I don't like three bladed fixed props because of the drag- heck you bought the puppy to sail- my 335 is right handed- By the by I have several friends who have gotten the Flex O Fold prop and increased their motoring and sailing speed- they come in 2 and three blade configurations probably around $800 for a boat your size- Good Luck
If you can afford it, go for a 3 blade feathering to achieve the efficiency your looking for with a fixed prop,you will also get with the added bonus of a 90% gain in reverse power over fixed.But more important is the gain in sailing performance.
This subject comes up on a regular basis. There is very little gain on replacing a 2 bladed fixed with a 3 bladed fixed unless you are fighting a current or head into a big blow. There are ways to fix some of the bad chararistics of a two blade prop and not having to go to a feathering or folding prop (expensive) and getting more drive (three bladed prop). Check out Kilian Prop in San Leandro, CA. They do some prop trickery that is really worth checking out. You can have them tweak your existing prop from $100-200. A new 3 bladed prop is probably going to cost you $300-400 and you are going to be a slower sailor. Search the archives and see what other have to say about Kilian.
Thanks to everyone who responded, My boat use is North of the San Juan and Gulf islands. We do very little sailing and may go to Alaska via the inland passage. We tow a 10" hard bottom dingy and have the boat loaded to the gunnels. Much of the wind we encounter is head on and there are many currents to contend with. I am willing to give up sailing speed for a little more push in a head wind and less vibration.
In regard to your question and the responses gotten. I would have to say.. Go for the 3-blade prop. If you were racing and trying to get the maximum from your boat then go for a feathering 2 blade or have them "Tweek" your old one for the best pitch etc. I have had 3 boats over the last 10 years. (an 84 Ericson 28+, 85 Islander 30' & 34 Hunter) at worst case you lose about 1/2 a knot..(really...that is all!!)I actually checked in similar conditions with a GPS. But the added push you will have is amazing!! & add to that the torque in reverse?...My gosh. On the Ericson I had a folding prop and we used to really bury the railings. But motoring we sometimes joked we could get out and push faster. After going to a 3-blade...you could feel the difference and as far as sailing you really couldnt feel much differance. the only way was by really checking the GPS while heeling. So I would do it..as a matter of fact I did...3 times!! Good luck and great sailing (and motoring!) RS
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