Sailing NVvideo
Prop SECRETS that are saving our engine upgrade | S2 Ep 64
August 3, 2025 · 24 min · 6K views · South China Sea
What this video covers
The crew of the Open 66 *NV* is upgrading their engine and sail drive, requiring a modification of their J-Prop propeller to fit the new ZF sail drive shaft.0:07 Because the J-Prop features a modular two-part construction, the crew can retain the main propeller unit while sending only the inner core—including the shock-absorbing shaft cover, nut 11, conic bolt 6, and a tapered conic spacer—to the manufacturer in Italy for adaptation.6:46 This inner core uses seven elastomer rings to dampen vibration and protect the gearbox by acting as sacrificial fuses if the propeller strikes debris.7:18 The design allows for zero-play fitting to specific shaft brands, such as Yamaha or Lombardini, which often have slight dimensional variations despite identical nominal sizes.14:31 Additionally, the propeller allows for manual pitch adjustment underwater, which can serve as an emergency backup if the gearbox fails.18:00 The crew shipped the components via DHL from Kota Kinabalu to ensure the new assembly maintains a precise, vibration-free fit.20:59
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