To increase thrust with a Fixed Pitch Propeller, what should be done?

To increase thrust with a Fixed Pitch Propeller, decreasing the pitch angle is the most effective choice. The pitch of a propeller refers to the angle of the blades relative to the circular path of rotation. In simple terms, a lower pitch angle allows the propeller to "bite" into the water more aggressively, producing a higher thrust at a given speed.

When the pitch angle is decreased, the propeller can push more water backward for each revolution, resulting in increased thrust. This is particularly beneficial in situations where immediate acceleration is necessary, such as leaving a dock or performing maneuvers that require rapid changes in speed or direction.

Increasing RPM can also generate more thrust, but it comes with limitations based on the engine capacity and the maximum safe operating speed of the propeller. Similarly, changing the blade design can enhance performance but requires modification of the hardware, which is not a straightforward adjustment like changing the pitch angle. Increasing vessel weight would actually require more thrust to maintain speed, thus it is generally counterproductive in this context. Therefore, adjusting pitch angle is a practical and efficient method to directly enhance thrust in vessels equipped with Fixed Pitch Propellers.