Feathering & Folding Propellers

Autostream Self Feathering Stainless Steel Propeller

This quality low drag sailboat propeller is made from high strength 2507 grade duplex stainless steel, this enables the propeller blades to be very thin, symmetrical in section and virtually flat, resulting in minimal drag and turbulence over the rudder. The large blade area gives powerful efficient propulsion without compromise to sailing speed and a better “feel” on the helm due to less turbulence over the rudder. With the autostream there is no need for the expense and complication of a shaft brake and there will be reduced noise and gearbox wear associated with a rotating prop and shaft whilst sailing.

 

The prop has a large blade area and the ability to easily adjust the pitch allows the propeller to be “fine tuned” to achieve optimum performance & fuel consumption comparable to a fixed blade propeller. Autostream propellers can be assembled in either right or left hand configuration which when combined with the simple pitch adjustment can allow the same propeller to be used should a future replacement engine result in change of direction of the propeller shaft rotation.

Reverse Thrust - The Autostream feathering propeller will rotate its blades 180 degrees on their axes going from forward to reverse in less than one shaft revolution, thus presenting the same leading edge of the blade in both directions, thus giving the same efficiency in both directions. This also results in far superior performance in reverse compared to folding, fixed blade and self pitching propellers. In most installations the yacht can be stopped within its own length. The reverse pitch can be set independently allowing a fine pitch setting and thus reducing “prop walk” and giving YOU full control over which direction you head, not the propeller

Drag – Because the Autostream prop is manufactured from high strength stainless steel it has a very thin blade section which gives minimal drag, this becomes apparent in light winds when it is most important. Typically sailing speed improvements of 10-15% are realized compared to a fixed blade propeller, as is an ability to point closer to the wind.Turbulence over the rudder is also reduced, giving an improved feel on the helm. The internal gearing and blade design on the Autostream results in the propeller staying inthe feathered position even at sailing speeds in excess of 25 knows WITHOUT the need for a shaft locking brake.

FEATURES
Simple screw and locknut pitch adjustment requires no disassembly and can be performed underwater
Seals on blades & main gear retain grease to extend periods between servicing and extend the propellers life
Propeller sizes 15” to 22” diameter Rated to 80+HP and shaft sizes up to 1.1/2” / 40mm
Replaceable bearing throughout the user can replace the bearings when the need finally arises, unlike others that require replacement of expensive blade or body components when they wear
Independent forward & reverse pitch adjustment allowing optimum ahead and reverse pitch setting (typically finer in reverse) set forward for cruising and reverse for thrust / control
Rugged construction using 316L and 2507 “super duplex” grade stainless steel built to last
Easy in water greasing permanently fitted grease / zerk fittings allow easy greasing, even underwater
Superior propulsion astern over folding, fixed blade and self pitching propellers
Sacrificial zinc anode with stainless steel core gives maximum electrolysis protection and will not come loose over time, simple one nut changing
Each blade has 2 bearings for greater rigidity resulting in smoother operation and increased life
Assembly screws lock wired for security
Backed by manufactures FIVE YEAR WARRANTY

SHAFT AND SAILDRIVE MODELS
Saildrive models has these additional features
Fail safe cushion hub manufacturers unique cushion hub absorbs the shocks, but it is not required to transmit drive. It cannot fail and leave you without drive
Standard SAE16/32 splines suits most Volvo, Yanmar, Buhk, Sonic andSelva saildrive units
Improved shaft nut locking system Autostream saildrive propellers use a special shaft nut and locking screw allowing you to securely lock wire them together. This combined with improve spline / shaft fit ensures your saildrive propeller will stay secure

 

Slipstream 3 Blade Folding Stainless Steel Propeller
The slipstream is manufactured from stainless steel for superior life the blades and body use low carbon 316L grade stainless steel. This being the same metal as most prop shafts and sail drive internal parts is less likely to promote electrolysis, the most common killer of props.The slipstream has a large blade area for excellent thrust with a unique blade geometry resulting in a smoother and more reliable opening of the blades, particularly when shifting into reverse, whilst traveling forward. The props gears keep the blades synchronized and this also allows the blades to fold back properly regardless of the propeller position even at low speeds. The blades swing on replaceable Nibral bushes and these can be simply pressed out and replaced if necessary. The prophas unique polyurethane bump stop pads to reduce the clunk of the blades hitting the full open stops when shifting into forward and eliminates the wear of the blade hitting the body. The prop has polyethylene side thrust plates which prevent metal to metal wear of the blade on the body and these are replaceable when the time comes to refurbish the propeller. The sail drive model features a failsafe cushion hub with integrated safety stops. The slipstream is a robust and durable folding propeller and is supplied with a manufacturers five year warranty against material and manufacturing defects.

