From:  Allen Jones of New Zealand Yachts

I am the owner of MY "Spirit" and also the founder of New Zealand Yachts.

We are very pleased with the propellers on "Spirit" and will be using them on the New Zealand Yacht 33m Wavepiercer currently under construction in opur Whangarei, New Zealand yard.

When we replaced the bronze propellers on MY "Spirit" with the Carbon Fiber we had substantial performance lift with increased speed and reduced vibration. I will copy to you the magazine article that spoke of benefits so you can use it in your advertising.

New Zealand Yachts have a booth and will be showing at the Cannes and Monaco Yacht shows in September again this year and will also show at Fort Lauderdale in October.

It would be our pleasure to acknowledge your company and your Carbon Fiber Propellers on our stand at all these shows if you could provide us a sample propeller and perhaps some technical information that we could use to communicate the benefits of your product over competitive options and our continuing to using these props on the future yachts.
Kind regards,
Allen Jones

From:  G.O' Connor

The Oceanfast Company built the Perfect Persuasion as the Perfect Prescription in Western Australia 5 years ago. She is a GRP construction and she is 150 ft. in length with two V-12 Paxman diesels, top speed over 25 kts. I'm told that the 9-meter shafts (140mm dia.) with only one "P" bracket for support caused an enormous amount of vibration with the original LIPS metal props. So much vibration, that they could not successfully operate the vessel. The decision was made to try AIR props and they have been aboard ever since. During the last 3 years of operation we have put countless miles on these props and they have served us well. In May of this year we did a speed trial and we recorded 0,2 of a knot slower speed than the top speed when the vessel was new, using our AIR props!

We have changed out individual blades, as you know when we have needed them, but as with many new technologies, the price of reconditioned blades or replacement blades continues to drop. Given the fact that the vessel could not operate without AIR props due to the design and resulting vibration factors the cost of reconditioning or replacing blades (2 or 3 blades in total each year depending on items struck & wear etc.) is minimal.

All vessels are different and each application of propulsion has it's own special requirements; we with the restraints here are extremely satisfied with the performance and continued support of our AIR propellers.

I might also add that the replacing of a blade (s) underwater is a straightforward ordeal, which I have participated in. We have not been inconvenienced by this procedure and have not had to alter our cruising schedule.

Thank you for your continued support & assistance,
Best Regards,
G.O' Connor

From:   George Bovell - 50 Hatteras

We finally launched and had an opportunity to try your carbon fiber propellers. They did everything you said they would. The performance of the boat was fantastic. She "got up onto a plane" quickly and at only 1400 RPM ?? She accelerated like a race car. In fact rapid application of throttle from 1400 to 1800 rpm if you are not "holding on" can give you quite a surprise. Of course no vibration and very quiet.

It seems that with 1/2 fuel & 1/2 water with 28 people onboard (a small party) we achieved at 1800 rpm approx 22 knots and at 2000 rpm we saw 26knt. The next day with less load (5 people) we saw 28knt at 2173 rpm. I expect that she will do just over 30 knots when we get her up to 2350 rpm.

The props have created quite a "buzz" with the "fast boat" people here and I am sure that you will have inquiries.
Regards
George Bovell

From:  Captain Dale Dean ~ Motor Yacht A Volonte'

In the past year, we purchased a set of carbon fiber props. In operating the boat, I’ve noticed less vibration and noise. Also, while running at the same RPM, we're gaining 2-1/2 knots and using the same amount of fuel. Therefore, we are getting farther and spending less money on fuel expenses. I like being able to change individual blades and the light weight of the Contur^® props versus bronze props. I’m very pleased with the performance and cost savings in fuel and yard bills with the carbon fiber as compared to reconditioning bronze props.
Captain Dale Dean, 82’ motor yacht, A Volonte'

From:  Abdulmohsen Al-Ajeel – Kuwait

Dear Mr. Nicholas and Dr. Mel.

Hope you are all fine and in good health.

Just got home after working all day at the boat yard installing your fine Carbon Fiber props.

I had a problem, the Key way width on the Carbon Fiber Props was wider than my shaft key way width. But I fixed that by making a new key to match your Carbon Fiber Props. The difference was nearly 1/2 a mili. I thought I was able to use my old used key on my shaft with your Carbon Fiber Props, but that problem now is solved.

I sailed her back to the Marina from the boat repair yard and what shall I say? Yes, I will say I will never use Nipral props again! She was light smooth, no noise and fast in reaction. I did not yet do a full test, but will do that in the coming days to see the real difference. I already felt the difference just in this short distance. Like a father, she was smooth even steering her was different. Steering her was light, smooth and engine load was much less.

I have only one problem now. What shall I do with my old Nipral metal props? Just joking!

Once you sail her with Carbon Fiber Props, you will totally dislike using Nipral Metal props again. No matter what!

I will write you again in another e-mail about the differences because I have old records using the Nipral props and will compare.

I attached images of the Carbon Fiber Props on the Luhrs 44 so you can have a look too.

My friends; all you said was true and I am more than happy. I thank you and all your team for your fine perfect work and service in the past months.

Best wishes and regards:
Abdulmohsen Al-Ajeel – Kuwait

Click on the photos to enlarge

Dear Dr. Mel.

After testing and comparing the old data with the new results the boat gained 1.8 knots more speed and between 10 to 15% less engine load. That makes the engines temperature in Kuwait heat less. So the result is great and everything you said became true!

Thanks again and best wishes to you and your team.

Yours: Abdulmohsen Al-Ajeel - Kuwait