[C320-list] KIWI prop

[Gus Macdonald]

Thanks Chuck and Brad for comments.  I have been very happy with the Kiwi prop so was curious re your comments.  I try not to power much so less concerned about max speed.  Brads comments are interesting and will perform an extra check before launch this year.  
Thanks
 
Gus

> On Jan 3, 2020, at 12:50 AM, Chuck Mueller <katchu at chartermi.net> wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> Gus - I bought the three blade Kiwi prop in early 2013.  It was a good
> selection at the time, as I wanted the lighter prop on the bronze shaft and
> the kiwi was very attractively priced for a three blade prop.  It has been
> very good, allowing me to sail in light wind when I had to motor before.
> And it has incredible thrust in reverse compared to the fixed three blade
> OEM prop with minimal prop walk.  I take it off every winter and lubricate
> it.  It's easy to install and I have had had no issues with blades coming
> off, but I follow all the instructions including use of Lock-tite.  I've
> also found it very easy to adjust the blade pitch.  I am considering
> replacement because I've lost some speed.  My fixed prop allowed me to motor
> at hull speed of 7.1 knots, and the kiwi probably limits me to 6.5.  The
> kiwi is in good shape and I would like to sell it.  If you are in West
> Michigan, I'll even help you install it.
> 
> Brad -Thanks for the info on the Flex-o-fold
> 
> Chuck Mueller
> Northwind #676 
> 
> Message: 7
> Date: Thu, 2 Jan 2020 21:25:15 +0100
> From: Gus Macdonald <rathlyn1 at gmail.com>
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Cc: Catalina Assoc <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Stainless steel shaft
> Message-ID: <9175741E-2DD1-4B5E-A33A-E75275061C0A at gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain;	charset=us-ascii
> 
> Chuck.  Just interested.  What have you found to dislike about the Kiwi
> prop?  Is it a 2 or 3 blade?
> 
> Gus
> Hull#999
> Georgian Bay
> 
>> On Jan 2, 2020, at 4:28 PM, Chuck Mueller <katchu at chartermi.net> wrote:
>> 
>> I'm thinking about replacing my bronze shaft with stainless steel, 
>> plus replacing stuffing box, and replacing a Kiwi prop with a 
>> Flex-o-fold.  I searched the archives and found Jeff Hare's suggestion for
> the Aqualoy A19
>> 55x1" shaft.   I also know that removing the cutlass bearing should allow
> me
>> to slide the shaft past the rudder.
>> But two other questions:  How hard is it to remove the coupling disc 
>> from the engine end of the shaft?  And is it necessary to machine and 
>> reface that coupling before re-installation?
>> Thanks
>> Chuck Mueller
>> Northwind #676
>> Holland, MI
>> 
>> Message: 9
> Date: Thu, 2 Jan 2020 15:59:40 -0500
> From: Brad <bkuether at comcast.net>
> To: "C320-List at Catalina320.com" <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Stainless steel shaft
> Message-ID:
> 	
> <mailman.2.1577998880.15567.c320-list-catalina320.com at lists.catalina320.com>
> 	
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
> 
> Two people on our dock have had Kiwi 3 blade failures.  There is a screw or
> something that wears out and lets one of the blades fly off.   I can vouch
> for FOF on the Catalina 320; it makes it zoom.  I have the three blade
> version, and it is exceptionally balanced, and provides excellent forward,
> and excellent reverse.  My only complaint, and it?s not the props fault, but
> if you are backing into your slip, and have to put the boat back in forward
> to stop, it doesn?t make a pleasant noise.   
> 
> Sent from Mail for Windows 10
> 
>