Are variable pitch props any good?

[MikeJ]

My wife likes meandering around the river at displacement speeds (never exceeding 5/6 mph), but when she's not around I make for the coast at WOT (approx 6 miles). <br /><br />Is it possible to over prop the engine when at displacements speeds and then return it to normal before planning? I cant warrant a big 200hp+ outboard on my boat but would like the low revs / low noise possible with a higher pitched prop at very low speeds. A planning hull doesn't seem to require much power at displacement speeds. <br /><br />Any advise is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Kenny Bush]

Re: Are variable pitch props any good?

MikeJ, Most props are variable pitch. They seem to perform better in all around conditions. As for propping up, I would not put a Higher pitch prop than my engine RPM's will allow. Yes it would be somewhat quieter, but lugging the motor could do more damage than good. I would stick to factory recomendations for maximum engine RPM. I do share your same problem, my wife hates going fast in the Center Console. She likes cruising at 15 to 20 MPH, which is about the slowest my Fountain will go before falling out off plane. When she is at the Cabin, I will air it out at about 70 mph with those twin merc outboards singing my song.......Good luck....BushCat

 

[MikeJ]

Re: Are variable pitch props any good?

Thanks for the reply. Most are variable? I must have spent too long at the cheep end of the market, I thought they were rare (or at least they are on the east cost of England). I can only dream about 70mph! One day...

 

[Solittle]

Re: Are variable pitch props any good?

Mike - variable pitch props have not gained wide spread use here in the US. Great idea but horrendously expensive. Those who have them seem to love em though. Most of the reviews that I have seen are limited to mid sized motors. <br /><br />I agree with Bushcat on fitting a prop per the factory specs. Most props are a compromise but seem to fit a wide spectrum of conditions.

 

[Hooty]

Re: Are variable pitch props any good?

SoLittle's right. They're a high-dollar item but here they are.<br /><br /> http://www.land-and-sea.com/marine/torque-shift/torque-shift.htm <br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[steelespike]

Re: Are variable pitch props any good?

Mike, take a peek at: <br />www.land-and-sea.com/torqueshift pretty amazing video and yes Ive heard they are very expensive.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Are variable pitch props any good?

MikeJ<br />I do not think you want a variable pitch prop. At least every variable I have seen has a lower pitch at low speed and if I read your post right you are looking for a higher pitch for low speed. I think you would lug you engine and do it no good. Try a four stroke kicker with enough power for your wife.

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: Are variable pitch props any good?

You didn't tell us about your boat, so I don't know if my experience would be applicable. My wife also has "high speed, high noise issues," and as luck would have it, my kicker motor pushes my boat to its maximum displacement speed very quietly. My boat is a 24' WA, and the kicker is a 9.9 Yamaha 4-stroke. It's a great trolling motor and coincidentally, a wife-pleaser! And from what I gleaned from the web site listed above, a used kicker is cheaper than the variable pitch prop!