3 Blade Prop?

[Bob Perreault]

We recently purchased an '85 Catalina 30TR and have our boat berthed in a marina very close to open ocean (the good news). We experience regular 6-7 knot current (the bad news)almost constantly, that is to say except at slack water. We've had some interesting adventures leaving the slip as the transition from backing to forward usually results in the currrent taking the boat as we get abeam of the current. A little more thrust would help. We have a Universal 25 with a standard 2 blade prop. Has anyone converted to a three blade? Is such a conversion possible? It is really not an option to back into the slip because of the current(there is not a single sailing vessel on our row of slips that backs in). Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

[Jim walden]

3-blade prop

Have done several changes to 1984 -M-25. Have repitched 2-blade prop to a 13X14(standard is 13x12) worked well but also experienced problems getting into and out of slip. Put on 13X10 three blade prop and getting into and out of slip much bettter. Little slower under sail but not much(we don't race) Found used 13x10 sailor prop on internet for $120

 

[Walt]

Three Blade Prop

I went to a three blade 13X10 shortly after I bought my used 85 with a M-25 engine. It stops and backs the boat much better, and has better acceleration. Cruising and 2100 rpm has much less vibration. Got my prop from Catalina factory in California. It was a standard Michigan 1" dia. shaft prop.