Cat 30, too slow into the wind.

[Dave Ullrich]

I have a 1983 Catalina 30. It has the Universal 54-11, 11 hp diesel. I know the boat is underpowered, but for now the engine seems to be running well and I cannot justify replacing it yet. So, my question is what can I do to get the most out of the power I have? The boat is using the stock 2 blade, whatever size that is (I have no clue). On flat water the boat seems to powe fine, 5.3 knot cruise and 5.8-6.0 top end. But (and this is a BIG but), if there is any wind or waves or current, it goes WAY down. Unless the wind and water are flat I have a hard time going over 3 or 3.5 knots, sometimes less. Any thoughts?

 

[jamie]

slow

Hi I have the same problem but also cannot afford the repower yet and the darn engine runs so well and i swear it runs on fumes not diesel.I have heard and from testimony here that the cambell sailor prop is really great and is designed for min. drag it performs exceptionally well in reverse as well as forward.PLease check the archives as there is reference to a practical sailor review that spoke real well of the props compared to others the test waS done by mich tech or unversity ???I think even in canadian dollars the cost is much less that the other props people are refering to and in american $ it is about 1/2 so they are made here in naniamo b.c. so if i can help pls.let me know

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Planet Catalina]

3 blade prop

Your 2 blader is designed to work well in calm conditions but can be a problem in moderate to heavy seas. A 3 blade prop with the correct pitch for your boat will make quite a difference in heavy seas but might also slow you down when you're sailing. Before repowering, switch props as they're MUUUUCH cheaper! ;-)LaDonna

 

[Kevin L. Woody]

Replace the two blade

Dear Mr. Ullrich:Thanks for the note and question. Depending on the current two blade configuration, it may only be functioning at apx. 35% efficiency. If we look at three blade unit of like diameter, producing like loads to the engine, we may see that efficiency increasing to apx. 48% to 55%. This increase does not always produce additional speed in flat calm water but most assuredly will increase the vessels ability of powering into a heavy wind or sea while maintaining a greater speed. You will also see an increase of maneuverability. The three blade has one draw back and that is the speed loss under sail. Your two blade is most likely causing apx. ½ knot of speed loss the three blade will cause apx. ¾ of a knot speed loss, when sailing in apx. 10 to 12 knots of breeze. Sorry for the delay in responding, just returned from my vacation. Sincerely, Kevin L. Woody