K2MSmith
Sustaining Member
I have a Martec prop which the previous owner had cleaned/refurbished not too long before I purchased the boat. See photo. I believe it would be the 2-blade "elliptical" type. (not sure of the exact "mark" number).
From the Martec site, there it not that much information on use. I am wondering if I should keep the boat "in gear" when the motor is off when I am sailing (either in "forward" or "reverse" as opposed to "neutral" ?). Is there anything I should do to facilitate opening/unfolding the prop when going into reverse ? I realize that the prop opens by centrifugal force so perhaps it doesn't matter, but I do notice some shaft vibration in reverse that I don't notice in forward gear - but maybe a characteristic of these props (?).
There are a note on the Martec site under "Racing":
"Manually rotate the shaft to the best sailing position, where the previously marked pivot pin is vertical"
My prop shaft doesn't appear to be easily accessible, but I'll have to check to see if this is marked. I assume you would have to do this rotation when the transmission is in "neutral".
From the Martec site, there it not that much information on use. I am wondering if I should keep the boat "in gear" when the motor is off when I am sailing (either in "forward" or "reverse" as opposed to "neutral" ?). Is there anything I should do to facilitate opening/unfolding the prop when going into reverse ? I realize that the prop opens by centrifugal force so perhaps it doesn't matter, but I do notice some shaft vibration in reverse that I don't notice in forward gear - but maybe a characteristic of these props (?).
There are a note on the Martec site under "Racing":
"Manually rotate the shaft to the best sailing position, where the previously marked pivot pin is vertical"
My prop shaft doesn't appear to be easily accessible, but I'll have to check to see if this is marked. I assume you would have to do this rotation when the transmission is in "neutral".