Landing School Students Get Hands-on Experience at Tech Propeller Shop
Larry Kindberg discussing the fine points of propulsion with Landing School students at the Accutech Marine Propeller shop in Dover, NH. Accutech photo
Accutech Marine Propeller in Dover, N.H., hosted a group of 20 Landing School students in its shop for a day-long seminar. The students were there to experience a modern high-tech marine propeller and propeller shaft shop. This was the second year Landing School students have been to Accutech for a hands-on seminar.
The Landing School in Arundel is a marine industry technical school that features hands-on education. The Landing School opened in 1978. It offers 10-month programs in four areas—marine electronics, propulsion, water and waste systems and yacht design. The school offers an associate degree and 36 transferable college credits. Accutech is a computer-based marine propeller company that specializes in propeller tuning and repair, and the manufacture of propeller shafts.
Landing School students were at Accutech, which closed their shop for the day, for training in the use of computers in propeller and propeller shaft technology. Accutech president Larry Lindberg led the students through propeller and propulsion theory, analyzing propeller problems, correct propeller selection, welding repairs and international specifications. Inboard and outboard engine propellers are tuned and repaired using different equipment and students had an opportunity to get hands-on experience using that equipment for both types.
Students gathered in groups where propeller repairs, the varied metals used in propellers and how they affect function and repair were discussed. Students were shown how Accutech manufactures stainless steel propeller shafts using an enclosed computer-driven lathe. They were introduced to the official American Boat and Yacht Council tolerances used on propeller shafting and the finer engineering points of selecting, adjusting and repairing propellers.
The computers tune propellers to International Standards Organization (ISO) standards. Students witnessed equipment being set up to manufacture parts to these industry standards. At the time, the Accutech shop was machining a 2 ½-inch, 12-foot-long stainless steel propeller shaft for a 55-foot San Juan motor yacht.
The use of computers in propeller tuning has brought a quantum leap in the accuracy of tuning and the correct selection of a propeller for any given hull. Lindberg said details such as the selection of high-quality metal suppliers like Western Branch Metals in Virginia, which has traceable metal supplies, and being U.S. distributor for Italian manufacturer Eliche Radice, which makes unique propeller products, are part of a business strategy focused on quality and innovation that is valuable for students to take with them.