Hi, I just placed an order for a 350 (Boston Boat show). I was hoping to find out how the 350 handles in reverse (prop walk) with the factory 3 blade installed. I am only experienced with my present 2 blade Hunter 34. I was considering the AutoProp if needed,(and am aware of other advantages of this prop) but was wondering if present owners (perhaps with previous 2 blade experience) found that they saw a dramatic improvement (in reverse handling) going to the 3 blade. The salesman suggested (in theory) that I would find just going to a 3 blade a suffcient improvement in reverse handling. In reviewing the archives, it seems that people that went with the AutoProp or MaxProp are happy with their choices. Thanks Much Joe
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Prop Walk
Joe I've attached the link to the prop walk discussions for your ease of use in case you haven't read the 4,567,831 posts on this subject. This is only because many of the posts are very useful and helpful (and plentiful). With your 3 blade prop you WILL have GREAT control in reverse. Just remember to get going (backwards) fast enough for your rudder to gain control over the prop walk. In this case, faster IS better, up to a point. and then, practice, practice, practice. Good luck with your new boat, good choice, and a good choice on the prop. Of course, you can get something else, but why not try this one until your next haul and then decide? Stu
Joe I've attached the link to the prop walk discussions for your ease of use in case you haven't read the 4,567,831 posts on this subject. This is only because many of the posts are very useful and helpful (and plentiful). With your 3 blade prop you WILL have GREAT control in reverse. Just remember to get going (backwards) fast enough for your rudder to gain control over the prop walk. In this case, faster IS better, up to a point. and then, practice, practice, practice. Good luck with your new boat, good choice, and a good choice on the prop. Of course, you can get something else, but why not try this one until your next haul and then decide? Stu
Walk about...
We have a three blade on ours and there is prop walk (back to the left) that is predictible and usefull. However when compared to our prior boat a Catalina 27 (2 blade) it is less (strange) an autoprop or other feathering / folding prop would definately have benefits especially when it comes to drag! Enjoy your C350 we love ours! #107
We have a three blade on ours and there is prop walk (back to the left) that is predictible and usefull. However when compared to our prior boat a Catalina 27 (2 blade) it is less (strange) an autoprop or other feathering / folding prop would definately have benefits especially when it comes to drag! Enjoy your C350 we love ours! #107
Three-Blade Prop
I own a Catalina 350, Hull #84. I have the three-blade prop. As Pete indicated, it walks toward port when backing up. However, as Stu indicated, the trick to eliminating prop walk is to get enough speed in reverse to put the engine in neutral and allow the rudder to work effectively. And it does take practice.
I own a Catalina 350, Hull #84. I have the three-blade prop. As Pete indicated, it walks toward port when backing up. However, as Stu indicated, the trick to eliminating prop walk is to get enough speed in reverse to put the engine in neutral and allow the rudder to work effectively. And it does take practice.
Thanks
Thanks Guys! I certainly understand the practice makes perfect drill! My concern is that I have a somewhat awkward slip arrangement (due to the location of other boats postioned around me) where I need to make a sharp turn to starboard (in reverse)when leaving the slip. Previously, my wife and I have managed to work (sometimes rather clumsy) it out but this year year we will be sailing with my 2 year old son and she may not be as able to help out as before.. (Backing into the slip proved more challenging so that eliminated that option) I was just wondering if the 3 blade improvement (in reverse) was enough to buy me some comfort. Just don't want to ding my (or anyone's else's) new boat. Again, thanks for your responses! Joe
Thanks Guys! I certainly understand the practice makes perfect drill! My concern is that I have a somewhat awkward slip arrangement (due to the location of other boats postioned around me) where I need to make a sharp turn to starboard (in reverse)when leaving the slip. Previously, my wife and I have managed to work (sometimes rather clumsy) it out but this year year we will be sailing with my 2 year old son and she may not be as able to help out as before.. (Backing into the slip proved more challenging so that eliminated that option) I was just wondering if the 3 blade improvement (in reverse) was enough to buy me some comfort. Just don't want to ding my (or anyone's else's) new boat. Again, thanks for your responses! Joe
#3 blade
If you really think a Feathering prop is what you need might want to get it now so it is part of the boat loan. Otherwise I agree with everyone else, the 3 blade gives you much more control and less prop walk than the 2 blade. There was a disussion a couple months ago on either this board or the Medium sized boat board about having to turn to stbd leaving the dock. Think it was titled "walking the boat out" or something like that. Discussed a situation very similar to yours. I think between the 3 bladed prop, some smart use of spring lines and practice you can beat this. I feel for you, moving my boat this spring, I too will have the dreaded turn to stbd to get out of the slip, thankfully it's 35-40 not a 90.
If you really think a Feathering prop is what you need might want to get it now so it is part of the boat loan. Otherwise I agree with everyone else, the 3 blade gives you much more control and less prop walk than the 2 blade. There was a disussion a couple months ago on either this board or the Medium sized boat board about having to turn to stbd leaving the dock. Think it was titled "walking the boat out" or something like that. Discussed a situation very similar to yours. I think between the 3 bladed prop, some smart use of spring lines and practice you can beat this. I feel for you, moving my boat this spring, I too will have the dreaded turn to stbd to get out of the slip, thankfully it's 35-40 not a 90.
Walking the Boat
In addition to Ken's post, here is a link to the singlehanded discussion a few months ago. Lots of discussion about springlines, and "odd" marina berths that make it tricky to get into and out of. It may not be the link Ken had in mind, but covers a lot of the same material. A Forum Search on "prop walk" will leave you reading to the next millenium. Stu
In addition to Ken's post, here is a link to the singlehanded discussion a few months ago. Lots of discussion about springlines, and "odd" marina berths that make it tricky to get into and out of. It may not be the link Ken had in mind, but covers a lot of the same material. A Forum Search on "prop walk" will leave you reading to the next millenium. Stu
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