3-blade prop for Hunter 310

[Al - s/v Persephone]

I'm not unhappy with my 2-blade prop, as it gives me hull-speed (7+ kts) in most circumstances without unduly reving my 2GM20, and I've grown used to its prop-walk characteristics as a means to kick the stern around in my tight-quarters slip (which requires crabbing down an entrance aisle).However, both the Merrimac and Piscatequa rivers can have some "interesting" combinations of tides and currents, and there have been occasions when I'd have liked a bit quicker acceleration.Has anyone here switched from the 2-blade to a 3-blade on a 310 who'd be willing to comment on differences in:(1) acceleration;(2) actual knots-per-rpm;(3) feel when crabbing, etc. in tight quarters;(4) engine loading;(5) fuel consumption;(6) vibration; and(7) drag under sail.Alternatively, anyone done so with any other mid-sized Hunter?Thanks.

 

[Royce]

drag

You will have incrased drag with the 3 blade prop, especially with a non-feathering or non-folding type. I replaced a 2 blade with a fixed 3 blade from West by North called a Campbell Sailor. The blades of this prop are alot narrower than a conventional Michigan Wheel prop. This prop is alot cheaper than a folding or feathering prop. See the link and good luck. It didn't affect the prop walk, I had it before and I still have it, but it made a big difference on acceleration.

 

[Steve Dion]

Bay Props in Alameda, CA.

Al:Contact Bay Props in Alameda, CA. They can help you with your current prop. It will not be quite a efficent as a 3 blade but you will not have the drag either. It will cost you about $150 to rework your existing prop. Call and speak with Bob Kilan if he is available. He can give you all the pros/cons for all of your options. The prop work they do is referred to as a Non-slip tip prop. They have a website so you can check them out. http://www.bay-ship.com/bayprp_nonsliptip.html