380 hunter, which prop should we use

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Sue

We just purchased the 380 which has a 2 blade and I am interested in the oppinions on the 3 blade. Any comments on why go with the 3 or reason enough to stay with the two blade? I have to back my boat into the slip and this is probably my real interest. Would the 3 blade be better or not enough difference to warrant replacing the 2 blade.
 
Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
Bay Prop in Alameda, CA.

Sue: Contact Bay Prop in Alemeda, CA. Talk to Bob Kilian and talk to him about your prop. $130 and your existing prop will give you the best of both worlds, unless you have $1k-2k to blow on a feathering prop that is.
 
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Les Blackwell

I have the best!

Sue, I have a H380 and because of another problem when we first got the boat, I put on a three bladed Max prop. Yes, they are expensive but I will not have a boat without one from now on. It made the engine run much smoother; we can back anywheres and in all types of weather and in choppy waters, I believe we plow on through with more gusto now. It is amazing the difference in my boat since putting on a Max prop. They are standard gear on Oysters, Swans and some other high price boats. I'm trying to get Hunter to do the same. If you are interested, call PYI in Lynnwood, WA. They will help you (no, I don't work for them, but I sure like the Max prop).
 
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Jim Randall

Max Prop

I have just ordered a Max Prop for the same reasons as Les - Les do you know what size you had fitted and the settings that it was set to?
 
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RON MILLS

Went from 3 to 2

I recently purchased a 2 blade with winglets from Bay Prop. This replaced a three blade that I had used for ten years. I am extremely pleased with the results and the backing ability is great. I no longer have all the pressure on the wheel that I used to have when backing. You should call and talk to Bob regardless of your decision as he is one of the most knowledgeable and friendly people in the business.
 
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Eric

Bay Prop

Do you have contact number and or web site for Bay. I was unable to find them on the internet.
 
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John

Two Blade Maxprop thumbs up

I have a 2 blade Maxprop on a H380 and control and power in reverse is superior to a fixed prop of any kind that I have experienced. There is little or no prop walk and you can power in reverse just about as good as you can go forward. I have backed up for fuel and docking in tight situations that I would not have attempted with our 34' fixed prop. You almost feel like a stink boat with twin 340 Cummins diesels and wireless joystick controls. Well, maybe not exactly. Our boat came with the two blade Max, so I do not know what the difference would be with the 3 blade Max other than around $800 additional. I think the two blades go for around $1800 but worth it if you can spare the loose change. If you can read french check out the link below.
 
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Les Blackwell

Jim, That info is on the boat.

I need to check the boat out today as we're in for a blustery day tomorrow, so I get that information for you and desplay on this web site.
 
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Robert Pugh

H380 3 Blade Prop

You should do yourself the favor of looking at the Campbell Sailer 3 prop blade at www.WestByNorth.com or call them at (604) 506-2032. They are a canadian firm which makes a great prop. We have had ours since April and it has really made a difference in both foward, reverse, and control of the boat in tight places. The cost was $420.
 
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Doug Merrill

Autostream

We exchenged the standard two blade prop for an Autostream 3 blade feathering prop from Martec. It works great and really shines when manuevering in close quarters. Also costs less than the MaxProp. Doug Merrill S/V Dream Catcher
 
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Tony Wilcox

J-Prop

I Have a 17" J-Prop on my 376. Had it for two years now, great for backing up and powering through chop and wind. Very easy maintainance, adjustable pitch, quick and easy to take on and off the shaft. Oh and yes it is expensive CDN$3250 approx. Can't imajine how we managed with the stock 2 blade. Tony
 
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Sue Schuster

Thanks

Thanks everyone, 3 blade out wins over the 2 blade. Now the question is a feathering prop or plain one? How much mantinance to the feathering prop?
 
Jul 1, 1998
3,062
Hunter Legend 35 Poulsbo/Semiahmoo WA
Web Site Advantages & Disadvantages

The feathering or folding type prop is more for people who like to sail and want the least drag possible. I'd estimate I pick up about 0.4 knots with a 2-blade feathering prop which is significant. Maintenance on my feathering prop: Change the zincs twice a year, once in the water (hire a diver) and once at haul out time (I paint the bottom annually). The first year one probably should plan to dive on the boat more frequently until you see how the zincs hold up. Our divers like to dive on the boat every three months. In addition to zincs the prop should be greased annually. It can be greased in or out of the water. Get to know you marina and how "hot" it is. Talk to the boat owners in the slips on each side and in front of yours about how their zincs hold up. Last year I experienced electrolysis on my prop due to a new boat that moved in near by who was "hot". They were there for only a couple months but long enough to cause some damage to everyone around, including me. Marina management has since booted them out but that's water over the dam. Propeller links: http://www.everythingaboutsailing.com/PgmLib/Ppagedisplay.php3?p=336 Max-Prop web page with links to installation manuals, etc.: http://www.pyiinc.com/?section=max-prop&SID=b4a57212a568d19c75a351bf13ca03a1&sn=1&SID=b4a57212a568d19c75a351bf13ca03a1 Advantages and Disadvantages of prop types: http://www.pyiinc.com/index.php?section=max-prop&action=the-advantage&sn=2 What I like is: 1.I sail more and motor less ($ave wear and tear on the engine), 2. Sail about 0.4 knots faster with my two-blade feathering than with the two-blade fixed (like moving up from a 110 to a 150 without the work), and, 3. Quieter with no shaft rotation while under sail. The used value of a feathering prop is approx 50-percent of the new price so whenever it's time to sell the boat, unlike many other additions, it can be removed and sold separately if the buyer wants to pay less.
 
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Les Blackwell

Sue (H380 Prop information

As usual, John Nantz has done his homework and has articulated a well written definitive answer. I can only agree with him. Someone asked what size Max prop I have on the H380. Just came back from the boat with that info--it is a 17 " wheel with the blade setting angle set at 22 degrees. I cruise at 2800 to 3000 rpm and do 7 to 7.4 knots. Engine max is 3600 rpms which I can achieve. I hope this helps. Les Blackwell H380 Trumpeter Sailing out of Bellingham, WA
 
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