Tips to Maximize Marine Propeller and Propulsion Output

Posted by Jack Barry on Mon, Apr 21, 2014

marine propeller and propulsion outputWhen your vessel’s marine propeller and propulsion output come to an unplanned stop, your entire operation may come to a halt. If you’re several hundred miles out to sea without the means of making the proper repairs, it won’t be long until this impacts your bottom line, and even worse, customer satisfaction and retention.

This is the disaster scenario. But many times when your fleet is transporting goods and enabling maritime production – and appears to be doing just fine on the surface – there is something very different happening below: inefficient propulsion, wasted fuel, and loss of revenue.

You should be constantly monitoring your marine propeller and propulsion output to see if you have any opportunity to maximize performance. Here are a few tips for making this happen:

  • Select the Right Marine Propeller and Propulsion Equipment
    A marine propeller, also called a screw, delivers thrust to a vessel by building and taking advantage of pressure differences at the rear and front of the blades. These blades can range in number, usually ranging from three to five. The simple rule of thumb is that the fewer the blades, the more efficient the thrust. However, more blades allows for more evenly distributed propulsion that cuts down on noise and vibration. Finding the right balance for your fleet is key to optimizing propulsion system efficiency. One other critical area that can impact efficiency is the nozzle, an area surrounding the propeller that’s designed to reduce drag. You’ll want to ensure you have the optimal design to match your vessel’s ideal speed. Find out about the advances in marine propulsion you should be watching.
  • Practice Regular Maintenance and Upkeep
    A regular inspection of your blades for everything from small dings and dents to major structural damage is critical when you’re seeking to maximize marine propeller and propulsion output. Even slight wear and tear, which can be repaired fairly easily, has proven to reduce efficiency by more than 10 percent. Additionally, be sure to regularly inspect and clean blades for marine life and debris, from barnacles to algae growth.
  • Keep the Weather in Mind
    Did you know that high humidity and temperatures can adversely affect the speed of your maritime operations, from a single vessel to an entire fleet? Your marine propeller and propulsion equipment are most efficient when it’s cool and dry. Low altitude helps as well. So if you have any choice over when and where your operation runs, adjust accordingly.

Maximizing marine propeller and propulsion output is key to mining every last dime out of your ROI. With the right equipment selection, maintenance, and with a little luck from the weather, you’ll be cruising down the channel toward optimal performance and productivity.

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Tags: Marine Power

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