Dear Axiom Propellers,

Having now done just over 80 hours running on our new Axiom prop I thought I would give you our report, BRILLIANT. Shaft noise, GONE. Prop noise, GONE. Rudder vibration, reduced by 90%. Noise and vibration inside of the boat almost nil. Where previously I would need to clear the prop and shaft of rubbish quite frequently, I only needed to clear once in 24 days cruising (plastic bag on prop shaft not the prop.)

The actual handling of the boat is like having a different boat, the improvement is so Great.

Yours, a very satisfied customer

"All in all we are delighted with our Axiom prop and although it's more expensive than a conventional screw I believe its a good investment.

On the basis of our experience I understand our boat builder intends fitting Axiom props as standard in future.

I decided to fit an Axiom propeller to our new boat in order to try and reduce the propeller noise experienced on with our previous boat. I am pleased to say that the performance has been very good and the propeller is quiet and produces a smooth flat straight wash. This indicates to me that the propeller is operating more efficiently than a conventional one. Astern thrust is good and the boat stops quickly with less 'prop walk' than experienced in the past.

My perception is that it is also less prone to problems with fouling from weed, plastic bags, etc. in that it seems to clear itself. I fitted a weed cutter to the prop shaft this winter and in the 5 months we have been cruising this summer I have only had to lift the weed hatch about 3 times. I am very pleased with the performance of the Axiom propellor fitted to our new boat."

"1. Stopping - there is definitely an improvement both in stopping distance and stopping in a straight line. This was more noticeable on the Thames and in deeper water, although still evident to a lesser extent on the canals. There is still some 'canal effect' particularly on the Oxford but much less than previously.

2. Reversing - amazing improvement. It goes in a straight line. I am comparing a 3 blade with a 4 blade so I am not sure if a 'normal' three blade would have been better than the 4 blade, but very impressed.

3. Normal Cruising - I seemed to be running at lower revs for the same speed."

"We are currently on the Trent with our boat and the reduction in diameter has proved to be spot on. Having topped up with fuel our consumption has returned to normal. As you know we fitted an Axiom prop to our 57 ft narrowboat almost a year ago and have run it for about 360 hours. Our time has been spent on both rivers and canals including a trip up the tidal Thames. The main improvements that I have noticed over the original screw are:-

1. Tiller response is more precise and is immediate

2. Stopping power has improved to the extent that you can see the bow dip when reverse is engaged in a hurry.

3. The amount of wander in reverse has decreased.

4. Prop wash is negligible and appears as turning water rather than disturbed white water.

5. Prop noise has decreased and the previous singing that was experienced has been eliminated."

The boat is definitely different:  the rudder seems steadier and my initial impression was that I was getting a slightly greater speed for given engine rpm. However, speed trials upstream and downstream (to eliminate the effect of the current) indicated that top speed was only about 0.1 mph above previous at 6.3 mph; this could also be because of the clean bottom, and is within instrument error, so it is difficult to be conclusive. Maximum engine speed is now higher by 150 rpm, i.e. 2,950 rpm at full throttle. Noise and vibration at cruising speed (2,000 rpm) seem to be much improved, with a much smoother overall ride. Propeller wash seems less, though overall boat wash seems about the same (it was difficult to judge). It was difficult to run a lengthy trial because it involved breaking the Thames speed limit slightly - I limited the run to one minute once a steady speed was achieved. Repeated trials in other parts of the river should yield a more reliable result.

It is in manoeuvring that the propeller comes into its own. The paddle-wheel effect is much reduced and the boat stops very much quicker and, of course, almost in a straight line. Initial trials indicate stopping in 10 seconds from full ahead, but I will be repeating the exercise to ensure consistent results. She also seems to accelerate better. Running astern, she achieved 3.5 mph and - shock of shocks - is now steerable under stern way. Coming alongside is a dream, though I did like a challenge before!  In all my experience with single screw craft, this is the best behaviour I have ever encountered.

In summary, I am absolutely delighted with the new propeller and thought you would welcome the feedback. You are welcome to use my comments how you wish - I have over 50 years experience of handling boats, and have a degrees in both Mechanical and Marine Engineering." 

Regards

Lieutenant Commander Carr
BSc MSc CEng MIMechE Royal Navy

The older of our two boats at our Ratho branch, just outside Edinburgh, has always been popular with our skippers because of its manoeuvrability and clean passage through the water. Its one drawback however was the need to use high engine speeds in reverse to have any hope of slowing down and stopping. A much more common requirement with the increase in hire boat traffic but worrying to some of our passengers when they hear the louder engine noise. Since fitting an Axiom propeller we are constantly being surprised at the power available in reverse. Stopping is no longer a problem. Learning the new delicacy of touch in reverse to avoid stopping too soon is the new problem but one we are happily coming to terms with.

Our thanks to Alan and David for all their help.

