Story by Harris & Ellis / July 3, 2023
Author: David Harris, President Harris & Ellis Yachts
It used to be that you had a choice of folding prop or fixed prop. Folding props optimize sailing performance, particularly in light air, perhaps by as much as half a knot over fixed props. However, they’re not as powerful as fixed props in reverse gear or for stopping. The good news is that there’s now a third option. Feathering props, with variable pitch, offer better efficiency under sail without sacrificing control under power.
That said, fixed props still win for ruggedness. If your prop hits something, there will likely be more damage to a folding or feathering prop because of the mechanical components.