Autoprop Feathering Sailboat Propellers
Autoprop is a sailboat propeller which varies its pitch depending on the operating conditions, to maintain maximum efficiency at all times. The propeller self-pitches based on the hydrodynamic flow at the propeller. It has a higher efficiency over a wider range of rpm settings than any other type of sailboat propeller, so it produces higher speeds throughout your engine’s speed range, allowing lower engine rpm’s, giving greater cruising ranges, fuel economy and quieter cruising. The blades automatically adjust their pitch to match the engine torque to the varying load conditions.
Sailing
Low drag sailing performanceThe feathered image on the right shows how, when sailing, Autoprop reduces drag by up to 85% compared with a three blade fixed propeller; with the two blade propeller the reduction can be even greater. This drag reduction can equate to as much as one additional knot in sailing speed.
Motor Sailing
Power under sailAutoprop automatically varies its pitch depending on engine, wind or sea conditions. The result is maximum efficiency whatever the conditions, with increased sailing speeds at dramatically lower engine rpm giving lower fuel consumption and emissions.
Motoring
Perfect under powerAutoprops unusual blades maximize the thrust delivered whatever rpm the engine is running at. Conventional propellers are designed to provide maximum thrust at the engines maximum output. Autoprops self feathering provides maximum thrust at all, not a single rpm range.
Maneuvering
100% thrust when you need itIn reverse the Autoprop blades swing through 180 degrees and present exactly the same blade shape as they do ahead. The result, the same excellent thrust, with greater stopping power and less prop walk.
Bad Weather
Power to stay safeIn high winds and choppy seas sailboats struggle to make way. Autoprop allows the engine to to run to a higher maximum rpm delivering more power than any competitor to get you home safely.
Towing
Help without riskAutoprop can use the full power of the engine for towing, or emergencies. The self pitching blades allow full thrust to be developed for extended periods of time without causing overheating or risk to the propulsion system.
Why Autoprop?
All sailboat propellers with the exception of Autoprop are designed to work at one pitch setting. At this point, normally the maximum engine rpm and hull speed, the sailboat propeller is at peak efficiency. Do you run your sailboat at full throttle?
Once rpm is reduced to cruising speed, the pitch for the propeller is still set for the maximum value forcing the propeller to work harder to maintain speed; this causes an increase in fuel burn and also an increase in engine emissions. This is how all sailboat propellers work regardless of manufacturer.
Tests on all 4 of the sailboat propeller types found that at 2000 rpm a feathering sailboat propeller was able to propel a test boat at 5.4 knots, but when the same sailboat was fitted with an Autoprop feathering propeller, the boat was able to achieve 6.9 knots for the same rpm and hence fuel consumption.
Autoprop is different. It balances the rotational forces of the propeller with the forward speed of the boat to automatically set the correct pitch for the correct seaway at every rpm. This will result in cruising speed increases of up to 1 knot or more compared to every other sailboat propeller. There is no other sailboat propeller on the market that does this and this makes Autoprop the perfect motor sailing propeller. Most sailers see typical fuel consumption reduced by 25%, allowing them to sail further for longer.
But Autoprop is not only great under power, once the engine is shutdown, Autoprop can be feathered and it becomes a low drag sailing propeller – the best of both worlds!
The Autoprop Range
Autoprop is available in a wide range of sizes and configurations to suit many styles of sailing and sailboats. Typical diameters are from 13″ to 39″ and engine ratings from 10 HP to 350 HP.
| Propeller Model | H20 | H5 | H6 H9 H62 | APS H20 | APS H5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Propeller Diameter (in) | 13" - 17" | 15" - 20" | 19" - 35" | 13" to 17" | 13" to 20" |
| Shaft Diameter (in) | 7/8" - 1 1/4" | 7/8" - 1 1/2" | 1 1/2" to 3" | Saildrive Spline | Saildrive Spline |
| Engine Power (HP) | up to 40 HP | up to 75 HP | up to 350 HP |
Autoprop Service & Support
Fitting, maintaining and servicing an Autoprop could not be easier with the help and guidance of King Propulsion of Virginia Beach, VA.
When you receive your Autoprop it comes fully assembled and pre-greased. Installation on your sailboat is as simple as bolting it on the propeller shaft / saildrive leg, tightening the lock screw and fit the anode. This operation is best completed on the hard or at a short haul.
Maintenance is just as simple. Once your sailboat is hauled out and on the hard, ball bearing type Autoprops need a simple cleaning and roller bearing type Autoprops need to be re-greased before winterizing. At this time any eroded anodes are changed and the blades are cleaned and painted in accordance with the maintenance schedule.
Once the blade bearings reach the end of their service life, a service kit is available for each and every Autoprop model along with the necessary tools to complete the service. These kits contain the parts needed to rebuild your propeller back to factory new. As Autoprop doesn’t use gears to pitch the blades like most of our competitors, all the wearing parts are replaceable, vastly extending the life of the propeller. This is a straight forward process that should take a couple of hours per blade. Extensive how too videos are available as well as phone support from our office (East Coast Time), should things go a little pear shaped!
Click the download archive link given below to download the fitting and maintenance instructions for any of the Autoprop models. The files are in PDF format for easy viewing or downloading. Parts to complete any maintenance or repairs can easily be purchased from our online store and ship from Virginia Beach, VA.
Autoprop Sizing & Quote
Find out how Autoprop sailboat propellers can benefit your sailboat by requesting a hassle free no obligation quote. Simply enter the details of your sailboat such as boat type , engine, gearbox ratio and so on in our online web form and we will conduct a power prediction for your vessel to size the right propeller for you. We have currently installed nearly 11,000 Autoprop feathering propellers and counting.
