Contur® – The intelligent propeller made of Carbon Fiber |
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Contur® Props Deliver! | ||
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Composite carbon fiber is the future. Carbon fiber props are lightweight, flexible, cost effective and extremely efficient. Because of this, carbon fiber propellers have been installed on ships and luxury yachts achieving remarkable success. Today more products are being made from composite carbon fiber because of it’s superior performance and durability. Marine technology has also turned to carbon fiber for developing propellers, yacht masts, hulls and many other products for vessels.
Give your yacht a “Competitive Edge” with carbon fiber props. With fantastic features such as; replaceable blades, vibration free voyage, increased speed and fuel efficiency, you will get top dollar when it’s time to sell. Plus the extra advantage of always having spare blades on board. Spare blades easily store and stack. They weigh around 7 lbs. each (1 meter blade). |
More Speed (10%+) • The flexibility of the blades allows the yacht to achieve her top speeds at lower RPM rather than full throttle. |
Fuel Savings (10%) • The propeller has the optimum pitch across a wide operating range resulting in increased fuel savings. |
Noise Reduction & No Prop Vibration • The carbon fiber propeller design allows each blade to be identical in size, weight and shape which dramatically reduces vibration and noise caused by metal props. |
Greater Strength • Carbon fiber composites are ten times stronger than steel, yet are still five times lighter. |
Changeable Blades • The Contur® propeller consists of a metallic hub and carbon fiber blades. If a blade is damaged it is easily replaced either at dockside or by a diver. |
Reduced Shaft Weight • Carbon fiber propellers are extraordinary light weight, approximately 1/3 of a standard metal. This reduces the stress on the stuffing boxes and propeller bracket bearings. |
Impact Resistant • A combination of high strength material at the edge of the blades guarantees a very high resistance to impact thereby reducing blade damage as a result of grounding or contact with submerged objects. |
www.ConturProps.com 800-470-8785 |
Low Maintenance • The propeller leaves the factory with the carbon fiber reinforced blades covered with a hard polished surface so there is no further need to apply an antifouling or protective paint. |
Increased Range • Less fuel consumption means an increase in range of approximately 15%. The Contur® propeller provides faster acceleration along with a significant reduction in fuel consumption. |
Cost Effective • Contur® propellers cost approximately 25% more than the best metal. They pay for themselves in fuel savings, maintenance savings and immeasurable increased comfort. The additional cost is more than made up for by increased efficiency. |
Certified ISO 9001 • Designing such advanced propellers is not enough but obtaining certification is the ultimate in product recognition. |
Find out more about Contur® carbon fiber props and get a no obligation quotation for your vessel. |
For our customers in Europe, please visit Fleet Water Marine or Telephone +44 (0) 23 8023 5421. |
About A Volonte’ Ltd. |
We are the owners of an 82 foot motor yacht A Volonte’, which needed new propellers after an engine change to Cat C-30. We did our research and installed a pair of Contur® props. Performance, reduction in vibration, and increased fuel economy 10% was as described.We are so enthused that we became the only U.S. distributor for Contur® carbon fiber propellers. Get out of the “Bronze Age”, put a pair of these propellers on your vessel, save the cost of propeller reconditioning with each bottom job, extend your range, or increase your speed with the efficiency gained, then you too can have “Props for Free.” |
www.ConturProps.com 800-470-8785 |
Meet Our Team |
Retired physician – Raised in Miami Beach. Lifelong boater. Extensive management and business experience in healthcare, lodging, and construction industries. | More than 20 years of business management. Bob loves the water. He could swim before he could walk. He enjoys boating, fishing, diving and all water sports. |
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82 ft. Motor Yacht ~ A Volonte’ |
The Propeller Design ~ Each propeller is designed for the vessels special use i.e. work, fish cruise ,race, sail etc. Our customers measurements are input into our computer model developed and constantly refined by a staff of engineers over many years and different vessel use. Consistent design quality results in a 3-10+ percent improved efficiency.
