Wood Prop

[Boston]

seems like even if there is a density difference between air and water it still might be possible to make a wood prop for a boat. The video shows a guy who can make one with a chisel a grinder and some sand paper.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amffB8rCYns

so sure it might end up being a disposable prop but if you've got all day anyway and just goofing off on board it seems like it might be a viable pastime

this guy takes it to the next level

http://www.nmine.com/handmade.htm

and then I moved onto actual boat props

http://www.mission-base.com/pedal-power/pp_prop1.html

and this article begins to touch on the issue that I think might kill the idea which is that cavitation of an improperly made prop would destroy the wood in about an instant

http://www.woodenpropeller.com/Basic...Materials.html

but still I'm curious if anyone has experimented with low speed large diameter wood props for small boats
ok really small boats with low power requirements like pedal boats or trolling motors

cheers
B

[gonzo]

All the first propellers had wooden blades.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propeller
http://books.google.com/books?id=jmY...peller&f=false

[PAR]

Wooden boat props have an assorted set of unnecessary issues, that are easily eliminated with inert materials such as metals and plastics. I've made some wooden props, while experimenting with trolling motor blades to improve efficiency and speed on small displacement craft. Naturally, once I landed on a shape that worked, I made 'glass mold and now cast the props with impeccable accuracy, no rot, splitting, checking, soft leading edges, moisture gain and these epoxy props can be easily repaired, by putting them back in the mold and recasting in a new leading edge or what ever.