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Fixed
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| fixed blade propellers |
Fixed-blade propellers have blades that do not move and typically have only two, three, or four blades. The two blade
propellers generally have less drag while under sail than the three or four blade propellers. These propellers are selected
by cruisers and day sailors for lower drag (as compared to 3 and 4 blade Propellers), lower cost, high reliability and low
maintenance.. Bronze is the traditional material. Performance Propellers urethane propellers have aerodynamic shape and controlled
flexibility designed into the blades, and can automatically adjust up to 2 inches of pitch in response to the demands of the
motor.
Typically fixed-blade propellers are the least expensive, starting around $275.
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Feathering
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| Feathering propeller |
Feathering propellers have blades that rotate to a position, when the motor is not running, to present minimal surface
area for drag under sail. The pitch of many feathering propellers can be adjusted to the boat and motor by a having a diver
adjust set screws that can change the pitch. Racers and cruisers like these propellers for lower drag under sail, better performance
in reverse. These are often the most expensive of the low drag sailboat propellers. These propellers need occasional
mechanical maintenance. New feathering propellers start around $1500
Note Performance Propellers has recently simplified the feathering propeller, improved relibility.
reduced maintaince and is now offering one of the lowest cost feathering propeller.
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Folding
Folding propellers have blades which fold together when the motor is not running to present minimal surface area for
drag while under sail. When the motor is engaged the rotation opens the prop and holds the blades in a fixed pitch position.
The pitch is not adjustable. These propellers are generally considered to have the best performance (lowest drag) under sail.
These propellers need occasional mechanical maintenance. Historically folding propellers have had poor performance in reverse.
New folding propellers start around $1200.
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