If you like to drive a high-performance car on the road, then you will be looking for good levels of performance whenever you take to the water as well. While there are many ways to increase the performance of your boat, you may be able to make significant strides by focusing on the propeller. What should you be looking at in your quest for speed at sea?
Several Benefits
Although you may not know it, the performance, specification and position of your propeller can make a huge difference in how you move through the water. You may find that once they gather a variety of different readings from your current setup, a marine engineer may be able to tune the propeller to give you dramatic results. In addition, you may find that you get a smoother ride, less vibration and higher fuel efficiency as well. All in all, well worth the attention.
Current Configuration
To begin with, you need to gather as much data as possible to find out if the current prop is ideal for the task at hand. As you may know, there are many different designs and configurations, and you should not automatically assume that the setup you have now is ideal. Much may also depend on what you use the boat for and how many people you tend to carry on a given day.
Precise Alterations
The engineer will then have a much closer look by examining the propeller with various instruments. They may decide to alter the shape or contours of each blade to a very precise degree using special tools and computer programs as the guide. This is highly technical and sensitive work as it is important to retain the integrity of the material. If it is overstressed, then it may have a shorter life once it is reattached.
Removing Inconsistencies
With this approach, inconsistencies in the current propeller will be quickly identified and adjusted. This will ensure that you reduce as much drag as possible once the boat is placed back into the water, and you may be amazed at the end result.
Try This First
So before you spend a considerable amount of money on a major engine rebuild or upgrade, talk with engineers about the prop shaft. They'll be able to determine its efficiency and suggest how certain alterations may be all that you need. Remember, minor adjustments may be able to return major improvements.