Variable Pitch Props.
 

Are these any good? Longevity, Performance, etc?

Seems like were made for few years, but then dropped (Mercury Power 2, Land & Sea,...). Have been looking at a couple (19 to 25 pitch) for a 21' Interceptor with a 360 Hp 383, but concerned how will perform & hold up. Have heard some had problems.

Re: Variable Pitch Props.
 

It's a great theory, the variable pitch prop. The problem is there is a lot packed into the diameter of a prop hub. Reliability is an issue and it gets worse with the more horsepower you put to it.

I would plan on a good stainless steel prop that will last a long time.

Matt

Re: Variable Pitch Props.
 

Years back I tried a Land and Sea on my 21' Liberator. They had a 30 FREE trial. Worked great...when it worked right :( . Shifting was unreliable at best. Sent it back on day 29.
Did find the water in which I boat is too dirty and the shift mechanism would get gritty and not work properly. Cleaning and lubing got you another hour or two of proper operation. Too high maintenance for me. Top end was the same , but the hole shot was geatlty improved :cool:

Re: Variable Pitch Props.
 

Thanks guys.
Any info on the Mercury brand, or are they all pretty much the same?

Re: Variable Pitch Props.
 

Mercury dropped them a number of years back. I don't remember the exact year but it was a long time ago. I was working in the service department at the time and received numerous calls complaining of the operation of the prop failing. It was a spring and cam action that when dirty, as stated before, wouldn't work well. This became a real hassle on outboard application with through hull exhaust. Anyway, we canceled production of the prop and parts. As the replacement parts went away. So did the props. Finding parts now is near impossible.

Re: Variable Pitch Props.
 

I suppose the cavition inducing vented prop hubs as used on the Maximus and some Mirage plus (?) props sort of do the same thing. The exhaust gasses being pushed through the hub openings induces cavitation at low speed to allow the prop/motor to spin up to its maximum torque level and boost the hole shot of the boat. Doesn´t work if your boat doesn´t run a thru prop exhaust, does it!?

Re: Variable Pitch Props.
 

I have been working on redesigning a B1 lower unit with a hydraulic variable pitch system simular to aircraft or ship variable pitch. It's still in the autocad drawing stage and there are still obstacles to overcome. The complexity and expense of the lower unit may make it a dead issue but wouldn't it be great if...................