'81 Hunter 33 two or three blade prop???

Status
Not open for further replies.
H

HunterSailorJax

.
Jun 15, 2009
11
Hunter 33 Jacksonville
We I got her she had a three blade prop installed, and will do 5.5 or 6 kts under power. Tho she won't back down worth beans
The original two blade prop is still on board.

Does anyone have any experience with the two blade vs the three blade prop?

Was thinking of trying the two blade since she is up on sticks for repairs.

Any opinions will be appreciated..

cheers

butch
 
S

Steve Dion

.
Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
Butch: Do yourself a favor. Purchase a Campbell Sailor Prop. You will not be sorry. The boat will sail better, less vibration and you should also see improved motoring forward/reverse.
 
SamLust

SamLust

.
Jan 2, 2008
547
Hunter 33 (Cherubini design Forked River, Barnegat Bay, NJ
My 1983 Hunter 33 came with the 2 blade prop and 2 GM engine. It was almost OK but underpowered. I swapped in a 3 blade prop at the time I installed a 3 GM 30 F engine. With a clean underbody I cruise 6 knots and top out at 7 knots. Prop walk to port is about the same as the 2 blade and helps me back into my slip from a narrow fairway. Backing my 33 is fine once it hits about 3/4 knot through the water, enough speed for the rudder to bite in. I have backed down long fairways where there was no room to turn around and, again, once at steerage speed it is fine. It goes a wee bit crabbed but standing at the wheel facing aft you won't notice that at all.

My advice, based on MY experience with MY boat is to stick with the 3 blade. The increased push is worth the miniscule added drag.

Sam
 
Paul F

Paul F

.
Jun 3, 2004
827
Hunter 1980 - 33 Bradenton
100% agree with Sam. The three blade is much better than the two.
 
S

Steve Dion

.
Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
No doubt about it, but using a Michigan 3 blade is like throwing a bucket overboard when you are sailing.

http://www.westbynorth.com/

If you do not have a prop that is matched to your engine/trans with proper tip clearance you will not see much if any difference. The key is to have the correct diameter & pitch to maximize your engine performance.
 
Paul F

Paul F

.
Jun 3, 2004
827
Hunter 1980 - 33 Bradenton
Two years ago the boat was reproped to a three blade prop. Have a 2QM15 Yanmar 14 h.p. on a '80 hunter 33. A smaller 13X11 3 blade replacing the original 14X12 2 blade was put on. In doing this the engine RPM's increased 500 revolutions from 1,900 to 2,400 RPM - in neutral the engine runs at 2,800 RPM. The boat now runs a knot faster at 6.5+ kts. And the whole drive train is much smoother and quieter. If you can find a smaller 3 blade prop, give it a try. I wish I had made this change years ago.
 
H

HunterSailorJax

.
Jun 15, 2009
11
Hunter 33 Jacksonville
Thanks, mates. I guess I'll stick with the three. I kept the two blade as a backup. Never hurts to have a spare.

I pulled the three blade, and am taking it to the prob shop to make sure it is true.

hi ho

butch
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Top Bottom