

They are generally less expensive than other types of propellers, which may contribute to their popularity. Three-bladed propellers are some of the most common props for all three of the main boat engine types. Though 2-bladed propellers are sometimes used as well, they are primarily limited to trolling motors and small secondary motors on sailboats. In this section, we’ll take a look at 3- through 6-bladed propellers. Propellers are sometimes divided into types by the number of blades they have. They also can produce pollution if the hydraulic oil leaks into the water.
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They are challenging and costly, both to install and to repair. They are highly fuel-efficient since they can be adapted to different environmental and load conditions.ĭespite all of their benefits, controllable-pitch propellers have some drawbacks as well. They are a good choice for boats that will be carrying a wide variety of loads, as the prop angle can be adjusted to maintain a consistent speed no matter the weight being carried.
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These controls are made possible by hydraulic components on the shaft.Ĭontrollable-pitch propellers are most often used with motors that have a fixed speed or those used by professional boaters. Controllable-Pitch PropsĪs the name suggests, controllable-pitch propellers can be controlled and adjusted based on changing water and weather conditions.Īdjusting these types of propellers changes their angle, which produces varying amounts of power. If you are a professional or competitive boater, you may need something a little more flexible, such as a controllable-pitch propeller. The main drawback of fixed-pitch props is that they aren’t as maneuverable as some other propeller types. They are attached directly to the shaft, which makes them easy to install and use.įixed-pitch blades are some of the most durable, they are also easy to repair if they do sustain damage. Since they are fixed in place, these types of propellers don’t require a hydraulic system or other mechanical setup to work. They are sturdy, damage-resistant, and relatively inexpensive. In a fixed-pitch propeller, the blades and other dimensions of the prop are firmly set, or fixed, in place–they cannot be adjusted.įixed-pitched propellers are the most common type of boat prop. As Discover Boating puts it, “Propeller pitch is the distance the propeller would move forward in one rotation if it were moving through a soft solid-think of a screw being turned into wood.” Pitch refers to the distance the prop moves in a single rotation.

Let’s start by taking a look at the two main styles of boat propeller. Boat propellers are divided into different types based on three specific categories: the prop style, number of blades, and materials used to make it.
