When motoring ahead, as the propeller starts to rotate, the blades weather vane around to the pitch stop, where they are then held in the preset pitch position to generate forward thrust. Upon disengaging the motor, the unit automatically reverts to the sailing status described above.

When reverse is engaged, the blade carrying assembly feels the torque from the water. This winds up the internal spring, thus allowing the small rollers on the mushroom end to force and lock each blade back to the ahead position. The whole unit then starts to rotate in reverse and effectively operates as a fixed three bladed unit, thus delivering optimal reversing performance. At the end of the reversing cycle, the spring returns the unit to the normal sailing status.

These units have now been tested and developed over many years in real life situations in Auckland, home of the America’s Cup, where they are fast becoming the propeller of choice. They are now available to yacht owners everywhere with the direct customer access that the internet and international air courier facilities provide.

The Kiwi Feather Prop brings a truly innovative set of values to yacht owners and designers striving to get the very best all round motoring, reversing, and sailing performance for their vessel.