Do I need a new prop?

[Paul]

I have had my 1989 Catalina 30 tall mast for two years now and have found on occassion my Universal diesal to be short on power. When there are 3-4 foot waves and 20 knot winds the boat will not advance. Aside for that, the engine runs well. My prop is a two blade and I am not certain if it is the orginal. Any thoughts for me on replacing the prop before it goes in the water next week? Thanks!

 

[LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners.com]

Proper pitch

You should take it to a prop shop & make sure it's pitched correctly. That makes an enormous difference in performance!LaDonna

 

[cole]

I know how you feel

I know how you feel about the underpower. My old 30 does the same thing. So what can we do about it? Besides repowering;Try to tack against the wind under power instead of bashing through, you will get better speed because the hull isnt plowing into the waves as bad thereby putting on the brakes. Use more throttle, that motor will take a licking and keep on ticking. I dont think changing the screw will help much. you may get to speed faster but the drag associated with 3 blades during all the other times underway inst worth it(to me) Frank and his crew did a fine job designing the 30. a catalina is a trade off here and there with the advantage going to the owner.Lets go sailingcole

 

[Tim Dranttel]

Try a 3 blade

I have both a two and a three blade prop for my 86 TR w/Universal 25. The exact pitch for both escapes me at the moment, but I do know that each is pitched appropriately based on conversations I've had on this forum. Both blades get to roughly the same top speed under power. The three blade gives me more thrust in headwind/seaway situations, has more prop walk both in forward and reverse, and shaves about .5 of a knot off of my speed under sail. That all said I've had gust of wind and a wave or two stop me dead. Not sure on the wind speed but if I had to guess the steady state was 20-25 (once under sail I was double reefed with no jib and 20-30 degrees of heel) with gust to 30. The waves that stopped me were green coming over the bow so I'd guess 4-6 feet. Anyway, it's all about trade offs. Get a three blade, try it out and then you'll have a spare no matter which way you go.Tim

 

[Wendell]

Try sailing

With 20 kts of wind, sailing is a faster option than any engine can push thru 3 to 4 ft waves.