Darglow Max-Prop Propellers

Italian Max-Prop range. 2, 3, 4 & 5 blade automatic self-feathering low drag propellers

Darglow is pleased to be UK distributor for Max-Prop, low drag propellers. Since starting production in the 1970’s Max-Prop has proven itself on racing and cruising boats around the world. With over 65,000 propellers in the water, the Max-Prop is tested daily in the harshest conditions and has established itself as a world-leading propeller suitable for use on the smallest to largest yachts. The combination of low drag, outstanding reverse power, efficient forward performance and fail safe design makes Max-Prop the ideal Sailboat propeller on the market today. Now with the introduction of the ECOWIND, Max-Prop has taken a revolutionary step forward in the propulsion of sailboats.

Features

LOW DRAG:

Under sail the Max-Prop will increase sailing speed by about 15%, the largest difference being noticed when sailing in light airs. When sailing with a fixed propeller the vessel has to overcome the fixed blade drag, installing a Max-Prop maximizes sailing performance.

RELIABILITY:

Max-Prop uses a “differential” type design so all blades open in unison in forward or reverse. The extraordinary reliability has made it an overwhelming choice for long range cruisers.

GREAT REVERSE:

The Max-Prop provides 80% greater reverse power than a comparable fixed blade propeller. In reverse the blades rotate 180° in 3/4 turn of the shaft giving the Prop the same efficiency in reverse as in forward.

ADJUSTABILITY:

The pitch is adjustable on all Max-Props. This allows you to optimize the propeller pitch to the engine to achieve maximum efficiency.

Classic 2 and 3 blade

• Original design, over 35,000 sold
• 30 years of proven performance
• 30 years of unequalled reliability
• Very low drag
• Outstanding reverse
• Internal 2 degree pitch adjustment
• Smoother operation with the 3 blade
• Greater thrust with the 3 blade

Ecowind 4 blade

• All the features of the VP & Classic, plus
• Higher speeds for a given RPM
• Much lower fuel consumption
• Extended range under power
• Better acceleration
• Less engine noise at cruising speed
• Reduced shock load to the drivetrain
• Easy one piece installation
• Adjustable fine tuning dial

Variable Pitch VP 3 and 4 blade

• All the features of the Classic and more
• External adjustment
• Fine 1 degree pitch adjustment
• No special tools required to adjust pitch
• Smooth and efficient under power
• Legendary Max-Prop reverse performance
• Improved thrust with the 4 blade
• Quieter operation with the 4 blade
• One piece installation on the 4 blade

Saildrive

• Max-Prop Saildrive With the worldwide acceptance and use of SailDrives, Prop developed both a two and three blade which adapts to a spline of the drive unit with no modifications.
• The user will experience the same advantages as a classic Max Prop, low drag, superior forward propulsion and unsurpassed reverse power.
• The SailDrive Max-Prop is adaptable to the Volvo, Yanmar, ZF and Bukh Saildrive legs.
• Propellers for Yanmar SailDrive’s are equipped with a dampened hub, that exceed Yanmar’s requirements.

MP Easy

Same benefits as 3 & 4 blade VP but simple pitch adjustment through replacement calibrated screws leading to reduced cost

5 Blade Whisper

Max-Prop Whisper’ is a 5 bladed feathering propeller. The Whisper has the same advantages of the Classic model and works as the Easy model with the external pitch regulation with calibrated screws. This prop is probably the quietest feathering propeller on the market.

2 Blade Classic Max-Prop Instruction Manual

3 Blade Classic Max-Prop Instruction Manual

3 Blade VP Max-Prop Instruction Manual

Easy Max-Prop Instruction Manual

Fast Generation 2 Max-Prop Instruction Manual

Low RPM Max-Prop Instruction Manual (Coming Soon)

Removing a Max-Prop 3 Blade Instruction Sheet

Pitch Change

The pitch on a Max-Prop changes according to the diameter of the propeller and the blades rotation angle.the table below shows the pitches in millimeters corresponding to the degree of blades angle for a given propeller diameter.

Diameter and pitch calculation

Diameter and pitch must be calculated as if Max-Prop were a normal fixed propeller. Max-Prop offers the great advantage of pitch adjustability in order to optimise the performance of the propeller. Reducing the blade angle αf the propeller does not reach the desired RPM; increasing the blade angle α if, on the contrary, the engine exceeds the desired RPM. A two degrees change in blade angle will change the engine RPM by about 15%, at the same boat speed. The adjustment of angle α and therefore pitch, is done when the propeller is assembled on the shaft. To obtain the different angles you have to follow the assembly instruction.