Carbon fiber composite material, unusual in propeller design allows each blade to be identical in size, weight and shape which dramatically reduces vibration and noise caused by metal props. This is coupled with the dramatic reduction in weight at the end of the shaft which enhances the smooth ride while the blade design reduces prop cavitation. The typical noise reduction is seen on the accompanying bar graph usual 5db or more. All blades are made from the customers same custom mold assuring their identical shape and weight no balancing is necessary, no electrolysis is possible since they are not conductive and a hard polished surface allows the props to run free of antifouling or protective paint. Any marine growth can be removed without scraping. Improved strength compared to metal props reduces the risk of impact damage. Resistance to corrosion is guaranteed by the very high chemical resistance of the material to seawater. In addition the coating applied to the propeller blade is non conducting, so corrosion is also avoided. The propeller leaves the factory with the carbon fiber reinforced blades covered with a hard polished surface so there is no further need to apply an antifouling or protective paint. A further characteristic of high strength fiber composites, is the improved strength relating to conventional propeller materials such as bronze or stainless steel. A combination of high strength material at the edge of the blades guarantees a very high resistance to impact thereby reducing blade damage as a result of grounding or contact with submerged objects. |
www.ConturProps.com 800-470-8785 |
What are the special features of this propeller? ~ They are high efficiency, increased smoothness and strength. The Contur® propeller consists of a metallic hub and carbon fiber blades. If a blade is damaged it is easily replaced either at dockside or by a diver. |
The first difference when comparing propellers is the extraordinary light weight, approximately 1/3 of a standard metal. Other advantages are:
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All previous vibration and noise is dramatically reduced. Gear change is smoother, acceleration is brisk and your refueling stops reduced. |
www.ConturProps.com 800-470-8785 |
Contur® Propeller Sound Chart | |
1 meter diameter Contur® prop | Contur® Propeller Speed Graph |
The Flexibility of the Propeller ~ A feature that was not originally recognized but which has proved to be extremely effective is the flexibility of the carbon fiber material used for the Contur® propeller blades. This propeller series was developed specifically for yachts and guarantees a high level of travelingcomfort and performance during long voyages. The Contur-F® series propeller is the only propeller in the world, which adjusts its pitch automatically without external setting mechanisms. Based on comprehensive calculation models our engineers are able to define the material composition, which allows a predetermined deformation of the propeller blade as a result of the load applied by the water pressure.
The blade is no longer rigid and stiff, but flexible – we call it an “intelligent propeller”. A rigid propeller is rated for a specific operating point, usually maximum speed. At this point its pitch is optimal, it takes up the full power of the engine and reaches its maximum efficiency level. In contrast, a flexible propeller deforms in operation, the pitch accurately adapts to the acting load. This means that the propeller has the optimum pitch across a wide operating range. The benefits to the yacht owner are: improved acceleration, increased fuel savings, and the smoothness of operation. The propeller behavior is essentially influenced by the yacht’s hull form. A deadwood or a broad keel disturbs the water flow past the propeller. Each time a propeller blades rotates through the “lee” side of the stern, the load is higher than the other blades. This is when cavitation can occur. Cavitation is a phenomenon, which is the result of high propeller loads, which create water-vapor bubbles on the blade surface. The bubbles implode “tearing off” minute material particles. The consequences will be damage to the propeller, vibrations and a high noise level. In contrast, the load acting on the Contur-F® propeller is reduced by the deformation of the blade. Cavitation can therefore be prevented or at least delayed. The propeller runs much more smoothly and free of vibration, and its operating life is extended. Reducing the thickness of the blade tips results in a further increase in protection against cavitation. By using special surface materials, it is possible to triple the propeller’s resistance to cavitation and reduce the risk of damage due to cavitative corrosion. |
Contur® – Flexible Blades ~ The flexibility of the blades allows the yacht to achieve her top speeds at lower RPM rather than full throttle. Under such conditions the load on the propeller blades is relatively low, enabling the Contur® propeller to adjust to it’s maximum pitch. By doing so, the vessel reaches the required speed at a lower engine RPM, which in turn means lower specific fuel consumption. On average a 15% reduction in fuel consumption can be achieved. Less fuel consumption means an increase in range of approximately 15%. The Contur® propeller provides faster acceleration along with a significant reduction in fuel consumption. |
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About Contur® Carbon Fiber ~ Carbon fiber is a high strength, high stiffness synthetic fiber that is used in a variety of structural and electrical applications. Carbon fiber is manufactured by heating, oxidizing, and carbonizing polyacrylonitrile polymer fibers. The resulting carbon fibers are typically molded into high strength composite materials for structural applications or are used in their pure form for electrical and friction applications.
