Across the Atlantic with an Autoprop

Autoprop has been around since the early 1990’s and it is true to say that the vast majority have been fitted to sailing yachts but, there are excellent reasons for more to be fitted to displacement motor boats as well.

Consider the case of this pretty little French trawler style yacht whose owner is preparing to take her across the Atlantic, as one contestant in a fleet of identical yachts, to see who can get there using the least fuel.
With most contestants probably using the standard fixed propeller this contestant, who was dissatisfied with the fixed props performance, has been looking for ways in which he can really make a difference.
His search took him to our French agents Wenex who advised an Autoprop. Although at the time of writing full trials have not yet been completed the Autoprop is already proving its worth. The owner reports to reach the hull speed of 6 knots he now only uses 1200rpm compared with the 1500rpm required by the fixed propeller. The vessel is not stopped so easily when driving into a head sea, a result of the propellers unique ability to ‘autopitch’ to suite conditions, and the fuel consumption at 3.2 litres per hour is less than the manufacturers’ expectations for the boat with a standard propeller.
French Trawler Transatlantic

We will have updates as the trip progresses. Obviously we wish him every success on his crossing.