Another Lock Your Prop article

[Neil Gordon]

I'm not even going to consider offering the following additional comments/analysis:

With a three bladed prop, only one blade could be behind the keel whether the prop is spinning or not. That leaves two blades to do their mischief. But would the drag merely slow the boat or would it raise or lower the stern at the same time? I suppose you'd get a different answer port vs. starboard tack, and also depending if you have a RH or LH prop. I can see where lowering the stern a bit might increase the waterline length a bit, increasing hull speed. So that said and presuming it's true, would a locked prop or spinning prop create the most benefit?

What about prop walk? Would you point higher on one tack and lower on the other?

[tjr818]

How about a Jet Drive? No prop walk, no lobster pots, how hard could it be

[winthrop fisher]

Hey Neil,
how long have you been a fleet Captain, just asking,
thanks winthrop

[Neil Gordon]

Hey Neil,
how long have you been a fleet Captain, just asking,
thanks winthrop

I was Northeast Fleet Captain 2010-2011. I'm the CDSOA Commodore now!

[darmoose]

From Yachting Monthly. http://www.yachtingmonthly.com/gear/loc ... spin-29526

By the way, have you noticed that the button for starting a thread says, "New Topic." Should we petition the web masters for a "Here We Go Again" button?

Neil,

You still pushing this falsehood? This is a wonderful article that once and for all proves that a spinning prop causes less drag, not that there was ever any doubt, or that it hadn't been proved dozens of times previously.

I am totally vindicated. Thanks for bringing this evidence to the attention of all. Maybe you have seen the light, afterall?

[Neil Gordon]

having followed this thread/topic for a decade or so on this board, I've reached this conclusion:

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your particular engine/transmission. Major repairs or replacement will most definitely slow most of us down.

[darmoose]

having followed this thread/topic for a decade or so on this board, I've reached this conclusion:

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your particular engine/transmission. Major repairs or replacement will most definitely slow most of us down.

You are absolutely correct, and I couldn't agree more.

But, I thought the question, all along was "does a locked prop or a spinning prop cause more drag?" (obviously irregardless of any other considerations), NO??

[mgphl52]

But, I thought the question, all along was "does a locked prop or a spinning prop cause more drag?" (obviously irregardless of any other considerations), NO??

I proved that locking the 3-bladed Michigan wheel on KAYLA could slow her down by as much as a full knot.
However, since I switched to a Campbell Sailor I routinely lock the prop just to get the throttle-shifter out of the way.

And just for the record: Any comparison between aircraft props and sail boat props is ludicrous - I have yet to see an aircraft prop designed for under water use.

Oh, yeah. That's just like in my 50+ years of sailing I have never seen a tiller boat carry an emergency wheel either...