Falcon Upgrades and Enhancements

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Revision as of 13:04, 19 December 2011 by Flora1871 (talk | contribs) (Created page with "===Fitting an AUTOPROP=== This was one of the best moves I have ever made. The feathering prop may be expensive, but it is a far cheaper option than changing the boat for one wi...")
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Fitting an AUTOPROP

This was one of the best moves I have ever made. The feathering prop may be expensive, but it is a far cheaper option than changing the boat for one with a greater waterline length just in order to increase passage times. The other tangible advantage is greater prop efficiency under motor with a commensurate fuel saving. The advertising blurb maintains that the prop alters its pitch to obtain the maximum thrust at the chosen throttle setting, and this does appear to be the case. If I fall into a windless hole on an ocean crossing, the range of my Falcon is greatly increased (using low revs to save fuel). However it is under sail that the benefit is most apparent. Allow the prop to rotate and we are doing 4.5kts, stop the prop turning and the speed instantly increases by up to a whole knot. So a provable advantage. Possibly other folding/furling props are as good, but I do have the experience of an Autoprop having had one for 14 years.