The Kiwi Feather Prop is now available as the result of a long and careful development program that was designed to bring new levels of performance and value to the sailor who wishes to retain the known benefits of a fixed three bladed propeller, for motoring and maneuverability, but at the same time minimise drag under all sailing conditions.

Traditionally feathering props have blades geared together, to ensure that they line up with the shaft, when feathered. However the shaft rarely lines up with the water flow, thus increasing drag. With a typical inboard engine the shaft will be angled down at 10 to 15 degrees and the hull sloping up at say 5 to 10 degrees, so the shaft may be 15 to 25 degrees off the water flow. Hence auto-rotation and the need for shaft locks etc. Then there is 5 to 10 degrees of leeway and surging sideways in big waves.

In the Kiwi-Feather Prop the individual blades are free to "weather" vane in the water flow, so don't rotate, which is the proof that the blades are not fighting the water flow

This three bladed feathering propeller has proved much smoother and quieter in operation than the equivalent two bladers, but the big plus is holding up the boat speed in rough weather against the wind, enabling a quicker journey home or to shelter.