Episode V3 Feathering Propellor

A look at our Variprop feathering propellor. It reduces drag under sail but still produces full power when motoring. Since it is a 4 bladed prop it produces the most thrust in the aperture we have between the skeg and the hull of our Southerly 42.
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[@svalchemy]

I am installing a four-bladed Variprop this week on a steel 41-footer. This is a nice visual reference...thank you!

[@h4marine]

The large gap puts extra loads on the bearing and also allows shaft flew aft of the bearing, so it can give rise to accelerated bearing wear and also some vibration, with a rigid drive as you have I'd be looking at 6-7mm(just over 1/4") allows for a bit of give in the thrust bearing rubbers.

[@DistantShoresTV]

Interesting... I have the gap so I can put on a collar zinc, then there's no gap left, but perhaps it would be better to rely on the built-in prop zinc and have it closer for vibration. We have a solid drive mount via Aqu-Drive not soft...
Paul

[@adventurousboat8724]

I have just discovered your video series and have been enjoying your work very much. My question is regarding how you find the prop walk to be? I realize all boats are different but most reports I have heard are very positive with some boats saying it took all prop walk completely away, in other words you could back up straight. Seems to good to be true. I love your Southerly I have an old Fisher. Thanks for the information.

[@WadeMcLure]

Would it make sense installing a feathering prop on a large motor yacht? (58') Thought about alternating between one engine at a time to conserve fuel...

[@h4marine]

The gap looks very large, especially when you consider the extra weight of this type of prop, I'd have it 1/2" or 12.00mm from the back of the stern tube if it's a soft mounted drive. That looks like 2"!

[@sergueiothonucci1638]

💥👍👍👍

[@yousuxalot]

thanks for the lesson

[@davidmoran3659]

Hi,
I also have a 4 blade vari prop on the boat. Q. do you feel it spinning when sailing with the engine off and in neutral? If so, if I put it in reverse will this stop the propeller spinning and keep the blades feathered?
Great props! Especially for reverse.
Dave

[@DistantShoresTV]

I do not recall it spinning with the engine off. It may have to do with lubrication whether or not it easily feathers. I believe we locked the shaft by putting it in reverse.

[@joshbobst1629]

Okay, but what I'm looking for is a prop I can adjust the pitch on manually from the helm. I want to eliminate the dog and shaft reverse gears and reverse via reversing the pitch. Is there such a thing?

[@DistantShoresTV]

There are adjustable propellors but they are quite expensive. www.bruntonspropellers.com/cpp

[@jeffharris4781]

How is that small of a draft possible on that size boat?

[@DistantShoresTV]

+Jeff Harris Swing keel reduces draft... check out our page on the boat www.distantshores.ca/about-us/the-boats/southerly-42/

[@sjackson99]

I don't know anything about these props, but it looks like you wouldn't have a reverse.

[@DistantShoresTV]

The prop blades spin into reverse quite quickly. It was a very good prop in reverse as well as forward.

[@mariajohnson1744]

when you reverse the shaft rotation, the blades reverse too. It's more efficient than fixed blades in reverse.