Propellers
We Manufacture Efficient And Silent
Fixed-Pitch Propellers
At Rice Propulsion, we specialize in manufacturing fixed-pitch marine propellers for all types of vessels. Our extensive range includes various models and sizes, expertly crafted from bronze and stainless steel to deliver exceptional durability and reliability, even in the most demanding conditions
We provide customized propellers suitable for all kinds of ships and applications, from yachts, ferries, cargo vessels, workboats and fishing vessels to research and navy vessels.
Bronze Propellers.
Delfín
High resistance and versatile design Blade area can be adjusted without changing the number of blades, providing greater thrust or higher speeds.
Used worldwide on fishing, suppliers and workboats.
Nautilus
Low noise and vibration.
Smooth and quiet operation thanks to a design that minimizes blade pressure.
Blade proportions can be adapted to client needs.
Crucero
Designed for yachts and passenger transport.
Delivers excellent performance and planning speed while eliminating hull-damaging vibration.
Combines comfort and efficiency.
Titán
Ideal for tugs, workboats and Heavy-duty vessels.
Provides higher thrust in smaller diameters.
Blade sections are larger than standard propellers for vessels with limited propeller space.
Allows high-power transmissions.
K-Speed
Reduced force-excitation level of the propeller.
Improves blade stress distribution.
Smooth and silent operation.
Blade proportions can vary to meet any requirement.
Kaplan
Designed to maximize efficiency within nozzles.
Provides greater thrust for vessels carrying heavy loads at low speeds.
Stainless steel propellers
We manufacture all types of stainless-steel propellers specially designed for river navigation and demanding work environments, such as ice conditions. Our stainless-steel propellers stand out for their exceptional resistance to wear and erosion caused by river operations, as well as their high impact resistance against floating objects.
Technical Specifications of Our Propellers
Specifications
• 3 to 7 blades
• Sizes from 30” to 160” (0.7-4.0 m)
• Up to 12 tons
Materials
• Cu3 Aluminum bronze
• Cu1 Manganese bronze
• CF3 Stainless Steel
Certifications
• ABS
• DNV
• BV
• LR
• RINA
Ship Propeller Design
With our computer based CFD design engineering (Computational Fluid Dynamics), we create propellers that meet all speed, thrust, noise, and vibration requirements, as well as geometric and hydrodynamic constraints. Small improvements in propeller design result in significant fuel savings over the vessel’s lifetime.
Specialists in Propeller Casting
We manufacture our marine propellers in our foundry in Spain, meeting the highest technical standards and using state-of-the-art facilities equipped with the latest technology.
Our automated process, featuring CNC machines and robots, ensures precision and efficiency, delivering high-quality products with reduced lead times.
Learn more about our full casting process here.
Our Clients Recommend Us for Our Results
Technical and inspection manager of Pesca Azteca.
Eduardo C. Cruz Castellanos
"At Pesca Azteca we have been acquiring Rice Propulsion propellers for our fleet of tuna vessels for 25 years." We have always trusted in the excellent quality of their products and the service provided, we hope to continue having this business relationship for many more years."
Learn More From
Frequently Asked Questions
Propeller pitch refers to the theoretical distance a propeller would advance in a single 360° rotation.
For example, a propeller with a pitch of 40 inches would advance that distance in a solid medium. In water, however, the propeller experiences slippage, resulting in less actual advance. Proper pitch calculation considers factors such as engine power, RPM, transmission, vessel size, and application.
The number of blades impacts the propeller’s performance, efficiency, and vibration.
- 2 blades: Used in sailboats for low drag during auxiliary power use.
- 3 blades: Provide a good balance between blade area and efficiency.
- 4 or more blades: Reduce vibrations and improve stability, though they may generate more turbulence.
The ideal design depends on the vessel’s characteristics and the user’s specific requirements.
Yes, some propellers produce a high-pitched humming sound known as “singing.” While it does not affect functionality, it can be bothersome. If you experience this issue, contact us for a tailored solution.
Several signs may indicate that your propeller is not suitable:
- The engine fails to reach its designed RPM, which may cause overloading.
- The engine exceeds its designed RPM, suggesting the propeller is not absorbing all the power.
- The propeller shows signs of cavitation or erosion.
Our team can help you assess and adjust the propeller to maximize its performance.
While diameter and pitch are critical, other factors must also be considered, such as:
- Number of blades
- Direction of rotation
- Shaft diameter and keyway
- Blade area
- Blade shape and skew angle
- Blade thickness and bore diameter
Rice Propulsion’s engineering team is ready to guide you and ensure the best choice for your vessel.