[C320-list] Autoprop Feedback

[Dick Walker]

I keep my old 2 bladed prop on board with its shaft key as a backup.


Dick Walker
WindWalkerII #687
619.435.8986




-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Brian &
Christine Borchers
Sent: Thursday, May 16, 2013 10:36 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Autoprop Feedback

Dick,

Thanks, that is helpful and I am glad to hear you did not have to modify the
strut.  Ours is a 1999, had it since it was a year old.  We just updated to
a SS shaft and dripless stuffing box.  I want to change out the prop, still
using the three place fixed and the Autoprop looks like a nice fit. Thanks
again for the feedback 

Brian Borchers
Sent from my iPhone

On May 16, 2013, at 12:15 PM, "Dick Walker" <dickwalker at att.net> wrote:

> When I ordered my year 2000 C-320 I made the following changes TO THE 
> DRIVE TRAIN.  SS PROP SHAFT, FTI DRIPLESS shaft seal and the AUTOPROP.
> 
> They really helped the performance and maintenance.
> 
> With the autoprop at about 2700 RPM on the Yanmar engine I get hull 
> speed
> +/- 7.1 kits. I did not have to perform any modifications to the 
> +strut.  I
> use about .6 gallons per hour at 2700 RPM.
> 
> After 8 years I changed the dripless shaft seal to the new model that 
> does not need to be burped.
> 
> Here is my in water test
> RPM    2.61 Gear    2.21 Gear
> 1000    4    2.7
> 1200    4.7    3.5
> 1400    5.45    4.3
> 1600    6    5
> 1800    6.4    5.6
> 2000    6.6    6
> 2200    6.9    6.3
> 2400    7.2    6.6
> 2600    7.3    6.7
> 2800    7.35    6.85
> 3000    7.35    7.1
> 3200    7.35    7.2
> 3400    7.35    7.3
> 3600 ft    7.35    7.35
> 
> Cheers and give me a call if you have any questions
> 
> 
> Dick Walker
> WindWalkerII #687
> 619.435.8986
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
> [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Brian & 
> Christine Borchers
> Sent: Thursday, May 16, 2013 8:49 AM
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] AtoProp Feedback
> 
> Andrew,
> 
> Thanks for the info regarding the shaft extender.  Is the extender a 
> plate, similar to the coupler? How much extension is needed and what 
> does it look like?  Also, do you know the amount of shaft that is 
> needed following the strut to accommodate the propeller.  Again, thanks
for the feedback.
> 
> Brian Borchers
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
> On May 16, 2013, at 8:34 AM, Andrew Santangelo 
> <andrew_santangelo at mac.com>
> wrote:
> 
>> Brian,
>> 
>> I have had an autoprop on my C320 for the last 15 years - it was my 
>> first
> "major" addition to Dawn Treader.
>> 
>> I both cruise and race.  Cruise wise it works excellent in forward 
>> and
> reverse (no prop walk).  The performance under power and the fuel 
> economy significantly improved.  If I recall, I hit hull speed at a lower
RPM.
>> 
>> Race wise it was one of several key improvements.  I have not raced 
>> in the
> last few years, but when we did we either placed or won.  When first 
> racing as newbs we were dead last always (and I mean last).  After 
> adding the autoprop we moved to the middle of the fleet.  (Later 
> additions include fin keel, hydraulic backstay, racing sails, racing
sheets and halyards, etc.).
>> 
>> Installation requires a shaft extender.  I forget the name/brand of 
>> mine,
> but it goes between the prop shaft and the engine.  It also suppresses 
> any added vibrations and isolates the prop shaft/prop from the engine 
> (reduces rust?).  Without it, the prop will whack the strut, a definite
no-no.
>> 
>> 
>> Andrew Santangelo
>> 
>> C320 "Dawn Treader"
>> #333
>> San Francisco, CA
>> 
>> J22 "Blitzkrieg"
>> Elephant Butte, New Mexico
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On May 16, 2013, at 3:36 AM, Brian Borchers wrote:
>> 
>>> 
>>> Hello,
>>> 
>>> I am considering an Autoprop for our 320. I reviewed some photos  of
> "Nauti - Duck" on the C320 web site and it looked like the strut had a cut
> out, does anyone know if this was done to accommodate the propeller?
Those
> who have the Autoprop or have had an Autoprop, your feedback and 
> experience regarding the propeller is appreciated.
>>> 
>>> Brian
>