Saildrive Propellers Explained

Saildrive propeller are becoming more common on sailboats. In this video King Propulsion explains why these propellers exist, why the hubs the propellers are so chunky and how to service and maintain them.
The video shows 3 hub types from the Bruntons range of sailboat propellers in particular Autoprop and Varifold. For more information visit www.kingpropulsion.com

[@FlesHBoX]

Came here from the OKellys. Lots of information on this channel from the look of it. Definitely going to spend some binge time!

[@mikecrockett3669]

Great info. Thank you.

[@tommykallberg]

Sorry to hear apropeffesional not understanding the reason for the rubber propeller hub in the saildrive propeller. The main reason is to protect the aluminium drive from the galvanic corrosion adding a bronze propeller on the common shaft. Just a zink anode on the drive are not capable of protecting the drive. Especially if the zinc gets passivated or reduced in size because of age. All these propellers need to be electrically isolated. No electrical connection between the internal splines and the hub. Easily checked with a multi meeter.

[@spelunkerd]

That's a good point, I always wondered how these are electrically isolated. As yo say it must be the most important reason for the rubber. That said, I suspect the rubber/elastomeric parts also have a dampening quality, much like a harmonic balancer in a car.

[@Steve-qn8gn]

This is largely false with respect to hitting something. What will happen when you hit something is the vertical shaft going down from the gasket stopping water from getting into the boat will take the brunt of the impact. The last item to be impacted will be the prop. The explanation this guy gave is completely erroneous.