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The Kiwi Feather Prop is now available as the result of a long and careful development program that was designed to bring new levels of performance and value to the sailor who wishes to retain the known benefits of a fixed three bladed propeller, for motoring and maneuverability, but at the same time minimize drag under all sailing conditions.
Traditionally feathering props have blades geared together, to ensure that they line up with the shaft, when feathered. However the shaft rarely lines up with the water flow, thus increasing drag. With a typical inboard engine the shaft will be angled down at 10 to 15 degrees and the hull sloping up at say 5 to 10 degrees, so the shaft may be 15 to 25 degrees off the water flow. Hence auto-rotation and the need for shaft locks etc. Then there is 5 to 10 degrees of leeway and surging sideways in big waves.
In the Kiwi-Feather Prop the individual blades are free to "weather" vane in the water flow, so don't rotate, which is the proof that the blades are not fighting the water flow.
This three bladed feathering propeller has proved much smoother and quieter in operation than the equivalent two bladers, but the big plus is holding up the boat speed in rough weather against the wind, enabling a quicker journey home or to shelter.
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- The Kiwi Feather Prop delivers maximum thrust in both forward and reverse from its three large blades
- Zytel, a modern DuPont composite, as used in large outboard propellers, minimizes corrosion problems
- As each individual blade is free to pivot when sailing, each blade is individually aligned with the ever changing water flow brought about by the movement of the boat and the differing installed shaft angles. Drag is minimized. There is no need for a shaft lock to prevent auto-rotation as is common in geared propellers
- Fits all Saildrives, plus industry standard 1 and 1.25 inch shafts
- The light weight Zytel blades and hydrodynamic blade tips provide for very smooth running at all speeds
- Simple pitch adjustment, available in left and right handed rotations. Suitable for 15 to 50 horsepower
- Reverse thrust equals forward thrust for maximum maneuverability
- Static thrust exceeds 425 lbs for 16 inch propeller at 1100 shaft rpm
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