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HydroComp PropExpert Released

Maritime Activity Reports, Inc.

September 24, 2013

  • Figure 1 – Sizing and analysis details summary
  • Figure 2 – HydroComp PropExpert 2013 interface
  • Figure 1 – Sizing and analysis details summary Figure 1 – Sizing and analysis details summary
  • Figure 2 – HydroComp PropExpert 2013 interface Figure 2 – HydroComp PropExpert 2013 interface

Employed by more than 230 professionals in more than 20 countries, HydroComp PropExpert is the industry’s most widely used propeller sizing tool for inboard-driven workboats and pleasure craft. First introduced in 1996, PropExpert was principally developed to provide a reliable technical tool for the propeller sales process. It is used for application sizing and performance assessment by manufacturers and distributors of marine propellers, engines and transmissions. The latest 2013 release of PropExpert leverages some of the interface framework recently established for HydroComp’s flagship NavCad software, and includes new technical features that are critical to proper propeller sizing and analysis for contemporary high-power vessels.

New technical capabilities
HydroComp has an active internal research and development program with the objective of delivering new capabilities for PropExpert and HydroComp’s other software products. Many of the R&D projects are in direct response to end-user requests or HydroComp’s own assessment of new industry requirements.

For this most recent upgrade, substantial effort has focused on improving prediction accuracy for Gawn-style propellers. Supported by a small core of users, HydroComp undertook the development of an improved algorithm for the GawnAEW propeller series that affects high-BAR five-bladed propellers. This new algorithm insures the highest confidence of any propeller sizing software for vessels running high-powered engines with shaft-driven propellers.

Updated interface and enhanced user experience

PropExpert has been given a more modern look-and-feel, with user-definable page sizes and theme colors. It is essential that PropExpert users have a positive relationship with their own customers – one that promotes technical confidence and reliability. The new interface helps provide a professional setting for one-on-one sessions with customers or during demonstrations to potential customers at trade shows.

PropExpert 2013 supports the same file format as prior versions, so historical data integrity is maintained. The calculation process has not changed, so existing users can seamlessly pick up PropExpert 2013 and begin new work immediately.

Recent updates
In addition to the technical improvements for this newest version, recent updates for PropExpert include features for high-efficiency cruising and support for new vessel types – Catamarans and Riverboats; electric motor propulsion; enhanced Sailboat features (including “folding” propellers); expanded scope for ducted propellers.

hydrocompinc.com
 

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