In The Spirit of Henry H.: Propelling Environmental Efficiency
Published: Thursday, August 1, 2019
By: Professionals of Henry H. Smith Co.
Looking after the environment is fundamental to responsible boating – simply put, we cannot enjoy the environment if we ruin it. To be environmentally conscientious, it is very important that our boats operate at their optimum, using as little fuel as possible while delivering the performance we desire. Marine drives, and especially propellers, play a key role in establishing this optimal balance.
Is the engine operating at the manufacturer’s design RPM?
It is important to make certain that your engine is operating at the optimal performance range, which is specific to each engine. The key measurement is defined by Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) at Wide Open Throttle (WOT) and the ideal operation is obtained when your engine runs “out of steam” just as you reach the WOT target. If you get there too easily, the engine is under-loaded and could easily over-rev. If it can’t get there, the engine may be overloaded, will not cruise well, and will struggle to get up onto plane because the RPM’s are too low and the engine is not operating within its ideal power-band.
One of the easiest ways to get your motor into this range is by changing your propeller. A pitch change modifies the distance your boat moves as the propeller rotates through the water. Cupping of the propeller blade’s trailing edge will also affect the water’s load on the engine. There are predictive modeling programs that can help you pick the correct propeller pitch, but the best results come from working with a propeller specialist - and your current, actual performance information - to achieve the optimal results.
What is your hull’s condition?
Nothing moves through the water as easily as a perfectly clean hull just after launch in the spring. As your boat sits in the water, it accumulates dirt and algae growth that in time will reduce your boat’s performance, taking more energy (fuel) to operate. Make certain all is clean and fair when it comes to your hull.
Is your underwater hardware in good condition?
Like a clean hull, damaged underwater hardware will cause turbulence, drag, and less-than-optimal boat performance. If this turbulence is in the path of your drive, it will also negatively impact the propeller’s efficiency and performance. Smooth and clean is fast and efficient!
Is your propeller condition affecting your boat’s performance?
A propeller that has nicks, dings, dents, and bends does not operate efficiently. These imperfections cause turbulence and vibration due to imbalance - dimensional, as well as weight imbalance - between blades. Reconditioning your propeller to operate efficiently will restore performance and ensure optimal operating efficiency, saving you fuel and minimizing your environmental impact.
Can I recycle my propeller?
It is easy to “go green” with your propeller. Often, there is enough material and integrity in a damaged propeller to recondition it to working condition. Sometimes a reconditioned propeller can work as well as it did when it was new. Other times it may be thin and missing diameter but can be brought back to a serviceable condition that is acceptable as a good spare propeller. Either way, these are green, environmentally-friendly alternatives for a damaged propeller.
Asking a few key questions and taking action where appropriate will ensure that you can enjoy a wonderful boating experience while minimizing your impact on the environment.
If you have questions, feel free to reach out at www.henrysmith.com.
Founded in Detroit by Henry H. and William H. Smith, the company continues to employ 3rd and 4th generation members of the family, carrying on a legacy established in 1900 - to be your Marine Drive Specialists.
This article first appeared in the Summer Issue (Jul/Aug) 2019 of Great Lakes Scuttlebutt magazine.
tags: Environmental Impact, Propellers, Service & Repair
