Campbell-Sailer 2 blade vs. 3 blade prop

[Dave Ramaley]

I have an '83 Hunter 34 with a 2 blade folding Martec propeller. The prop seems to get fouled too easily in NY Harbor, doesn't open properly sometimes, and vibrates at various RPMs. I'm considering buying a Campbell-Sailer fixed blade prop. I don't race my boat, but I would like to get a 2 blade for its low drag characteristics. But, everyone (prop shops) seems to be recommending the 3 blade. Does anyone out there have experience with a CS 2 blade prop on an H34? Does it have enough power?

 

[Paul Bryan]

2 blade 15x12 marginal

Dave, I have a 15x12 michigan wheel prop that I feel is marginal. Everyone else seems to have a 15x15, yet michigan wheel says the 15x12 is what is recommended. I was considering a feathering prop. Lots of $$ though. I have seen adds for the Campbell prop, but have not read any reviews yet. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to have for a prop. There appears to be different pitch for the same boat and it's pretty confusing. If I knew I could get good reverse thrust out of the feathering I guess I would buy one of those instead of the CS. Good luck.Paul BryanWhisper III, h34Sodus Bay, Lake Ontario, NY

 

[Bob]

15 x 13 3-blade

I own a 1985 H34. Came stock with a 15x15 2-blade, and was replaced with a 15-13 3-blade shortly after delivery. This follows a generic recommendation from prop shops regarding swapping 2 blades for 3 (decrease pitch by 2).Excellent response in forward, reverse, and water-boiling stops. The motor turns about 2800 rpm at WOT (but I'm not sure if the tach is dead on because of a Balmar alternator).

 

[Steve Dion]

Bob, I think that you are over propped.

Bob:I think that you are slightly over propped. You should be able to pull about 3200+ rpms at WOT. I would suggest that you knock down the pitch by 1 - 2 deg on your next pull. Each degree of pitch will increase or decrease your RPM by 250-350 rpms. Adding a blade will give you the equivlant of 1 deg. of pitch. I am sort of suprised that you do not overheat IF you are running her up to 2800 while cruising.These engines are suppose to be run at 70-80% of max RPM (3600). That is suppose to produce the max torque and optimum fuel economy.I am NOT tell you what to do, just what how the engine is suppose to be operated.