Does a two blade prop have any advantage over a three blade prop? Is there any reason (other than $ ) why I wouldn't want to upgrade to a three blade?
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
D
Don Alexander
R
Ron Hughes
Don't waste $ learning..
Adam, If you have a boat over 30 ft. in length, buy a new prop now, but NOT a fixed blade! Get a Max-Prop if you sail more than motor, or an Autoprop if you motor more than sail. Don't waste your time with fixed blade props. Basic design problems that I won't get into here, cause fixed blade props to have really bad characteristics in reverse and under sail. Spend the money (If you can)to get a Max-Prop, or an Autoprop, and your forward thrust, reverse thrust, and drag under sail will be as they should be. Or not. In the fullness of time you WILL understand. If not now, then later. I'm just suggesting that you take the opportunity to do it now. All Good Wishes! Ron Hughes skipper of the Max-Propped s/v "Best Revenge" H 40.5
Adam, If you have a boat over 30 ft. in length, buy a new prop now, but NOT a fixed blade! Get a Max-Prop if you sail more than motor, or an Autoprop if you motor more than sail. Don't waste your time with fixed blade props. Basic design problems that I won't get into here, cause fixed blade props to have really bad characteristics in reverse and under sail. Spend the money (If you can)to get a Max-Prop, or an Autoprop, and your forward thrust, reverse thrust, and drag under sail will be as they should be. Or not. In the fullness of time you WILL understand. If not now, then later. I'm just suggesting that you take the opportunity to do it now. All Good Wishes! Ron Hughes skipper of the Max-Propped s/v "Best Revenge" H 40.5
B
Bob
Props
I just switched to a fixed three blade on my 2001 320. I felt I wasn't getting the power out of the two blade and I also needed more get up and go as I'm in a very close / busy harbor. I splash her next week and will report back on if I think it was worth it.
I just switched to a fixed three blade on my 2001 320. I felt I wasn't getting the power out of the two blade and I also needed more get up and go as I'm in a very close / busy harbor. I splash her next week and will report back on if I think it was worth it.
D
David Foster
Ron do waste some time
on why props without fixed blades have reduced prop walk - I'd really like to know. David Lady Lillie
on why props without fixed blades have reduced prop walk - I'd really like to know. David Lady Lillie
L
LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners.com
I dunno Ron
Spending a couple grand on a prop is a pretty massive expense for most folks. I don't think you'd find anyone who'd disagree that those spendy props are better than fixed props but do they justify the cost. That can only be determined by each individual. Adam, in case you can't or won't spend that much on a prop, you should check with a prop guy in your town. As I understand it, 3 blades will give you more power in rougher seas but in flat calm or slight seas, you'll see little if any power increase. So if you sail in winter storms a lot, go with a 3 blade. If you only motor in calms, don't bother cuz it just creates more drag. BUT you *do* want to make sure the pitch, etc is correct for your boat. Thus my suggestion of talking to a prop guy. There's got to be one around and he'll be able to tell you what size, pitch, etc to buy. They can often adjust the one you currently have. LaDonna
Spending a couple grand on a prop is a pretty massive expense for most folks. I don't think you'd find anyone who'd disagree that those spendy props are better than fixed props but do they justify the cost. That can only be determined by each individual. Adam, in case you can't or won't spend that much on a prop, you should check with a prop guy in your town. As I understand it, 3 blades will give you more power in rougher seas but in flat calm or slight seas, you'll see little if any power increase. So if you sail in winter storms a lot, go with a 3 blade. If you only motor in calms, don't bother cuz it just creates more drag. BUT you *do* want to make sure the pitch, etc is correct for your boat. Thus my suggestion of talking to a prop guy. There's got to be one around and he'll be able to tell you what size, pitch, etc to buy. They can often adjust the one you currently have. LaDonna
R
Ralph Johnstone
Just Upgraded to Three Bladed Prop ......
...... and splashed three days ago. The boat is a 1999 H310 and the reduction in vibration was amazing. The two bladed prop had been balanced a year ago so its vibration wasn't due to imbalance. Also noticed that I can now stop the boat on a dime when coming into the slip. The prop walk is still there but no worse than before. Definitely worth the $450.00 CAN. Regards, s/v Island Hunter
...... and splashed three days ago. The boat is a 1999 H310 and the reduction in vibration was amazing. The two bladed prop had been balanced a year ago so its vibration wasn't due to imbalance. Also noticed that I can now stop the boat on a dime when coming into the slip. The prop walk is still there but no worse than before. Definitely worth the $450.00 CAN. Regards, s/v Island Hunter
A
Andy Falls
Good survey Question for Phil
I switched from 3 blade fixed to 2 blade folder. Much better for sailing and you learn to live with what 2 blades delivers in runs walks and fouls!
I switched from 3 blade fixed to 2 blade folder. Much better for sailing and you learn to live with what 2 blades delivers in runs walks and fouls!
R
Ray
S
Steve
No prop walk with new 3-blade
I just installed a new 3-blade prop that had the tips slightly bent (designed this way). Not only did I cure my vibration problems, but I eliminated prop walk when backing. The prop guy says this design (with the bent tips) eliminates it...and he was right!
I just installed a new 3-blade prop that had the tips slightly bent (designed this way). Not only did I cure my vibration problems, but I eliminated prop walk when backing. The prop guy says this design (with the bent tips) eliminates it...and he was right!
J
JPF
Feathering 3-Blade
I installed a 3-blade max prop on my Seafarer 30, replacing a fixed two blade. I have seen a 12% to 15% improvement in motoring forward, especially in choppy water. Prop walk in reverese was almost eliminated. In lighter winds I have seen about a 3/4 knot improvement in speed under sail, (of course this advantage goes away as the wind builds and I reach hull speed). It was an expensive upgrade, but in my opinion well worth the expense.
I installed a 3-blade max prop on my Seafarer 30, replacing a fixed two blade. I have seen a 12% to 15% improvement in motoring forward, especially in choppy water. Prop walk in reverese was almost eliminated. In lighter winds I have seen about a 3/4 knot improvement in speed under sail, (of course this advantage goes away as the wind builds and I reach hull speed). It was an expensive upgrade, but in my opinion well worth the expense.
S
Steve
3-Blade prop
Steve, You must be psychic. Yes, the new prop came from Bay Props in Alameda. I've had a number of boats over the years...this was the worst case of prop walk when backing that I had ever had. The new 3-blade with the bent tips totally eliminated it...now I really have to be aggressive when backing just to get the boat to start turning! Steve
Steve, You must be psychic. Yes, the new prop came from Bay Props in Alameda. I've had a number of boats over the years...this was the worst case of prop walk when backing that I had ever had. The new 3-blade with the bent tips totally eliminated it...now I really have to be aggressive when backing just to get the boat to start turning! Steve
G
Garry @ S/V TASHTEGO
- Status
- Not open for further replies.