3 Blade prop advice.

[David Pringle]

I have a lovely 1979 Hunter 27 in great condition. It has the original one cylender yanmar diesel which works great. I am interested in knowing whether or not a 3 blade prop would help increase the little engine's performance. If so what size/pitch and other info would I need?

 

[Steve Dion]

What performance.

David:What performance do you want to increase? If you think you are going to go faster with a 3 bladed prop you may want to think again. If you want more punch in wind and big seas you may be on to something. A 3 blade prop will decrease you sailing performance. It is really amazing how anything dragging under your boat will effect the sailing performance. If may also increase your prop walk when in reverse. There are other alternatives that you may want to consider. Folding, feathering or modified 2 bladed props can/will offer enhanced motoring performance. Not all props will give you everything you are looking for, so you need to determien what you are looking for before you decide what to do.

 

[J CIANFLONE]

I have one

on my h27 1980 with the rc8. I make wake now!! The decrease in sailing speed is a trade off but it is not much and when the wind dies in 95 degree florida summer heat it is nice to get back to the dock in a jiffy. Ocean Propellors in Toms River N.J. made mine for me. You can always change it back if it doesn't work out.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Two vs. three.

For over six years I have watched the prop debates on HOW. I think the issue is not number of blades rather it is having the correct pitch, diameter, AND shape. Most would think my 18000# displ H37C is underpowered with its 20HP Yanmar. Then I went and installed a folding 2-blade! I love that no-drag feature. But she still motors at over 5 knots at 2200rpm in two foot seas.Design, not blades is the key. But I would agree that a properly designed 3-blade will give you more speed IN bad conditions. You just have to be willing to live with the drag.