Product Description

On the surface, choosing the correct propeller for a particular boat seems simple. But one factor affects another, which then affects another factor, leading many boaters to believe that propeller selection depends more on black magic than logic.

All the questions are answered in this complete reference, the first of its kind. This clear, easy-to-use handbook for all small boats is written not for Ph.D.s seeking the latest wrinkle in high-tech propeller design, but as a practical aid for the average mechanic, engineer, boatbuilder, fleet operator, serious yachtsman, or naval architect.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1021132 in Books
• Published on: 1989-06
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 152 pages

Review
"By far the best available book on the subject." -- Sailing

"The best explanation of (propeller) formulas and theories that I've ever seen-not exactly bedtime reading, mind you, but propellers don't get any better than this." -- The Society of Bat and Yacht Designers

"The best layman's guide we've read." -- Practical Sailor

"This book is likely to get dog-eared, scribbled on, greasy-thumbprinted, and highlighted. Buy two copies, because the first one will probably wear out fast." -- WoodenBoat

From the Back Cover

• Why won't your engine reach its top rated RPMs?
• Why is your propeller shaft vibrating?
• Why doesn't your boat reach the top speed claimed by the manufacturer?
• Will more or less propeller pitch improve your boat's performance?
• Is a square wheel (pitch equals diameter) best?
• Is a folding prop best for your purposes?
• Should you choose a two-, three-, or four-bladed propeller?

All these questions and more are answered in this complete reference--the first of its kind.

"We have highly recommended the Propeller Handbook to our distributors and repair stations, and have multiple office copies that our sales people refer to."--Michigan Wheel Corporation

"This book will answer almost every propeller-related question you're likely to come across."--Ensign

"Without doubt the definitive reference for selecting, installing, and understanding boat propellers."--Royal Navy Sailing Association Journal

"This book is for everyone who has ever had to make a decision about a propeller: mechanics, boatbuilders, boat service yard owners, boat owners, as well as naval architects. Dave Gerr and International Marine made a complicated topic understandable and put it into a handbook that is easy to use."--WoodenBoat

About the Author
Dave Gerr is a naval architect specializing in the design of yachts and commercial craft to 180 feet. He has worked on vessels ranging from 440-foot cruise ships to a 60-foot BOC racer, a 60-mph jet-drive runabout, a 7-knot, 25-foot cruising motor launch, 100-foot aluminum motoryachts, and an assortment of 40- and 50-foot auxiliaries and motorsailers.

Owner of his own design firm, Gerr is a graduate of Westlawn School of Yacht Design and has studied physics at New York University and industrial design at Pratt Institute. He has a particular fascination with the relationship between science and art, function and beauty, and finds in naval architecture a rewarding harmony among these.

Dave Gerr's articles on boat design have appeared in Cruising World, Ocean Navigator, SAIL, Yachting, and WoodenBoat. He is a contributing editor for Boatbuilder and Offshore magazines. He is the author of The Nature of Boats and The Elements of Boat Strength, both published by International Marine.

Customer Reviews

Amateur boater to engineer will find this book useful.
This is an extremely readable book for a technical subject tome. It is one of the better organized technical treatises I have seen. Whether you just want to select a propeller for your boat or want to design boats and propellers the book has something for you; though the casually curious may find themselves skipping a lot of engineering content. Tells you how to proceed in propeller selection in a parsimonious, no nonsense manner. And not simply how to do it, but the theory and reasons behind what to do are included as well. A complete index and list of suppliers makes this book a good reference tool.

Clear Explanation and Easy Application of Complex Subject
Dave has done an excellent job of clearly covering a very complex subject. He gives you quick practical ways of estimating as well as more detailed methods for determining propeller requirements and performance. This book will benefit anyone dealing with propellers. This includes boat owners, repair yards and design offices. I am a professional engineer, practicing in naval architecture and marine engineering. As a result I have read a lot of material on this subject. This is the best reference on propellers that I have seen to date.

Super prop book for the serious boater.
The author has boiled out all the complicated Bessel functions and the reader is left with the bottom line for basic propeller selection. If you are serious boater interested in propellers this is the book for you...you don't need to PhD in Naval Arch to understand this. Very straight forward approach. If you have prop related or powering questions, buy this. For 13 bucks you are going to spend more on gas your next outing due to your poor prop.
I would have given it 5 stars if the pictures were in color and more recent.