Sail drive pitch?

[natraps116]

My previous boats owner was saying I need to adjust the pitch on my prop (folding prop)once I load the boat up with the weight. I have noticed through the nearly 4k miles we have done is that the boat is no where near as powerful or fast(motoring) as before. Probably should have looked into this before. Anyone know what I'm talking about?


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[colemj]

You cannot easily adjust the pitch of folding props, if at all - depends on the brand, Volvo is definitely no.

Yes, loading up a boat can change the pitch necessary for proper running. If the engine can no longer reach close to its top rpm and/or there is black smoke or oil in the exhaust, then you need a lower pitch.

Mark

[natraps116]

I have a Tamar 4jh3g? Off of memory. Possible to easily adjust pitch . I have a fixed prop as back up. Should I just put that on?


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[natraps116]

Also no black smoke comes out under load


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[colemj]

Spelling error for Yanmar?

The engine has nothing to do with this - it is the prop model that is the issue regarding repitching - Volvo, FlexOFold, etc.

If the engine reaches within 500rpm of governed top rpm underway (3800 for yours?), then no pitch adjustment is necessary - any slowness or loss of power is just due to being loaded.

A fixed prop almost always provides greater power when motoring, but also much greater drag when sailing. If you will be primarily motoring, then it would be a good choice. However, if it is also improperly pitched, it will cause issues too.

Mark

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by natraps116

I have a Tamar 4jh3g? Off of memory. Possible to easily adjust pitch.

Just exactly what is it that you believe is involved in "adjusting pitch"?

[natraps116]

Originally Posted by fstbttms

Just exactly what is it that you believe is involved in "adjusting pitch"?

See, i have know idea. Can someone explain the process to me as if I were 5? (on reddit they call it explainitasifiwerefive).

I am completely in the dark about prop pitch on sail drives.
it it don on the inside of the boat with a wrench or is there a setting to change?

......mine isnt readily accessible to look at so i can see.

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by natraps116

See, i have know idea. Can someone explain the process to me as if I were 5? (on reddit they call it explainitasifiwerefive).

I am completely in the dark about prop pitch on sail drives.
it it don on the inside of the boat with a wrench or is there a setting to change?

......mine isnt readily accessible to look at so i can see.

Altering the pitch of a fixed or folding prop requires removing the prop and having a repair facility physically change the angle of the prop blades. An alternative (with folding props) is to simply install differently-pitched blades.

[antoha]

Feathering props (like max-prop) do have adjustable pitch. It's easy on some newer models, but on the older ones you need to take it off, disassemble it, realign smth inside, and put it back together. Refer to maxprop manual for the procedure - it's a bit tedious, but not rocket science. There are many parts inside a maxprop, so I wouldn't do it in water.


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[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by antoha

Feathering props (like max-prop) do have adjustable pitch. It's easy on some newer models, but on the older ones you need to take it off, disassemble it, realign smth inside, and put it back together. Refer to maxprop manual for the procedure - it's a bit tedious, but not rocket science. There are many parts inside a maxprop, so I wouldn't do it in water.

1.- The OP doesn't have a feathering prop, Max Prop or otherwise.

2.- Max Props can be installed, removed, repitched or lubricated underwater and I have done all the above many dozens of times. You are correct however, in that repitching is not a job for a novice.

[antoha]

Black smoke etc would happen if you're "over propped", but you seem to be "under propped"; there isn't enough bite to push the boat under current rpm.


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[colemj]

Originally Posted by antoha

Black smoke etc would happen if you're "over propped", but you seem to be "under propped"; there isn't enough bite to push the boat under current rpm.

I doubt he became under-propped from loading his boat up cruising. That would work the other way.

It is important to know if the OP can reach the governed engine rpm, or close to it.

If he cannot, then he is over-propped, but I'm betting all is well and his perceived loss of speed is just due to the boat actually being slower now.

Mark