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Well just to cufuffal you all, we have just gone back to a fixed prop on Destiny, the reason being that our Max Prop was slightly overpitched the last time we hauled out in Scotland in an effort to reduce fuel consumption, but whilst doing so we gained bad cavitation in a rough sea. We have not had the opportunity to reverse the procedure whilst in Iceland- the country has no travel lift and the cranes cost a fortune. Our solution has been to remove the prop by diving, something I had not wanted to do as I felt the risk of losing a part was too great (I would never consider even attempting to adjust the pitch underwater). But remove it I did with a large plastic box beneath it in very shallow water, I then fitted our new 23"x16 fixed prop from Clements Engineering. This is a relatively easy job underwater and for that reason I would recommend high lats or remote sailors to carry one.
We are now ready for meeting some ice this summer season in East Greenland and the North West Passage next year. The fixed prop is stronger than a Max Prop and about 1/5 of the price should we damage it.
Yes we have noticed that in light airs we are slower, but once over 5kts I think that we are doing the same speed, the spinning prop makes virtually no noise ( Our PRM greabox can trail in gear) and I think that handling under power is improved. We have far more thrust for the same rpm, we can stop the vessel far quicker and the prop walk is great for tight turns, admittedly useful only to Starboard.
The proof will be when we come to haul or in Alaska if we refit the Max Prop....
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