ST21 'Skinnydip' build, and boating adventures, Noosa, Australia

[cape man]

I knew something was amiss. Glad it's just a thang!

[Jeff]

Sorry GB about your prop but just glad you guys are safe!!!! Thank you Lee for the update!!!! Jeff

[OrangeQuest]

Yes, I don't post a lot but still troll a lot and happy/relieved all is well.

[glossieblack]

One again, many thanks for your kindly supportive messages gents. Humbling.

Jaysen, there is little documented evidence of folding or feathering props throwing a blade. That's their upside. The downside is that they rarely match the thrust efficiency of a fixed prop.

The Bruntons Autoprop breaks the mould because its self-pitching, which means despite changing conditions under power, it'd constantly adjusting to be near pitch perfect efficiency. When sailing without power, it feathers near perfectly. And when motor-sailing, it constantly re-pitches as dive from the sails varies. This is why I’ve loved it. When motor-sailing, it delivers about an extra half knot over equivalent sailboat with an efficient fixed prop, and an extra knot over hose with feathering or folding props.

Regrettably however, international boating forums reveal that Bruntons Autoprops have a nasty habit of throwing a blade, and the repair is almost as expensive as a new prop. Bruntons' line is that if an Autoprop throws a blade, it's either a result of prop trauma (e.g. hitting a log, picking up a commercial fishing longline or cray pot etc), or poor maintenance. I've meticulously maintained my Bruntons Autoprop, and there is no evidence of trauma in the stub axle of the thrown blade.

So it seems I'm heading for a dispute with Bruntons. The outcome I'll be seeking is that they meet me half way.

[cape man]

Hopefully it won't be a dispute and they quickly agree. You do now own a spare...

[jonnymac]

from someone who won against the anti-oyster coalition I think you’ll be successful. they should be happy to take yours back for testing and r&d.

[Fuzz]

I am guessing this was an expensive prop. I would think the manufacturer would want to make things right for their own good. If you have a high end part that does not hold up and the company does not honour their work I would think staying in business would be tuff.

[glossieblack]

Thanks cape man, jonnymac and Fuzz. Time will tell if Bruntons back their premium priced product.

The past couple of days offered us a low risk window of opportunity to work our way towards then cross the Noosa River bar into our home port of Noosa.

Low risk crossing the Noosa River bar for Great Sandy = daylight king tides + light to moderate sea state. Tick to both today.

We wanted to be home by Christmas, and there is another king tide window in two weeks time. But what will the sea state be?

So it was a case of not looking an early presenting gift horse in the mouth.

Anyway, we're back in our home port safe and snug after a very enjoyable three month cruise, and consider ourselves blessed.

Thanks to all who have been following our cruise.

[pee wee]

I've enjoyed following your trip, and making it home safely is always a good thing!

[Jeff]

Nice GB!! Glad you guys had a great trip!!! Jeff