Carbon fiber composites have amazing structural properties. Carbon fiber composites are ten times stronger than steel, yet are still five times lighter. In comparison to aluminum, carbon fiber composites are eight times stronger, two times stiffer, yet still 1.5 times lighter. Carbon fiber composites have superior fatigue properties to all known metallic structures, and when coupled with the proper resins, carbon fiber composites are one of the most corrosion resistant materials available. Today carbon fiber reinforced composites products are used in automotive, marine, aerospace, construction, energy & military defense. Some examples of it’s uses are; the Space Shuttle, Stealth Bomber, Formula 1 Race Cars and America’s Yacht Cup. The applications for the amazing properties of carbon fiber continue to grow every day. |
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Contur® Carbon Fiber Prop Testimonials ~ Endorsement of this innovative product by more than 1,000 satisfied customers in the USA, Mediterranean, Australia, Germany and elsewhere, prove that these unique Contur® propellers have been accepted through out the world. Read what some of our customers have to say about our carbon fiber props. |
www.ConturProps.com 800-470-8785 |
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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. |
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, |
From: George Bovell – 50 HatterasWe 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 |
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’ |
www.ConturProps.com 800-470-8785 |
Product History of the Carbon Fiber Propeller ~ In 1993 the AIR Fertigung-Technologie GmbH started the development of carbon fiber reinforced composite marine propellers. In 1995 the first composite propellers were successfully tested and since then continuously improved. The carbon composite material is well known in the aerospace industry. This material presents a excellentweight-performance ratio with a perfect matching of shape and function which was not achievable before.
Today AIR GmbH manufactures composite propellers under the brand name “CONTUR®” up to 3,0m (9,0ft) in the size and in the power range over 3,500 kW (5,000 HP). The propellers are installed on several ships and luxury yachts up to 100m length. More than 1,000 satisfied customers particularly in the USA, Mediterranean, Australia and Germany prove these unique Contur® propellers have been accepted throughout the world. |
For our customers in Europe, please visit Fleet Water Marine or |
Telephone +44 (0) 23 8023 5421. |
Certification – ISO 9001 |
Designing such advanced propellers is not enough but obtaining certification is the ultimate in product recognition. |
Germanischer Lloyd GL |
Shop Approval Propeller First Approval |
20.05.1999 15.12.1997 |
American Bureau of Shipping ABS |
Propeller First Approval | 26.11.1999 |
Lloyd’s Register of Shipping LRS |
Propeller First Approval | 25.05.2001 |
Det Norske Veritas DNV |
Propeller Approval in Process | 10.05.1996 |
ABYC® American Boat & Yacht Council | Member |
The Cost of Carbon Fiber Propellers ~ Contur® propellers cost approximately 25% more than the best metal. Since they pay for themselves in fuel savings and immeasurable increased comfort, the additional cost is more than made up for by increased efficiency. |
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Contur® Carbon Fiber Propeller Photos ~ Contur® carbon fiber propellers have been fitted to numerous vessels from luxury yachts, commercial vessels to military ships. These are a few examples of the commercial craft and research ships that have installed our Contur® carbon fiber propellers. |
www.ConturProps.com 800-470-8785 |
Carbon Fiber Links |
www.ConturProps.com 800-470-8785 |
