Beneteau 361 - what size propeller?

[Philip_Oceanis 361]

I placed the following thread, by mistake, under "ask all sailors". This is just a repetition (sorry for this):

I would like to replace my radice 2-blade 16X11 fixed propeller with a 3-blade one. Of course I will get the supplier's (whoever is) recommendations but could you tell me what propeller you have on your Beneteau 361 (size, make etc) as well as your engine make and gear ratio?
I am particularly interested in the Campell Sailor propellers, though due to the their design may have lower diameter and pitch from "normal" shape, but let me know what you have anyway.
Thanks

 

[joker460]

Yours is the big brother of my 352 and has a 3 blade prop 16x12 LH25.

I have the Yanmar 3GM30F 27 hp motor, don't know the gearbox off the top of my head.

 

[Benjamin Disralei]

Hi Phillip

I too am considering a propeller replacement for my 361, I know little about propellers so will be very interested in which way you move . are you considering a folding or furling, secondly why are you considering a change at all, is it to achieve a better sailing speed...?.

I hace a 29 HP Volvo Penta as previously mentioned and at 3000 rpm move along at 7.2 knt on a reasonably calm lake with a 2 prop fixed current. Like me you suffer from a lot of prop walk though I must say I have come to appreciate it and learn't the tricks that it has to offer and is minimised through proper acceleration through the early reversing stage.

Please keep me up to date with your findings.

www.[B]kiwiprops[/B].co.nz/contact.html

P.S. Have you looked at the Kiwi Prop

Take care.

Benjamin

 

[Philip_Oceanis 361]

Hi Phillip

I too am considering a propeller replacement for my 361, I know little about propellers so will be very interested in which way you move . are you considering a folding or furling, secondly why are you considering a change at all, is it to achieve a better sailing speed...?.

I hace a 29 HP Volvo Penta as previously mentioned and at 3000 rpm move along at 7.2 knt on a reasonably calm lake with a 2 prop fixed current. Like me you suffer from a lot of prop walk though I must say I have come to appreciate it and learn't the tricks that it has to offer and is minimised through proper acceleration through the early reversing stage.

Please keep me up to date with your findings.

www.kiwiprops.co.nz/contact.html

P.S. Have you looked at the Kiwi Prop

Take care.

Benjamin

The reason I would like to change to a 3-blader is to get rid of some vibrations I have at higher rpm. I have a feeling that the 2-blades behind the skeg is the reason of the vibrations (water flow disturbance) and a 3-blader will eliminate them (hopefully).
Appart from this, my current propeller is very good. I get a speed of around 6.1-6.3 knots at 2400rpm which I like to use, can get full 3400rpm, if necessary, with associated speed increase (7.6-7.8knots) and no smokes out of the exchaust and even against waves/chop is OK (for a 2-blader).
Yes, I know kiwi propellers but in general I prefer the simplicity of the fixed propeller. Also cost is an important issue to take into account.
Campell Sailer seems to be a good choice with similar drag as a wide blade 2-blader but I must say they are nearly unknown on the other side of the atlantic (I live somewhere in the Med) and being very different from "usual" propellers is probably risky to get it right first time. Returning back for re-pitch or whatever reason is out of question.

Do you also have vibrations with your propeller? I get vibrations even during sailing with the engine off and the propeller left free to rotate.
Why are you thinking of replacing with a 3-blader?

 

[Benjamin Disralei]

Hi Phillip

In reply, I was not considering changing to a three blade prop but was considering a 2 blade folding. I do get vibration at different rev ranges though have grown accustom to them. occasional I have experienced vibration while under sail but is not consistent. I get the same speeds as you do at similar rev ranges and I am very impressed with the output of the prop.

I reverse in to my pen and some days come in quite quick, the prop will pull the yacht up on a dime, it has considerable thrust and can throw out a lot of water.

Cheers

Benjamin