After two years of research, design and development, Bruntons Propellers will be launching a Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP) system at the Monaco Yacht Show in September. The CPP fills the one remaining gap in Bruntons product line which has a full range of fixed, folding, feathering, surface piercing and now CPP offerings. The first model in the range will be aimed at yachts over 100 feet in length and with engines up to 800hp; further developments are already underway which will make systems available for craft with engines of up to 2000hp and beyond.
The company has been encouraged by its customers to take the expensive step of developing the new system by the tremendous success of its larger Varifold propellers in the Superyacht market. In the recent Lora Piana Superyacht Regatta no less than fifty per cent of the yachts taking part where equipped with Varifolds. With yachts increasing in size and power new solutions to propelling them were required.
Bruntons are part of the Stone Marine Group and in conjunction with designers, engineers and metallurgists from Stone Marine Propulsion, a sister company in the group, a modern, robust and efficient CPP has been developed which will ultimately benefit yachts, commercial, and naval craft worldwide.
The Bruntons CPP system was designed, right from the outset, for the 21st Century as Adrian Miles, the companys Managing Director explains, “Today, Naval Architects and yacht owners are expecting far more from their yachts propulsion system, and these demands are only going to increase in the years to come. It is not just the smooth delivery of power which is important but that delivery should be made with optimum fuel economy. We confidently expect our CPP system to be a leader in these areas.”
Among the new features to be found on the Bruntons CPP, which is fully feathering, is a hub containing two cams; this increases the blade operating angles and reduces the force needed to move it. With fully feathering versions the propeller blades can be under considerable load in some positions. Bruntons new ‘twin cam’ system will overcome this and it is believed to be the only one of its type in the world. An additional design feature is the blade retention system, which in tests has shown itself to have a significantly lower wear rate than other types.
Excellent sailing performance is assured with hub and blades designed to produce minimum drag when fully feathered, whilst when motoring the modern blade design will provide smooth, quiet, vibration free progress. Under engine, whether it is motoring or motor sailing, the CPP is managed by a highly sophisticated control module linked in to the engine management system, which will ensure that the propeller blades are set for optimum efficiency, whatever the conditions, considerably improving fuel consumption. The control module will also be ideal for integration into Hybrid propulsion systems, an area of large investment for Bruntons Propellers, with their involvement in the European funded Hymar project.
The CPP system will ultimately be available through the Stone Marine Group companies, but initially all enquiries should be made to Bruntons Propellers Limited.
Visit Burtons Propellers at the Monaco Yacht Show from 22nd to 25th September 2010
