3 Blade Prop 356

[Mike Boros]

I have read several articles within this web-site regarding those that have considered purchasing a 3-blade prop. I recently purchased a 356, and before I put it in the water I decided I would go ahead and get the 3-blade to help me get through the rough water. The trade-off for the drag vs. the power was not as important. I did consider the Max-prop, but at this time I am not willing to put out the $2,200 when I can buy the fixed 3-blade prop for $340I would like to ask a couple of questions. First, does the three blade add significantly more power in rough water, and secondly, I'm a little confused as to the pitch. I currently have (2-blade) 16X13X1, and when I called Hunter to find out what their engineers recommend for the 3-blade, they indicated 15X13X1.I received many mixed comments on what others suggested. Some say to go down in pitch i.e. 15X12X1, others say 16X12X1. Although I don't necessarily doubt these opinions, I think the right thing to do is follow Hunter's specifications, because after all, they designed the boat! Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you

 

[Colin Cheetham]

Reply toMike

Mike,Sorry can't help as I want to know the same thing, just ordered the 356 and want to know whether to upgrade the prop. Also I am considering the standard main vs in-mast reefing as the extra sail power should more than overcome a bit more prop drag. Which sail have you gone for?

 

[Mike Boros]

Response to Daniel and Conlin

I purchased the in-mast main, and agree with Daniel that the trade-off is worth it. I had a Hunter 31' before, and there were several times I can recall the frustration of taking down the main in rough seas. My wife was in the cockpit letting the halyard out while I was fighting to keep my balance while flaking the mainsail. Yes, I may give up some speed, but to not worry about the hassle of taking down the main and reefing, the loss of speed just doesn't concern me as much.With regard to size of 3-blade, I assume you both are getting the 15X13X1 prop recommended by Hunter. True?

 

[Colin Cheetham]

3 blade prop

Same here...we would order the Hunter (called Legend over here) prop and they would supply and fit it.Re the sails the standard main comes with single line reefing from the cockpit so I would have thought not a lot different to furling the in mast main from the cockpit???

 

[Kevin]

Three blade all the way

Hello,At one point Hunter specified to PYI a 16” x 12” three blade 1” shaft. It now seems that they have also passed a 15” x 13” three blade 1” shaft. I’ve always been one to try to keep a pitch to diameter ration close to 60-70%. The 16” achieves this at 75% where as a 15” = 86.666% Myself I would opt. for the 16”. You will find that the three blade will increase the boats heavy weather motoring by as much as 30 %. This will allow the vessel to maintain speed when confronted with adverse conditions besides being quite smooth and quite. Hope this helps. Kevin

 

[Peter Loewenstein]

FWIW...

My 356 (hull #53) was delivered with a 15x13x1 three-blader.