PERFECT PROPULSION WITH
THE AUTOPROP
AUTOPROP FEATHERING PROPELLER
The Autoprop feathering propeller for cruising sailing yachts, displacement motor vessels, to 350hp.
Autoprop’s unique design and superb build quality make it the first choice feathering propeller among cruising yachtsmen the world over, with drag reduction when sailing by at least 85%, and a unique ability to change pitch automatically to suit prevailing wind and sea conditions when motoring or motor sailing. Auto pitching, auto feathering, the same thrust in astern as ahead, less prop-walk in astern, a brand new version for hybrid and purely electrically driven vessels, and a recently developed ability to produce very efficient and economic propulsion for purely diesel powered displacement motor boats are more than reason enough.
Autoprop is a unique propeller which has been praised by yachting writers around the world. Whatever type of cruising sailing yacht you may own, mono or multihull, or displacement motor vessel, leisure or commercial. If you need more information don’t hesitate to contact us.
“Our tests show the Autoprop achieved 6 knots at 2100 rpm compared to 2500 from our standard prop and most of the others on test”
Yachting Monthly
IN DRIVE MODE
Autoprop
FEATHERED
Autoprop
You can see from the image Autoprop in drive mode. When reversing the blades swing through 180 degrees and produce the same thrust as in forwards. When sailing the blades feather automatically, reducing drag by up to 85%.
HOW AUTOPROP WORKS
Autoprop is the cruising yachtsman’s propeller ‘par excellence’. As you can see from the animation on the right Autoprops blades can rotate through 180 degrees and the subtlety of their design allows them to produce the same amount of thrust whether the yacht is in ahead or astern. It is a unique propeller which, unlike its competitors, excels in all aspects of a cruising yachts use and does not compromise any of them.
Whether you are sailing, motor sailing, or motoring, Autoprop will dramatically enhance your yachts performance.
AUTOPROP
THE BENEFITS OF AUTOPROP
SAILING
The image above of the feathered Autoprop shows how, when sailing, Autoprop reduces drag by up to 85% compared with a three blade fixed propeller; with the two blade propeller the reduction can be even greater.
This drag reduction can equate to as much as one additional knot in sailing speed.
MOTORING
With other feathering and fixed pitch propellers performance under engine is a compromise. No such compromise exists with Autoprop, her blades admittedly rather an odd shape, are the result of a huge investment in design time and testing. The Autoprop blades, unlike those of conventional propellers, maximise the thrust delivered whatever rpm the yachts engine is running at.
MOTOR SAILING
Autoprop automatically varies its pitch depending on the conditions. Put simply, as the wind or sea conditions vary so does the blade pitch of your Autoprop. The less pressure the Autoprop feels on its blades the more pitch is applied and vice versa.
The result is maximum efficiency whatever the conditions, with increased speeds at lower engine revs and lower fuel consumption and emissions.
MANOEUVRABILITY
In reverse the Autoprop blades swing through 180 degrees and present exactly the same blade shape as they do ahead.
The result, the same excellent thrust, with greater stopping power and less prop walk.
ADVERSE CONDITIONS
Likewise in adverse weather conditions, the vessel’s speed will be reduced because of the adverse weather such as high winds and choppy sea conditions. The Autoprop senses the load acting upon it and reduces the pitch angle allowing the engine to run to a higher maximum rpm.
Much like travelling up a hill in your car, you need a lower gear ratio to allow the engine to run faster and produce more power.
TOWING
This unique feature of the Autoprop, enables the full power of the engine to be used in situations such as towing, or in emergencies. With conventional propellers because the pitch is too coarse at very low speeds, the engine cannot achieve its full revolutions and therefore full thrust is not achievable.
AUTOPROP
DOWNLOAD OUR BROCHURE
The Autoprop brochure describes in some detail the unique benefits that you will obtain after you have fitted one to your vessel.
If, between the brochure and this website, you find yourself still with unanswered questions, please do not hesitate to contact us using any of the methods on the contact page.
AUTOPROP
DISCOVER OUR MODELS
H20
Propellers Diameters
330mm to 430mm or 13″ to 17″
Shaft Diameters
22mm to 30mm or 7/8″ to 1.25″
Power
For engine up to 40hp
H5
Propellers Diameters
380mm to 510mm or 15″ to 20″
Shaft Diameters
22mm to 35mm or 7/8″ to 1.5″
Power
For engine rated to 75hp
H6, H9 & H62
Propellers Diameters
470mm to 900mm or 19″ to 35″
Shaft Diameters
35mm to 75mm or 1.5″ to 3″
Power
For engine rated to 350hp
APS-H20
Propellers Diameters
330mm to 430mm or 13″ to 17″
- Suitable for all leading makes of saildrives.
- Rubber insert prevents shock loads being taken by the shafting in the saildrive leg.
- Double nut locking feature ensures secure fitting to saildrive leg.
APS-H5
Propellers Diameters
330mm to 510mm or 13″ to 20″
- Suitable for all leading makes of saildrives.
- Rubber insert prevents shock loads being taken by the shafting in the saildrive leg.
- Double nut locking feature ensures secure fitting to saildrive leg.
AUTOPROP
TESTIMONIALS FROM OUR CUSTOMERS
Nothing tells a products story better than owner’s own experiences and with Autoprop the message is one of satisfaction in every department: performance under sail, performance motor sailing, performance motoring, build quality and strength, and in our new green world, economy. One of Autoprops earliest and greatest supporters is Sir Chay Blyth who, in the ’90’s’ fitted all of his BT Challenge yachts with Autoprops. He summed up his Autoprop experience saying, “I can highly recommend Autoprop propellers to all sail boat owners who want the very best performance under power and sail.”
We have selected just a few of the many messages we’ve been sent by owners explaining why Autoprops provide all the benefits in the first paragraph and more. They also reflect the vast range of craft, from traditional wooden yachts to fast modern catamarans, that have all hugely benefited from fitting the unique Autoprop.
AUTOPROP REVIEW ON A COLVIC COUNTESS
AUTOPROP FITTING AND SERVICING
Fitting and servicing Autoprops could not be easier. When you receive your Autoprop it comes ready assembled and one nut is all it takes to secure it to your yacht.
Servicing is just as simple, with routine cleaning for ballbearing types and cleaning and greasing for rollerbearing types being all that is needed when the yacht is lifted. Unlike many of our competitors propellers all the wearing parts of an Autoprop are replaceable.
Listed below are fitting and maintenance instructions for all our models. They are in PDF format for easy viewing or downloading…
SAILDRIVE OWNERS MANUAL
SAILDRIVE VERSIONS BEARING REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS
SHAFT VERSIONS OWNERS MANUALS
SHAFT VERSIONS BEARING REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Take a look
OUR VIDEO HELP
FITTING A SHAFT DRIVE
FITTING TO A SAIL DRIVE
REMOVING AN AUTOPROP
Take a look
WHAT THE MAGAZINES SAY
Yacht Magazine
Voile Magazine
Vela e Motore
Yachting Monthly
Seil Magazine
