I've made my thoughts on this very clear in a recent thread -- I'd buy the
traditional MaxProp three blade in a second and never look back. I'd also
consider going an inch or two smaller in diameter (and up in pitch) since
you're not near square and a principal contributor to noise and vibration is
blade to hull distance -- every half inch counts.

You say, "other than knowing that I needed an 18x14" -- if you "know" the
exact prop for a boat that has yet to be launched, you're more confident
than I would be. There are all sorts of uncertainties, including weight of
stuff varying from local cruising to voyaging. The MaxProp is, as you know,
adjustable pitch. While they make one that can be easily adjusted
underwater, it's more money, and even the traditional one can be adjusted
underwater if you have good hands.

Of course, the MaxProp is made in Italy, and you've owned a Ferrari. PYI,
however, are great, and stock everything you might need, which is one reason
I'm probably going with Python Drive rather than AquaDrive.


--
Jim Woodward
www.mvFintry.com


..
"Glenn Ashmore" wrote in message
news:aFTqb.10767$62.6354@lakeread04...
OK, the engine arrives next week. Everything is in readiness. The
Aquadrive thrust bearing is in place and the shaft and coupling are on
but I find I have some extra shaft aft of the strut. It will be a
simple matter to pull the shaft, chop off a couple of inches and mill a
new keyway. Much easier to do before the engine is installed. BUT
then there is the little matter of prop to hull clearance.

Other than knowing that I needed an 18x14 prop I was not going to decide
on a make just yet but there are some major dimension differences
between prop makes. I am wavering between the Maxprop, the Martec
Autostream and the Gori 3 blade. I can chop as much as I want of for
the Gori because the blades are way aft of the shaft nut but the
Autostream has a lot less room to play with and the Maxprop even less.

SO I am looking for feedback on these 3 props. I am fairly familiar
with the Maxprop but does anyone have experience with the Gori or the
Autostream? I am leaning towards the Gori but it is a fixed pitch and
if I get it wrong it has to go back to Denmark to get adjusted. There
is a $1K spread in prices to be considered too.


--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com