The Propeller Handbook: The Complete Reference for Choosing, Installing, and Understanding Boat Propellers [Paperback]

Dave Gerr (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 11, 2001

On the surface, choosing the correct propeller for a particular boat seems simple. But one factor affects another, which then affects another factor, leading many boaters to believe that propeller selection depends more on black magic than logic.

All the questions are answered in this complete reference, the first of its kind. This clear, easy-to-use handbook for all small boats is written not for Ph.D.s seeking the latest wrinkle in high-tech propeller design, but as a practical aid for the average mechanic, engineer, boatbuilder, fleet operator, serious yachtsman, or naval architect.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"By far the best available book on the subject." -- Sailing

"The best explanation of (propeller) formulas and theories that I've ever seen-not exactly bedtime reading, mind you, but propellers don't get any better than this." -- The Society of Bat and Yacht Designers

"The best layman's guide we've read." -- Practical Sailor

"This book is likely to get dog-eared, scribbled on, greasy-thumbprinted, and highlighted. Buy two copies, because the first one will probably wear out fast." -- WoodenBoat --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

• Why won't your engine reach its top rated RPMs?
• Why is your propeller shaft vibrating?
• Why doesn't your boat reach the top speed claimed by the manufacturer?
• Will more or less propeller pitch improve your boat's performance?
• Is a square wheel (pitch equals diameter) best?
• Is a folding prop best for your purposes?
• Should you choose a two-, three-, or four-bladed propeller?

All these questions and more are answered in this complete reference--the first of its kind.

"We have highly recommended the Propeller Handbook to our distributors and repair stations, and have multiple office copies that our sales people refer to."--Michigan Wheel Corporation

"This book will answer almost every propeller-related question you're likely to come across."--Ensign

"Without doubt the definitive reference for selecting, installing, and understanding boat propellers."--Royal Navy Sailing Association Journal

"This book is for everyone who has ever had to make a decision about a propeller: mechanics, boatbuilders, boat service yard owners, boat owners, as well as naval architects. Dave Gerr and International Marine made a complicated topic understandable and put it into a handbook that is easy to use."--WoodenBoat

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press; 1 edition (June 11, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071381767
• ISBN-13: 978-0071381765
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #72,632 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #31 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Outdoor Recreation > Boating
  • #48 in Books > Professional & Technical > Transportation > Ships
  • #54 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Outdoor Recreation > Sailing

More About the Author

Dave Gerr (rhymes with "bear") is a naval architect who designs both yachts and commercial vessels. A contributing editor for Boatbuilder, Yachting, and Offshore magazines, he is the author of Propeller Handbook, the industry standard reference on props, and the acclaimed The Nature of Boats, both International Marine books.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Amateur boater to engineer will find this book useful., September 27, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Propellar Handbook: The Complete Reference for Choosing, Installing, and Understanding Boat Propellers (Hardcover)

This is an extremely readable book for a technical subject tome. It is one of the better organized technical treatises I have seen. Whether you just want to select a propeller for your boat or want to design boats and propellers the book has something for you; though the casually curious may find themselves skipping a lot of engineering content. Tells you how to proceed in propeller selection in a parsimonious, no nonsense manner. And not simply how to do it, but the theory and reasons behind what to do are included as well. A complete index and list of suppliers makes this book a good reference tool.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clear Explanation and Easy Application of Complex Subject, December 7, 2002

By 

Brian Trenhaile "P. E. in Naval Architecture ... (Kaneohe, HI United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Propeller Handbook: The Complete Reference for Choosing, Installing, and Understanding Boat Propellers (Paperback)

Dave has done an excellent job of clearly covering a very complex subject. He gives you quick practical ways of estimating as well as more detailed methods for determining propeller requirements and performance. This book will benefit anyone dealing with propellers. This includes boat owners, repair yards and design offices. I am a professional engineer, practicing in naval architecture and marine engineering. As a result I have read a lot of material on this subject. This is the best reference on propellers that I have seen to date.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Super prop book for the serious boater., September 3, 2003

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Propeller Handbook: The Complete Reference for Choosing, Installing, and Understanding Boat Propellers (Paperback)

The author has boiled out all the complicated Bessel functions and the reader is left with the bottom line for basic propeller selection. If you are serious boater interested in propellers this is the book for you...you don't need to PhD in Naval Arch to understand this. Very straight forward approach. If you have prop related or powering questions, buy this. For 13 bucks you are going to spend more on gas your next outing due to your poor prop.
I would have given it 5 stars if the pictures were in color and more recent.