Beta Engine 43 Hp @ 2800 rpm, Hydraulic motor and pump, 1 1/4" - 1:12, Axiom fitted 14 x 28

Seagull Trust Cruises

Seagull Trust Cruises is a charity offering free cruises on Scottish canals to people with disabilities and special needs.

Just to let you know, as I said at the time you have made a real difference, I am not good with words, but I do understand engineering matters and I will happily say all the priciple beifits you promised were spot on, with some other undefined benifits as well. Mainly confidance, I can now criuse knowing we can stop quicker, pass moored boats without disturbance, create less bow wave and rear prop wash wave benifiting the banks, less vibration and prop pulse and lastly, increased response in turning at higher speeds, I do not understand that one but it seems true.

I really would like to see you prosper, the best inventions are very often British, its what we are good at, just make sure no one else benefits. I will be going out over Whitsun and will have a better chance to evaluate then, but first impressions are very good. Money well spent.

"The main advantages seem to be;

(a) fuel saving - we are running at about 200 rpm below previous, for the same speed.

(b) very much reduced, almost non-existent wash.

(c) far less vibration, which has enabled me to leave the rudder for around 15 seconds, on calm days.

(d) much easier steering, even my wife, who hated steering, enjoys the odd twiddle at the tiller.

(e) improved handling when moving astern.

(f) improved sustainability, when encountering leaves and other such obstructions in the canal. Just stop the propeller for a few seconds, and away you go again.

(g) far fewer visits to the weed hatch.

(h) much stronger profile when encountering logs in the propeller, leading to a damage-free propeller.

Overall, I am very happy with the performance of the Axiom, especially the keen brakes I now have!"

It has a canoe stern, is 36 feet in length and is fitted with a Beta 28Hp 3-cylinder engine. Due to limited space in the engine compartment, we were unable to have a flexi-drive fitted, so there has always been some vibration when moving. The vibration has now almost totally gone and she travels smoothly and quietly through the water. The handling has improved in all respects and the wake has noticeably reduced. She now stops within one boat length when traveling at about 3 mph.

Manoeuvering has improved in all respects. Reversing in particular is now controlled rather than luck! Also, when 'winding' I can turn on her axis anti-clockwise, as well as clockwise. When under power, acceleration is equally smooth in both forward and reverse. Our mooring at Shardlow are canal side and require reversing into with little room for error, particularly when boats are moored opposite on the towing path and there is a wind blowing down the cut. The control is now smooth, immediate and accurate. It is a considerable improvement, in particular as the water is shallow at this point.

As you can see, we are very satisfied with our investment in an Axiom Propeller."

"It is in manoeuvring that the propeller comes into its own. The paddle-wheel effect is much reduced and the boat stops very much quicker and, of course, almost in a straight line.  Initial trials indicate stopping in 10 seconds from full ahead, She also seems to accelerate better.  Running astern, she achieved 3.5 mph and - shock of shocks - is now steerable under stern way.

Coming alongside is a dream, though I did like a challenge before!  In all my experience with single screw craft, this is the best behaviour I have ever encountered.

In summary, I am absolutely delighted with the new propeller and thought you would welcome the feedback."

"We took the boat up to 2000 rpm and all we can hear is the smooth running of the engine, no cavitation through the whole rev range. It also appears to move faster in the water at tickover and proportionately so throughout the rev range.

There is no tiller vibration or tiller pulsing. There is no prop walk. The boat reverses in a straight line, and stops in a straight line. The bow wave has virtually disappeared

There is reduced wash at the stern. The boat stops within its own length.

Travelling at 1600 rpm, the boat stopped in less than its own length."

Enjoy your coffee

"Hello Axiom.

YES, having had the Axiom Propeller fitted to my narrow boat, at long last. I would like to tell you that right from the off in moving my boat back to the marina everything has improved for the best.

Let me tell you what you already know. Smoother, better stopping, better handling all round, but the thing that is really noticeable is lower engine revs required in obtaining forward travelling speed compared to the original propeller that was fitted to my boat.

Have had a few people approach me that had seen the propeller being fitted, they said they know of your product, but did say I must have more money than sense. I will now have to find them so they can try it out on a boat that now has an Axiom propeller fitted to it.

Once again guys. many thanks for your superb product, and if anyone asks if it really does as it says on the tin, I shall be letting them know the truth.

Yours faithfully, a happy narrow boat owner ..."

Dear David

You asked to give you feedback on your propeller on my boat. This took a very long time, but I spent quite a long time on the boat of our son coming from Holland to Finland. So the experience with the new propeller needed some time.

First and major thing is that the boat goes now steady, I do not need to steer to the left and right all the time. This adds quite a bit to the pleasure of boating. The engine runs smoothly, maybe I do not reach right to the top speed like with the old propeller, but that is not needed anyway. The new propeller gives excellent manouvering capability in harbour, stopping, reversing.

About the consumption I do not have enough data to judge it. With the optimal revolution of 2600-2800 rpm, the speed is comfortably 6,8-7,4 knots, which is fine and the consumption of the engine is low.

As a summary, the new propeller was worth buying.