Variprop Feathering Propellers are probabably the finest propellers in it's class with a number of features that are unique to them.

It combines the requirements of lower drag under sailing coupled with effective thrust under power in both forward and reverse mode. In the design and construction of Variprop the following are the main features:

• Each Variprop is supplied fully assembled and tested as a complete propeller ready to be fitted on to your shaft as a complete propeller. Most feathering propeller needs to be disassembled either partly or fully to be mounted on to your shaft. This often takes time and add costs and often impossible to remove under water in case of an emergency.
• In case of Sail Drives propellers, while changing Anodes for the Sail drive legs, it is easier for the Variprop to be removed as a complete propeller, a job even possible under water without risk of loosing a propeller part.
• Moreover as all  feathering propellers known to us are grease lubricated, the dismantling a feathering propeller under water would not be an easy job unless you can remove the propeller complete.
• Variprop will feather easily, thus reducing the drag under sail.
• Variprop blades have a wider design thus giving a larger blade area to create more thrust from your engine.
• Changing a Pitch in your Variprop is simple, it could simply be done from outside without any dismantling, very easy even under water by a diver. Caution: Remove your engine ignition key before diving near your propeller.  
• Each Variprop is fitted with a Patented Shock Absorber, which smoothen the thrust on the stops thus minimise noise and vibrations from the shaft.
• Variprop is the only feathering propeller in the World approved by Germinischer Llyods classification society. To our knowledge there is no other feathering propeller in the world approved by any other classification societies.
• Variprop 2, 3 and 4-blade feathering propellers have been officially approved by Yanmar Marine Japan for use in their Sail Drives. Currently, the Varifold 4-blade offers an effective and possibly the only viable solution for the larger Sail drive engines, which were often fitted with less than satisfactory propellers.
• Each Variprop is designed to have the shortest hub, thus is ideal for installation in Apertures.    

Please visit http://www.spw-gmbh.de/ for further details or e-mail us at sales@yardeng.com with any question you might have.

Why Variprop 4-blade ?

• Reduced blade loading thus reducing the risk of Cavitation, Noise and Vibration from your propeller.
• More reliable in motor sailing against head seas and strong head winds.
• More flexibility in fitting a suitable propeller in an Aperture.
• More blade area will produce more thrust and thus higher boat speed.
• There are some installations where the engine power is high for 3 –blade propeller that will fit in the available aperture.
• In installations where the Shaft rpm is too high, 4-blade will work better than 3-blade feathering propellers.

Highlights of Variprops

• Low drag – feathers under sailing without a shaft brake.
• Fitted like a fixed blade propeller on to your shaft and Sail drives.
• Only feathering propeller to have Type Approval from Germinischer Lloyds, ships classification society.
• All 2, 3 and 4-blade Variprops have been tested by Yanmar Marine Japan and approved for use in their Sail Drives.
• External Pitch adjustment – does not require any dismantling of Propeller Hub. Forward and Reverse Pitch adjustments are independent of each other.
• Integrated mechanical shock absorber reduces operating noise and substantially protects the Pitch stops against wear.
• Made of high strength nickel aluminium bronze.
• Unparallel precision German engineering.

SOME RECENT INSTALLATIONS:

• Warrick 50 Yacht / 23 tons -- Perkins 4.236 rated 72HP / 2500 rpm, R/R=2.0:1, 1.5 inch shaft -- 4 Blade VARIPROP DF112 -- 22 inch x 14 inch x 12 inch RH
• Grainger 48 Catamaran / 12 ton -- 2 x Yanmar 54HP / 3600 rpm Sail Drives -- 4 Blade Variprop 17 x 12 x 10 LH with special Yanmar Sail Drive Hub.
• Perry 57 Catamaran / 17 ton -- 2 x Yanmar 110 HP / 3200 rpm R/R=2.63:1. Fitted with 4-blade 23 x 18 x12 inch Variprop -- May 2009.
• Sea Cat 50Ft / 17 ton -- 2 x 110HP/3000 rpm Yanmar marine diesel R/R=1.93:1 fitted with 4-blade Variprop DF112-- 22 x 13 x 11 inch -- July 2009
• David Lyons design 47 Ft Yacht / 11 ton --1 x Yanmar 4JH2-TCE 62HP/3600 rpm sail drive R/R= 2.31:1 fitted with a 18 x 13 x 11 Variprop with Yanmar sail drive hub -- October 2009.

VARIPROFILE -- New Addition to the Variprop family :

The "VARIPROFILE" feathering propeller incorporates the hi-tec GAWN blade profile -- a first for sailing propellers that will enhance it's efficiency greatly while running much more quietly than others.

Highlights for the VARIPROFILE are:

• Hi-tec blades with GAWN profile
• Exceptional sailing characteristics
• Separate external pitch adjustments
• Robust construction with enclosed helical gearing for long life
• Interchangable Hub
• Easy mounting for average sailor
• Made of High Tensile NIBRAL-Bronze (Ice-class)
• CNC machined for highest precision
• Available in 2-blade and 3-blade versions up to 75HP diesels.
• Competitively priced due to large production volumes.

Please ask for brochures and reference list.

Your Australia and NZ distributors: 

Yard Engineering

Coomera Marine Precinct

Coomera, QLD 4209

Phone: 07-5529 7050
E-mail: yard@vicnet.net.au
Website: http://www.yardeng.com/