FEATURES OF 3 BLADE SLIPSTEAM FOLDING STAINLESS STEEL PROPELLER

Stainless steel construction for long life
Five year manufactured warrant
Large blade area for excellent thrust
Double gear design keeps blades synchronized allowing the blades to fold precisely
Side thrust plates manufactured from UHMWPE (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene) prevent metal to metal wear of the blade on body
Replaceable Nibral bushes on which the blades swing for long and serviceable life
Unique polyurethane “Bump stop pads” to reduce the clunk of the blades hitting the full open stops when shifting into forward and eliminates the wear of the blade hitting the body
All wear components are user serviceable
Propeller sizes 14” to 20” diameter
Tapered shaft sizes from 1” (25mm) and up to 1.1/2” / 40mm
Available as sail drive version with Standard SAE16/32 splines to suit most Volvo, Yanmar, Buhk, Sonic andSelva sail drive units

Slipstream 2 Blade Folding Stainless Steel Propeller

The two blade slipstream has a large blade area for excellent thrust with a unique blade geometry resulting in a smoother and more reliable opening of the blades, particularly when shifting into reverse, whilst traveling forward. The slipstream is manufactured from stainless steel for superior life the blades and body use low carbon 316L grade stainless steel. The props double row of gears keep the blades synchronized and this also allows the blades to fold back properly regardless of the propeller position even at low speeds.The blades swing on replaceable Nibral bushes and these can be simply pressed out and replaced if necessary. The prop has unique polyurethane bump stop pads to reduce the clunk of the blades hitting thefull open stops when shifting into forward and eliminates the wear of the blade hitting the body. The prophas polyethylene side thrust plates which prevent metal to metal wear of the blade on the body and these are replaceable when the time comes to refurbish the propeller. The sail drive model features a fail safe cushion hub with integrated safety stops. The slipstream is a robust and durable folding propeller and is supplied with a manufacturers five year warranty against material and manufacturing defects.

FEATURES OF 2 BLADE SLIPSTEAM FOLDING STAINLESS STEEL PROPELLER

All the same features as the three blade version but as a two blade option
Five year manufactured warranty
Propeller sizes 14” to 20” diameter
Tapered shaft sizes from 7/8” (25mm) and up to 1.1/2” / 40mm
Available as sail drive version with Standard SAE16/32 splines   most Volvo, Yanmar, Buhk, Sonic and Selva sail drive units

Independent test results

The following test results were carried out by Yachting Monthly magazine in an independent test of feathering & folding propellers.  The boat used was a Beneteau Oceanis 323 with Yanmar YM20 21hp @ 3600 rpm Gearbox 2.62:1 (ahead) RH Skipper plus 3 (total 4 persons on board) Conditions on the day were calm with a slight wind approximately force 2.  A full version of the test is available from Yachting Monthly Magazine at http://www.yachtingmonthly.com  (May 2009 issue)

 

Customer testimonials The following testimonials to our products and service are true to the original writer

Autostream Feathering Propeller for SHE 36 ~ I chose the feathering propeller because I could adjust the pitch to correct any mismatch between the engine, propeller and boat that might become apparent in sea trials. I was impressed by its sound engineering and the simple pitch adjustment arrangement of the prop. I was also pleased to see that I could adjust the reverse pitch separately from the ahead because no marine gearbox has the same reduction ratio in both directions. I chose a nearly flat calm day for the sea trials. Leaving the marina berth was straightforward; the prop walk in reverse was much reduced compared with the previous Gori. During the maximum speed trial, I achieved 7.9knots at 3500 engine rpm (theoretical hull speed of hull 7.6 knots) . This means that the engine, boat, and propeller match is very close to optimum. At a cruising engine rpm of 2500, Nutmeg’s speed was just under 7 knots. During my year’s experience with the propeller, I have reduced the reverse pitch. and I have excellent performance in reverse coupled with minimal prop walk. In all respects, the performance of the Autostream 3 bladed feathering propeller is excellent and is “chalk and cheese” better than with the previous 3 bladed folding Gori propeller. Regards, Nick Humphris Ref R17-13 / 55261 – H16/2

Autostream Feathering Propeller for Starlight 35 ~ I have done 250 hours with the engine this year and had a brilliant 3 month, 3000 mile trip to the Baltic. The prop has been absolutely great in performance and manoeuvrability. It just about saved us on the way back through the North Sea basin to windward in a near gale on the nose, and relying on the engine because the mainsail was torn to shreds, I believe the extra thrust kept us going where the old 2 bladed job would have been hopeless. Regards, yours sincerely J Yarrow Ref L17-10 / 57118 / J01

