HYDRALIGN Feathering Propellers

Operation

Operational Efficiency
Feathering and Adjustability
Simplicity of Adjustments

Operation Efficiency

Hydralign achieves optimal operational efficiency through its wide range of easily adjusted blade pitches to suit the shape, weight and engine capacity of each craft.

A 3 blade propeller is usually recommended for cruising yachts for its efficiency and smoothness of operation. Aperture models are available in 3 blade only.

For racing yachts 2 blades are preferred, primarily because a 2 blade propeller can be locked in a vertical position. This minimises drag where the propeller shaft exits the hull in an angled down position.

Feathering & Adaptability

The Hydralign propeller is feathered by simply stopping shaft rotation. The method will vary depending on the type of gearbox in use.

For hydraulic gearboxes: stop the engine with the clutch engaged.
For mechanical gearboxes: engage the clutch after stopping the motor while moving forward.

Shifting to forward or reverse gear automatically re-sets the blade pitch for drive.

The Propeller in working form

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Simplicity of Adjustment

The pitch angle of the Hydralign self-feathering propeller can be adjusted in three easy steps:

Remove the pinion body from the drive collar which is held in place by eight stainless steel screws.
Remove the adjusting pinion, rotate it the required amount of increments on the spline (in the same direction as the shaft rotation for an increase in pitch or reverse for a decrease). Each spline increment represents a pitch angle adjustment of 1.125 degrees on the Senior Hydralign propeller and 1.75 on the Junior model.
Replace the pinion body, set the blade in its working position and tighten the remaining fastening screws.

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