Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by HarleyFXDL on 01/14/10 - 12:12 PM

Has anyone heard of this?

http://www.abc.net.au/tv/newinventors...736928.htm

I'm not if it really works, but I would not stick my hand in there. Can't see how it wouldn't hurt performance.

Edited by Tom W Clark on 01/14/10 - 12:30 PM

Posted by HarleyFXDL on 01/14/10 - 1:02 PM

I have to agree Tom. A hunk of metal spinning at 2000-3000 RPM's, no matter the shape, is bound to do some damage.

Posted by Tig on 01/14/10 - 6:04 PM

As he says, the key is the rounded shape of the edge. Makes it seem like a circle when approached from the side. Quite a bit safer for anything that strikes you at very low speed from the side. An example of such a strike would be... uhm...uhhhh... Well, I can't think of any apart from what was demonstrated. Someone help me out with another example. :)

Edited by Tig on 01/14/10 - 6:06 PM

Posted by Tom W Clark on 01/14/10 - 6:12 PM

The cross section of the blade's leading edge may be circular, but so is a baseball bat. You can tap your cleats with a bat and it's not going to hurt; take a full swing, and it will.

The video shows a propeller spinning out of the water at idle speeds. Big deal.

A boat cruising at a typical 4000 RPM with a motor that has a 2:1 gear ratio will have it propeller spinning 2000 RPM. The blade tip of a 14" diameter prop will be traveling about 84 MPH.

I don't care if the leading edge is rounded or not, it is going to hurt.

Posted by CES on 01/14/10 - 8:22 PM

The Safety Propeller seems to me that it could serve a purpose for when the engine is in gear and idling. If a careless operator starts the engine and puts it in gear while people were still climbing into the boat via a stern ladder, I can see the potential for this to be less painful if it came in contact with someone than if they were hit by a regular propeller. However at higher RPMs as mentioned above, the Safety Propeller going to cause some damage.