider.  When backing, if you have to give a little forward to stay off 
the pier, (ours are CEMENT), the FOF isn't particularly happy and engages with a 
less than desireable "thud".  I don't know why but I suspect it is turning the 
other way during the backing.  (Yikes!)

This I knew about, but didn't consider until I had to use it that way.

-Brad, Mary, Monica, and Jarod
"Independence"
2004 Catalina 320 Hull 1006
Middle River, MD



----- Original Message ----- From: "Bruce Stanley" <brucestanley36 at gmail.com>
To: <C320-List at catalina320.com>
Sent: Friday, June 24, 2011 4:49 AM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Light wind performance


> Brad and Jeff
> it is magic to enjoy the subtle thrill of passing another same-size (or
> bigger .. a la Hunter 33 etc)
> 
> .... Downunder the popular prop seems to be the Kiwi Feathering Prop. 3
> Bladed and available to the USA market at less than we in the antipodes have
> to pay ;o((
> 
> Point really being is that a feathering / folding prop is the answer to
> sailing faster (but don't tell the Hunter guys).
> 
> Bruce S/Sydney
> ================================
> On Mon, Jun 20, 2011 at 10:56 PM, Jeff Hare <catalina at thehares.com> wrote:
> 
>> We noticed a slightly smoother lighter helm under sail also. The 3-blade
>> prop causes some rudder turbulence that we could feel but folding blades
>> don't.
>> 
>> And we also sail along making progress when the sails used to just slat
>> before. My wife was especially happy b/c she hates the engine.
>> 
>> -jeff
>> 
>> Brad Kuether <bkuether at comcast.net> wrote:
>> 
>> I had the opportunity to really try out the new Flex O Fold prop today.
>> Forecast was 5 to 10 and spent most of the time down around 5.
>> 
>> Not what I was looking for but on Fathers day, but hey, if there is any
>> wind you take it!!!!
>> 
>> All through the day the boat kept moving. Sometimes it was painfully slow,
>> but MOVING. I have had instances in the past two years where around 3 or 4
>> kts, the boat just STOPS. Didn't happen today.
>> 
>> The best moment was when a Hunter 335 going the same direction back to the
>> river did exactly that. Stopped.
>> 
>> With the folding prop this boat has acceptable light wind performance.
>> 
>> If anyone is interested in doing a 320/folding prop "try before you buy"
>> let me know. My family doesn't quite appreciate the same way I do... :)
>> 
>> -Brad, Mary, Monica, and Jarod
>> "Independence"
>> 2004 Catalina 320 Hull 1006
>> Middle River, MD
>> 
>> 
>