First, we have to get past the migration from the old system to the new.
But it’s an interesting thought… When we were initially trying out Discourse we did create some AI summaries and load them into a Wiki category.
I’m not sure with current tools how it would work on a collection of thousands of topics that wander everywhere… Topic by topic we can get quick summaries, but feeding in the lot of them…??
As a peek, I took the recent topic Propeller Performance for Cruising Yachts and created an AI summary using both Discourse AI and NotebookLM:
NotebookLM:
Cruising Yacht Propeller Performance Discussion
1 source
These excerpts from an article titled “Propeller Performance for Cruising Yachts” present several short discussions among sailors regarding their experiences with various types of propellers and engines. Nick Hirst praises the Kiwi feathering propeller, noting its improvement to sailing despite requiring occasional weed clearing, and expresses that putting his old fixed three-blade prop in neutral created drag. Charles Garbarino discusses upgrading from a two-bladed MaxProp to a three-bladed Max Prop feathering propeller after repowering with a Beta 25 engine, reporting improved reverse performance and less prop walk, though he cannot compare drag to a fixed propeller. Finally, Stephen Marinelli mentions installing a fixed pitch three-blade propeller with a new Beta 35 engine, stating that the change had no significant negative impact on the sailing speed of his specific type of boat.
Discourse AI:
Topic summary
In a discussion on folding versus three-blade props for Nonsuch sailboats, users share varied experiences. Sgrmagnolia10 seeks advice for a new engine, noting Tessa’s folding prop reduces drag but wonders how much. Breezin advises folding props for racing or long-distance cruising (adding 0.5–1.0 knots), while fixed props suffice for casual day sailing. Rob highlights PHRF handicapping discrepancies — his fixed 3-blade adds 12 seconds per mile, but a 0.5-knot gain from a folder could yield tactical racing advantages despite quirks in reverse. bwc4884 endorses Flexofold for reduced propwalk and references a detailed Yachting Monthly test, noting folders are cheaper than featherers. ddewolfe praises his Campbell Sailer fixed 3-blade for low drag and durability. Mirthin switched to a Kiwi feathering composite prop, gaining 1 knot in light winds, with less propwalk and good reverse — and notes it’s cheaper than Flexofold. Cmack finds his Volvo Penta saildrive’s 3-blade folding prop highly responsive in reverse. RMP recounts a race where a feathering prop outperformed a fixed one; he notes featherers reverse better but cost more and need maintenance, and warns Kiwi props may be over-pitched in reverse unless adjusted. Mirthin disagrees that neutral helps fixed props, and defends his Kiwi prop despite needing weed clearing. Charles-Garbarino upgraded to a 3-blade MaxProp, noting improved reverse handling and quiet motoring, and recommends the Yachting Monthly article. Sunshine271 reports no sailing penalty with a fixed 3-blade on his catboat, accepting minor speed loss as negligible.