How do I maintain my VARIPROFILE or VARIPROP feathering propeller?

Does the arrival of sunny weather make you want to go sailing? Your sailboat is cleaned, the engine and equipment checked and you're ready to go. Perfect, but have you thought about servicing your propeller before you set sail?
Vital to the longevity and smooth running of your propeller, it only takes a few minutes a year to perform, but it's vital if you want to sail in the best possible conditions.

For a VARIPROFILE or VARIPROP feathering propeller from SPW, it can be summed up in the following two operations:

Lubrication :

The propeller body should always be filled with a high-viscosity grease, so that it can be moved more easily into the correct position (propulsion or sail). In addition, greasing will considerably reduce wear on internal parts, which in turn will extend the life of your propeller.

Changing the anode:

The zinc anode must be replaced periodically to protect the propeller against electrolytic corrosion. By corroding itself, it prevents your propeller from corroding in seawater. VARIPROFILE or VARIPROP anodes are also available in magnesium for freshwater and aluminum for brackish water.

How to properly lubricate your VARIPROP in just a few steps:

① Remove the zinc anode ;

② Unscrew the sealing plug ;

③ Insert grease nipple;

④ Insert grease cartridge into grease gun and remove 2nd cartridge cover (important!) ;

⑤ Fill the Variprop with grease ;

⑥ Rotate the propeller blades half a turn forwards and backwards for even grease distribution ;

⑦ Refill the Variprop with grease until the grease escapes through the anode mounting holes ;

⑧ Remove the grease nipple;

⑨ Screw the sealing plug back on ;

⑩ Check and renew zinc anode if necessary .

All you have to do now is let yourself be carried along by the waves...

FENWICK and SPW wish you an excellent navigation.