OK. Give us the pros and cons of a 3 blade vs. the two blade props. Inquiring minds want to know. S/V Never Say Never
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georgelakesiii@yahoo.com
Balance
Three blade props are easier to balance and consequently should have less vibration potential. Along with the smaller diameter possible with three, it can break through or cut through kelp, fishing line etc. easier. I have a 3 blade on a 42.
Three blade props are easier to balance and consequently should have less vibration potential. Along with the smaller diameter possible with three, it can break through or cut through kelp, fishing line etc. easier. I have a 3 blade on a 42.
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Johnny Hughes
pro and con
I have a 3 blade fixed prop on my H40. Por: I have found that it gives more power and speed under power. I have much better performance in reverse. Con: It definately creates more drag under sail. However I still race it and do well. I consistantly cruise at over 7kts under sail so I can tolerate that extra drag for the power.
I have a 3 blade fixed prop on my H40. Por: I have found that it gives more power and speed under power. I have much better performance in reverse. Con: It definately creates more drag under sail. However I still race it and do well. I consistantly cruise at over 7kts under sail so I can tolerate that extra drag for the power.
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Bill O'Donovan
Two cents
The size of the boat may preclude a choice. I have a two-blade Max Prop on a Hunter 29.5 and it works great. The trick was getting the right pitch to assure maximum efficiency under power. The yard guy did it in two tries.
The size of the boat may preclude a choice. I have a two-blade Max Prop on a Hunter 29.5 and it works great. The trick was getting the right pitch to assure maximum efficiency under power. The yard guy did it in two tries.
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Shaun Moore
3 vs 2
Recently put a 3 blade on my 33.5. Much less vibration with the 3, more "torgue" when moving the boat in tight quarters, better stopping power. Have not noticed any more drag or propwalk with the 3 blade. The two blade required 3200 rpms to get close to 6 knots which, if your in the ditch all day, can get a little tiresome.
Recently put a 3 blade on my 33.5. Much less vibration with the 3, more "torgue" when moving the boat in tight quarters, better stopping power. Have not noticed any more drag or propwalk with the 3 blade. The two blade required 3200 rpms to get close to 6 knots which, if your in the ditch all day, can get a little tiresome.
Pretty much sums it up!
Bob: I think everyone has pretty much summed it up here. If you want to sail MOST of time, then a two bladed prop is the answer. If you need to power a lot, then a three bladed prop MAY be the answer. Generally speaking a three bladed prop is going to give you better thrust in a heavy seaway, better stopping power and going to get you going faster in reverse. It is also going to give you MORE prop walk and more drag under sail.
Bob: I think everyone has pretty much summed it up here. If you want to sail MOST of time, then a two bladed prop is the answer. If you need to power a lot, then a three bladed prop MAY be the answer. Generally speaking a three bladed prop is going to give you better thrust in a heavy seaway, better stopping power and going to get you going faster in reverse. It is also going to give you MORE prop walk and more drag under sail.
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David
3 blade or 2
The question is not just 2 blade or 3 blade but rather what kind of 2 blade and 3 blade. I have had both a 2 blade and 3 blade on my boat and try to sail as much as possible.The 3 blade cruiser can be a real drag under sail. I have found that a 3 blade "Sailor" by Michigan Wheel gives the best overall performance. Drag under sail is not noticeable and I get a handicap when racing. It backs well and has far less prop walk. But, if you never cruise get a 2 blade. Most of the other responses so far are accurate.
The question is not just 2 blade or 3 blade but rather what kind of 2 blade and 3 blade. I have had both a 2 blade and 3 blade on my boat and try to sail as much as possible.The 3 blade cruiser can be a real drag under sail. I have found that a 3 blade "Sailor" by Michigan Wheel gives the best overall performance. Drag under sail is not noticeable and I get a handicap when racing. It backs well and has far less prop walk. But, if you never cruise get a 2 blade. Most of the other responses so far are accurate.
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scott heller
autoprop
I haven't gone there yet, but plan to purchase an autoprop in the near future. www.autoprop.com Looks like more thrust (fwd and back), less drag, and more money. The constant tradeoff.
I haven't gone there yet, but plan to purchase an autoprop in the near future. www.autoprop.com Looks like more thrust (fwd and back), less drag, and more money. The constant tradeoff.
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