An Affordable Feathering Prop from NZ

Feathering or folding props are de-rigueur for performance sailing, and most are made of big chunks of bronze or stainless, elegantly crafted into a sophisticated, interlocking mechanism. They are consequently another expensive item in the aggregation of expensive bits and pieces that comprise a boat! Kiwiprops has produced a clever and appealing alternative that uses composite prop blades, and a simple, but apparently effective mechanism. For catamarans with twin diesels, the possibility of some cost savings on feathering props really adds up. These are pitch adjustable with a single allen screw (even under water), and the blades can be trimmed to size with woodworking tools (measure once, cut twice, I always say!). The blades are readily replaceable and inexpensive, so carry some spares on your world cruise.