When choosing a sailboat propeller, there are many things to consider. Several types are available and, with some research, a sailor can be certain he selects the best one possible to suit his own needs. Because each prop type offers various advantages and disadvantages, deciding amongst them can be perplexing. Lets look at the options…

Folding and feathering propellers, often referred to as low-drag, can offer a dramatic increase in speed under sail. Replacing the original fixed propeller with a low-drag prop will usually give the best performance gain per pound compared to other possible acquisitions such as sail or rig modifications.

A feathering propeller has a mechanism to turn the blade's edge into the water flow to minimize the drag when sailing. The blades are then rotated into the required position for forward or reverse, once power is applied.

Feathering propellers give the sailor control at all times and boast superior reversing ability over fixed or folding propellers. And, while the drag can be marginally higher than the folding propeller, it is significantly lower than a fixed propeller. The initial purchase price of these props is usually higher than a fixed or folding model; however, they are generally more robust in construction, providing a long life. Feathering propellers generally have a pitch adjustment mechanism that allows sailors to adjust the propeller to the optimum pitch for their sailboat. Some high-quality feathering propellers feature external pitch adjusters, which give sailors simple access to the adjustment for forward and reverse independently. Forward can be set for best motoring performance and reverse can be set for best manoeuvrability and thrust, which is handy when trying to back off a sandbank, or stop in the marina. In general feathering propellers usually suit the 'Blue Water Cruisers' needs best, or those that have problems with difficult berthing situations and need the additional control a feathering propeller gives.

On a folding propeller, the blades are hinged and fold backwards under water pressure when not in use, while relying on centrifugal force to open when driving. With the lowest drag of all, a folding propeller will often increase sailing speed between 1/2 to a full knot, reports of 1-1/2 knots in light airs are not uncommon. Nothing else can be purchased that will make such a dramatic increase. Compared to fixed and feathering propellers, a folding propeller has a mid-range price. The only caution with folding props is that reverse performance is usually compromised, as the centrifugal force opening the blades is counteracted by the thrust of the blades trying to pull the sailboat backwards. In general, folding propellers usually suit the racing enthusiast needs best or those that are prepared to sacrifice a little reverse ability to save some of the cost.

Fixed propellers are available at the lowest cost and, when correctly sized, will provide the best forward propulsion under power with reasonable reversing ability but will have the highest drag.