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Contact A Volonte’ Ltd. |
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Let us quote a pair of Contur® carbon fiber props for your yacht. Fill out the form below with the required data completing as many fields as possible. Remember to include your name, address and contact number. Please fax the form back to us at (888) 298-4036. We will review the information and provide a FREE no obligation quotation for your Contur® carbon fiber propellers as soon as possible. |
Contact Information | ||
Name: | ||
Address: | ||
City: | ||
State: | ||
Zip: | ||
Country: | ||
Telephone: | ||
Fax: | ||
Email: |
Vessel Data | ||||
Vessel Name: | ||||
Vessel Type: | Displacement | Semi-planing | Planing |
Length Overall: | LOA= | Feet | |
Length Waterline: | LWL= | Feet | |
Beam Overall: | BOA= | Feet | |
Beam Waterline: | BWL= | Feet | |
Draught: | Feet | ||
Weight (full load): | Wv= | Tons |
Stern Form (select one) | ||
Shaft Strut | ||
Rudder Heel | ||
Dead Wood/Skeg | ||
Cutter Stern | ||
Tunnel Stern | ||
Engine Data | |||
Engine Type: | |||
Engine Manufacturer: | |||
Number of Engines: | nM= | ||
Rated Power HP: | P= | PS | |
Rated Power kW: | P= | kW | |
@ Rated RPM: | n= | 1/min | |
Number of Cylinders: | z= |
Gear Box Data | ||
Gear Type: | ||
Gear Manufacturer: | ||
Gear Ratio (Engine/Propeller) i= |
Current Propeller (select one) | |
Left | Right |
Rotation Direction (looking from stern) |
Number of Blades: | Z= | |||
Propeller Diameter: | D= | inches | ||
Pitch: | P= | inches | ||
Disk Area Ratio: | AE/AO= | |||
Blade Cup: | Yes | No | How Much: | |
Rope Cutters: | Yes | No | ||
If possible, please include a brochure of the boat as well as an out of water photograph of the stern including the propellers, keel and rudder preferably in one shot. |
Performance of Current Propeller | ||||||||
Engine Speed-Propeller RPM | ||||||||
n1= | RPM | v1= | knots | n1= | 60% | load | ||
n2= | RPM | v2= | knots | n2= | 70% | load | ||
n3= | RPM | v3= | knots | n3= | 80% | load | ||
n4= | RPM | v4= | knots | n4= | 90% | load | ||
n5= | RPM | v5= | knots | n5= | 100% | load |
Propeller Installation Data | ||
Propeller Shaft Data |
Max. Radius | Rmax= | Inch | ||
Tip Clearance | Tc= | Inch | ||
Distance to Shaft Strut | Dss= | Inch | ||
Distance to Rudder | DR= | Inch | ||
Shaft Angle | a= | Degs | ||
Distance to Rudder Heel | Dh= | Inch |
Propeller Shaft Data | |||||
Shaft Diameter | Dshaft= | Inch | |||
Taper Big Diameter | DW= | Inch | |||
Taper Small Diameter | W= | Inch | |||
Taper 1 in K | K= | ||||
Taper Length | Ltaper= | Inch | |||
Hub Diameter (front) | DN= | Inch | |||
Key Way Width | B= | Inch | |||
Key Way Depth | H= | Inch | |||
Key Way Length | L= | Inch |
Aim of the New Propeller | ||
Reduce Vibration, Smoother Run | ||
Reduce Fuel Consumption | ||
Higher Speed |
Comments or Other Helpful Information: | ||
I/We confirm that the information above is believed to be true and correct. A Volonte’ Ltd. takes no responsibility for calculations and propeller designs based upon incorrect data supplied. Please check and recheck your information.To enable us to make a true and accurate propeller calculation, we request that you complete all fields in this data sheet. The above information is the minimum required for our propeller design and unless a fully complete data sheet is provided any speeds and calculations advised will be approximations only.
We also ask that the information is entered in capitals or preferably typed, as we accept no responsibility for incorrect interpretation of the information presented. For new or untried engine installations, where no comparable data is available, please supply data from an alternative engine installation on the same vessel. |