Change to a 3 bladed prop

[airflow]

I have a Hunter 326 with a 18 HP Yanmar that has the factory installed 2 blade prop. I'm looking to upgrade to a 3 bladed prop. Can anyone tell me what specs I should look for? size, pitch etc.

 

[sailordel]

my experience

I have a Legend 37 with 3HM35F 30hp. It came with 2 bladed prop and I changed to a Max-Prop from PYI. It is a feathering prop, and in reverse the blades rotate so the prop has the same "bite" as in forward. Does not have torque walk, and I can actually steer in reverse. Love it, both for racing and cruising. I considered a 3 blade but the folks at PYI said the 2 blade would work fine except for the most extreme conditions. Cost was about 50% more for 3 blade. I have motored into 25 kn winds with 2-3 foot chop on the Intracoastal Waterway and was able to maintain 5-5.5 knots versus 6.5 under calm conditions.

 

[patrick]

3 blade no question

I have a 37.5 and have used both 2 blade 17 inch and 3 blade 18 inch Max props. There is no comparison between them. The two blade vibrated much more and walked more in reverse. I picked up over a knot with a larger 3 blade and we motor a lot. The only other likely option I know of is the Autostream and I have no experience with them. PYI has treated me very very well with my recent experience with some extraordinary electrolysis issues. GREAT SERVICE from PYI. When you consider the cost of pulling the boat, another $800 for a far better prop is worth it. USE ONLY MIL SPEC ZINCS!!!

 

[Harmers]

Have pondered the same change

Please keep us updated and let us know what you end up with and how you like it. We have the same boat and motor and are debating the same change.