While looking thru the archives for help on another matter, I found posts saying that switching to a 3 blade prop helps with vibration. Our V32 runs smooth at 1500rpm, shakes & vibrates alot at 2000rpm, and is still pretty shaky at 2500rpm.. would a 3 blade prop help this vibration? Where would one get a fixed 3-blade prop?
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First, Though
Check your engine mounts, shaft alignment and cutlass bearing play. If any of those things are not right, the prop change won't do squat. You can check these Archives for discussions on procedures, or pick up a boat maintenance book from the Chandlery on this site. If, after you do it, any prop shop can order you a three bladed prop. If you sail your Vision in light air, think twice. It does add drag. FWIW, I had a Vision. It had a lot of vibration. I found that the engine was not aligned correctly (or had gotten out of alignment). It made a BIG difference. Good luck. Rick D.
Check your engine mounts, shaft alignment and cutlass bearing play. If any of those things are not right, the prop change won't do squat. You can check these Archives for discussions on procedures, or pick up a boat maintenance book from the Chandlery on this site. If, after you do it, any prop shop can order you a three bladed prop. If you sail your Vision in light air, think twice. It does add drag. FWIW, I had a Vision. It had a lot of vibration. I found that the engine was not aligned correctly (or had gotten out of alignment). It made a BIG difference. Good luck. Rick D.
Prop
We had vibration with a two blade and still had it with a three blade. The strut was out of alignment. As Rick said check other areas first unless you want a three blade anyway. I disagree about the extra drag. We installed a three blade sailor and noticed very little drag increase, but then we don't race much.
We had vibration with a two blade and still had it with a three blade. The strut was out of alignment. As Rick said check other areas first unless you want a three blade anyway. I disagree about the extra drag. We installed a three blade sailor and noticed very little drag increase, but then we don't race much.
prop check
In gerneral a 3 blade prop will tend to seem a bit smoother than a 2 blade, just like a 3 cyl vs. 2 cyl diesel will. It may hide a problem but it is not a fix. If you do opt for a 3 blader stay away from the MP style if you're at all concerned about drag. The vibration most likely is a cutlass bearing and or alignment problem. Don't rule out a bent shaft or out of balance prop. I would recomend having the prop reconditioned over the winter along with the alignment and cutlass replacement. If that doesn't work then pull the shaft and have it checked for trueness.
In gerneral a 3 blade prop will tend to seem a bit smoother than a 2 blade, just like a 3 cyl vs. 2 cyl diesel will. It may hide a problem but it is not a fix. If you do opt for a 3 blader stay away from the MP style if you're at all concerned about drag. The vibration most likely is a cutlass bearing and or alignment problem. Don't rule out a bent shaft or out of balance prop. I would recomend having the prop reconditioned over the winter along with the alignment and cutlass replacement. If that doesn't work then pull the shaft and have it checked for trueness.
But don't go to a 3 blade . . .
But don't go to a 3 blade . . . if you don't go to feathering. Your drag will increase and in light air everyone will sail by you. Three blade is only 3 "b.o.a.t." units (bring on another thousand), and its Christmas time. Further the economy needs a jolt. <grin>
But don't go to a 3 blade . . . if you don't go to feathering. Your drag will increase and in light air everyone will sail by you. Three blade is only 3 "b.o.a.t." units (bring on another thousand), and its Christmas time. Further the economy needs a jolt. <grin>
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