The Gori Propeller

Believe it or not the propeller is an engineering marvel. A standard propeller causes so much drag on a boat while it is sailing that it can reduce the boat speed by a knot or so. If you think that's insignificant then consider that 120 nautical miles is a good day's cruise for a boat like Sister. That means she's averaging 5 knots for 24 hours. If the propeller drags enough to reduce boat speed by a knot then you'll only make 96 nautical miles under those same conditions. That's a 20% hit which would turn a 10 day run into a 12 day run or a 20 day run into a 24 day run. That's significant, particularly if you're the one making the cruise.

Sister's propeller has three blades. The blades are attached to the main body of the prop by a mechanical system that causes the prop to open up in one direction when the shaft is turning "forward". Putting the boat in reverse causes the prop to fold then open in the opposite direction. Most importantly, when the shaft isn't turning, that is when you're sailing, the prop folds into a sleek shape that causes minimal drag. If any of you make an extended passage with us I know you will appreciate the Gori propeller.