feathering
A propeller that can have the pitch of its blade changed to reduce drag when not in use. Also see folding and variable pitch propellers.
feet ...
feathering - Turning an oar over on its blade as it comes out of the water.
feeling her way - Proceeding by depth sounding with the hand lead.
Feathering Oars:
The turning of the blade of an oar from the vertical to the horizontal while it is being taken aback for the next stroke. This reduces the windage on the blade thus reducing the effort expended.
Feathering - Sailing upwind so close to the wind that the forward edge of the sail is stalling or luffing, reducing the power generated by the sail and the angle of heel. Also known as pinching.
feathering 1. To allow wind to spill from sail so that it flutters; 2.
as it offered less obstruction than paddle wheels when the sails were set and the engines stationary; but the resistance offered by the screw when not in use led to various devices for either lifting it completely out of the water, or for feathering ...
We chased the puffs, feathering to windward, accelerating dramatically out of the tacks. I have immediate confidence in a boat that heels quickly, then steadies and goes like a train.
For the same reason, the blades on a feathering propeller turn their edges toward the water flow when the engine is off.
 See also: Boat, Point, Sailing, Below, Lines
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