Autostream Feathering Propeller for Nicholson 40 DS ~ I purchased a new 20” propeller from yourselves approximately 18 months ago to fit on my 1979 Camper and Nicholson 40 Deck Saloon contemporaneously with an engine transplant and hydraulic box. This replaced my original 24” propeller. After some initial teething problems with setting the correct pitch the installation has been superb. Not only has boat speed improved by up to ½ a knot under sail but a full increase of over 1.1/4 knots has been achieved under power. Reversing has been drastically improved with much more stopping power and no prop walk. Also the annoying sound of the rotating propeller when under sail has been removed. I can wholeheartedly recommend fitting this type of propeller to a sailing yacht – particularly where a substantial fixed blade propeller was part of the original equipment. Regards, Ian Willoughby Ref hyd 20-12 / 57223 / J1608

Slipstream 2 blade folding Propeller for Sigma 38 ~ I have a Sigma 38 sailing yacht, approx 8000Kg displacement, 38' long, with a 28 hp @ 3500rpm Volvo engine, with 2.37 reduction gearbox. If you remember, Seahawk's calculation was for a 17 x 11 2-bladed folding, but I was uneasy about it, thinking the pitch should be 12, but was reassured by yourself & Ben Hawke, that because of the Seahawk's cleaner and more accurate lines, less slip meant less pitch needed. Absolutely on the button! The new prop is much better than the 4 year old 16.5 x 13 Gori 2 bladed folding Bronze prop I removed. At cruising revs of 2300 rpm, the boat speed through the water is 6.8 knots as opposed to 6.3 before. The boat is more manoeuvrable in astern, and the whole affair seems much smoother. In haven't checked fuel consumption, but based on a plainly more efficient prop with much less "slip", I would expect it to be about 8% better too, mirroring the water speed gain. The construction of the prop is outstanding. My marine engineer had no problem fitting the prop with the Ambassador Marine "Stripper" rope cutter. I am exceptionally pleased with it. Thank you very much for your help, and the speedy way you dealt with my order. There are over 100 Sigma 38s out there and others may be interested. Brilliant! Malc Peter M2602/62681 / L7-11

Slipstream 3 blade folding propeller for Beneteau 51 ~ The three blade slipstream is extremely smooth, beautifully balanced with no vibration through all revs. In reverse the prop walk is less and handles as well as the fixed blade. It has made a huge difference to the boat, I always cruised at 2000 rpm at six knots with my old fixed blade. This prop has made my boat come alive both motoring and sailing. I am getting approx 1 to 1.5 knots additional boat speed while sailing, with the prop folded I have no wobble through the steering wheel smooth wake and the boat just feels great. We were doing 7.8 knots upwind in 10 knots of breeze yesterday, magical. Seahawk Ref K2401

 

PROPELLER CALCULATIONS
To enable us to calculate a propeller size we will need to know the following information
1. Engine Model
2. Gear Box Ratio or saildrive ratio
3. Displacement (Weight)
4. Water Line Length

Sailboat Model / Type
Shaft Size or Sail Drive Model
Propeller Rotation left hand or right Hand
Old Propeller Size if know
Do you want a feathering or folding propeller

 

Prices all prices + P&P + VAT

2 blade slipstream stainless steel folding propeller
14" diameter shaft drive version £1137.00 + VAT
15" diameter shaft drive version £1209.00 + VAT
16" diameter shaft drive version £1281.00 + VAT
17" diameter shaft drive version £1351.00 + VAT
18" diameter shaft drive version £1424.00 + VAT
19" diameter shaft drive version £1495.00 + VAT
20" diameter shaft drive version £1567.00 + VAT
saildrive version additional £150.00 + VAT to the above prices

3 blade slipstream stainless steel folding propeller
14" diameter shaft drive version £1530.00 + VAT
15" diameter shaft drive version £1580.00 + VAT
16" diameter shaft drive version £1630.00 + VAT
17" diameter shaft drive version £1680.00 + VAT
18" diameter shaft drive version £1730.00 + VAT
19" diameter shaft drive version £1780.00 + VAT
20" diameter shaft drive version £1830.00 + VAT
saildrive version additional £150.00 + VAT to the above prices

3 blade autostream stainless steel self feathering propeller
15" diameter shaft drive version £1999.00 + VAT
16" diameter shaft drive version £2077.00 + VAT
17" diameter shaft drive version £2155.00 + VAT
18" diameter shaft drive version £2233.00 + VAT
19" diameter shaft drive version £2311.00 + VAT
20" diameter shaft drive version £2389.00 + VAT
saildrive version additional £150.00 + VAT to the above prices