I have a fixed blade propeller, what is the advantage of fitting an Autostream self-feathering propeller?
Compared to a conventional fixed 3 blade propeller the Autostream will have around a knot less drag under sail, similar performance under power and improved reversing with “prop walk” virtually eliminated in most cases. The turbulence created by a fixed blade propeller, being dragged through the water, can affect the laminar flow over the rudder blade resulting in vague feel at the tiller. Depending on the proximity of the propeller to the rudder this can be quite dramatic. Fitting an Autostream propeller will allow the sailboat to comfortably sail a course closer to the wind. Similarly compared to a fixed 2-blade propeller the drag would be around 0.5 of a knot less under sail.
