3 fix blade propeller for Hunter 33 Legend

[meirgerner]

I have a Hunter 33 Legend 2008. We currently have a two fix blade propeller and interested to replace it by a 3 fix blade one. I presume that the dimensions for it are 16X11X3B with 1" shaft. Would appreciate any reccomendation
Regards

 

[Johnb]

One way or another, if you are going to that trouble consider a folding/feathering propeller.

1 Big difference in sail performance, especially upwind in light airs
2 All the questions of whether the transmission should be in neutral/reverse or shaft locked etc. go away

I have a Flex-O-Fold with which I am completely satisfied but there are lots to choose from. I would never go back to a fixed prop.

 

[Bill Roosa]

Without knowing why you want to go from 2 to 3 blade fixed it is going to be pretty hard to help.
2 blade fixed are the most efficient from a "drag while sailing" POV and 3 blade fixed are most efficient from a "power to the water" while motoring POV.
Assuming you are a sailor and not a stinkboater, I'd not recommend going to a 3 blade as it will result in less sailing performance and tend to drive you to motoring more.
Folding and feathering props are best for sailing, with feathering the best of both worlds (and also the most expensive!!!). You get what you pay for. Fixed props have less maintenance issues than folding or feathering.
With that all said, why are you considering changing props?

 

[Scott B]

We've had the Var-prop on ours for 7 seasons and been very happy with performance.

http://www.spw-gmbh.de/en/variprop.html

 

[stephen Penny]

I suggest contacting the CampbellSailer propeller dealer below for the size recommendation. That is what I did when I replaced my fixed 2 blade with a fixed 3 blade CampbellSailer propeller.

http://www.westbynorth.com/CampbellSailer.aspx

 

[woodster]

ok i read north by northwest pitch on the campbell props ...it stated in there that they coated each prop with something to check barnacles and corrosion...i am wondering why they do not sell this coating as a end user maintenance product .......

 

[Bill Roosa]

I believe WM does sell prop anti-fouling paint undercoat

 

[meirgerner]

Fixed 3b

Thanks for all replies.
For the last three years we had an Autoprop Feathering 3B propeller. First it worked fine and we were very satisfied with its performance. in the last six months we faced a gradual growing problems of vibrations. We tried almost everything possible, following the directions of Autoprop support team. Nothing really helped and Autoprop refused to get it back for test without payment...
We installed the original 2Fixed blades, and the vibrations are gone. We are aware of the reduction in sailing performance due to drag, but as for long trips facing strong winds we need motor power...
Any more recommendations will be appreciated

 

[Scott B]

FWIW, we also have over 500 hours with that prop motoring.

 

[Ed D]

Hi

I second the recommendation for the CampbellSailer three blade prop I had one installed on my vision 32 five years ago excellent prop Tell them the details of you boat and motor and they will send you the proper prop

 

[the Dog House]

I put a 16x10 feathering 3 blade MaxProp on my boat late last year and love it. I haven't noticed a change when motoring from my old fixed 3 blade prop to the new prop. Handles well. I noticed a massive difference (.9-1.0) knot of more speed under sail - which is what I was looking for. I highly recommend the MaxProp. Only draw back was the price -$2600 bucks

 

[Ken Cross]

If you need to motor (as we must do due to frequent no wind conditions) the 3 blade also has way lower vibration due to the structure around the propeller.