Automatic Feathering Propellers
Our Automatic Feathering Propeller is best suited for the cruising sailor who wants a dependable propeller under power and who would enjoy an extra knot and a half under sail.
The helical twist to our blades gives us true pitch, making our propeller more efficient under power than a flat bladed feathering prop and because of the twist, ours is incredibly effective in reverse.
We’ve been making and servicing these since 1960. Each automatic feathering propeller is custom crafted from an aluminum bronze alloy in East Boothbay, Maine. The blades and hub feature robust gears for rugged dependability. And should there be any questions or concerns, we’ve been at the same phone number for more than 75 years.
Propeller Care & Feeding
From the owner..
The proper installation of this propeller will go a long way toward eliminating operational problems. The big no-no is to let the propeller get key bound. This problem is answered by pushing the propeller up the taper without the key in place. Mark the forward advance of the propeller on the shaft with a sharp pencil. Remove the propeller, install the key, and again slide the propeller on the shaft. It MUST go exactly to your pencil mark! Proceed to tighten the shaft nuts, firm but not too aggressively.
The propeller is shipped full of grease and ready for use. This initial packing will be adequate for 3-4 months of normal use. Your propeller can be repacked quite easily by a SCUBA diver under water.
The procedure is the same whether on land or under water. Remove the 1/8” brass pipe plug from the side of the casing: remove all the fittings from the end of your grease gun: match up the male threads on the grease gun with the female threads in the casing and go to it. You will know when the casing is full.
What grease to use:
Your propeller comes filled with “ break-in” grease. It is NLGI # 1. Subsequent greasing , about every six months, should be with NLGI # 1. We can supply it if you can’t find any locally. We’re not fussy about the brand , only the viscosity. If your propeller is older and loose, use NLGI #2 grease (automobile chassis grease).
If the propeller ever does something you don’t expect… Grease it.
-Frank Luke
