Introduction
E3 is a propeller that features innovative technical solutions in its shell, which arecombined with the use of materials and treatments so far only applied in advanced technology fields. These innovations guarantee an absolutely superior resistance to mechanical shocks and galvanic corrosion, by no means comparable to the performances of common feathering, folding or solid blade propellers.
Thorough studies and tests have been carried out over several years for the development of the E3 project, allowing to obtain an extremely reliable product in a particularly slim body. All this guarantees a long endurance propeller with a wide range of applications, making E3 suitable for all race and cruise sailing boats. The adopted solutions are in line with the latest sailing trends, always oriented towards innovative materials and technologies capable of exalting modern boats’ performances.
E3 has entirely been developed and designed by means of CAD technologies and 3D solid modeling software; techniques that have allowed to verify structural loads and mechanical stresses, as well as to improve hydrodynamic efficiency.
E3 is the propeller chosen by demanding sailors who wish to appreciate elevate quality standards and superior performances.
The Project
The various steps of the project have allowed to develop revolutionary concepts that are the core of the idea E3: a sturdy yet extremely slim and streamlined propeller, as well as easy to install and set-up.
These fundamental characteristics improve the coefficient of penetration in water, largely reducing drag when sailing while exalting thrust when under power.
E3 has under taken long and enduring tests in laboratory, in basin and in sea; these have confirmed high mechanical strength, exceptional corrosion resistance, drag and thrust capabilities.
High Tech Materials
E3 is entirely manufactured with the latest generation of stainless steels, which are the result of the application of international advanced technologies. Moreover, special treatments of the internal parts guarantee an improved smoothness and a drastic increase in the lifetime of this propeller.
These technologies allow E3 to reach absolutely superior mechanical strength and corrosion resistance, unparalleled by the properties of marine bronze alloys and standard stainless steels.
Pitch setting
Pitch is one of the fundamental parameters in propeller sizing, due to its direct influence on boat’s performances when under enginepower. In standard feathering propellers, pitchsetting is a very long and coarse procedure. This problem is completely overcome with E3, thanks to a patented device, which allows a micrometric setting of the preferred pitch fromout side, through a range of blade angles steps going from 14° to 26°.
This wide setting range assures to obtain the right pitch for every sailing boat model in a few seconds, even underwater, withoutp ropeller disassembling and just by acting onthe ring nut.
Sailing and Motoring
Thanks to the design software applied, it has been possible to obtain a propeller profile giving the right compromise between best thrust yield and lowest drag in feathering position.
The heart of E3 is made of gears, which allow the blades to angle themselves by following the water stream when sailing and by reaching the previously set step position when under power, therefore optimizing boat’s performances in both conditions.
Blades’ orientation is completely automatic since the shaft rotation pushes the blades in thrust position, whereas feathering position is reached when the engine power is not applied and the reverse gear is engaged.
Maneuverability
Maneuverability in reverse has always been a major problem with solid blade propellers and with folding propellers which tend to shut, creating difficulties when mooring especially in problematic situations such as strong winds or high sea.
During the set-up phase of E3’s performances we have paid special attention to these problems. Taking advantage of an astern thrust of high intensity and thanks to the adoption of asymmetric steps, E3 allows reducing remarkably the leeway, so as to have much better maneuverability even with adverse environmental and weather conditions.
Installation
E3 has been designed to be easily installed and removed in few minutes, even underwater.
The propeller unit, which is already pre-assembled when supplied, has to be installed on the propeller shaft and fastened with a proper nut and locking bolt; both will then be protected by means of the application of the spinner. Thanks to an incorporated extractor, E3’s removal does not require any external hub puller.
E3’s maintenance is limited to periodic greasing of the internal parts by means of the appropriate lubricator; E3 works properly even without grease, although the periodic lubrication of theinternal gears will extend the propeller’s life.
