My wife and I are brand new sailboat owners ( 1994 Hunter 29.5 ), we have owned several power boats and a small day sailer, but never a boat as large as this. My question is that this boat is equiped with a folding prop which I understand is far more conducive to speed than to handling in close quarters. We had one heck of a time trying to manuever around our marina while going from forward to reverse. It seems as though I would have to get up close to 2000RPMS before it would actually kick in to reverse, which makes it extremely difficult to handle. I called a mechanic to ask him to take a look at things and he was quick to point out that if I had a folding prop this was pretty much the way they handle. Is this what I should expect from a folding prop and should I replace it this winter with a fixed 2 or 3 blade? Any help or guidance would be much appreciated!!!!!!
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Folding Prop Manuvering
I've had a Martec folding prop for 17 seasons. The 'trick' is to keep them clean and serviced in the off season so they fold and open easily. You may have a barnacle or scum growth binding the parts. A folder will be slightly more difficult to open if the boat has any apreciable forward speed, but a 'shot' of power will typically open it. Backing and filling and general dockside manuvering isn't any problem once you get used to throttling back between shifts. I estimate up to 1/2 knot difference in sailing performance depending on wind speed; plus less turbulence in front of the rudder can help pointing ability. A geared featherng prop may be the best of both worlds but at greater cost.
I've had a Martec folding prop for 17 seasons. The 'trick' is to keep them clean and serviced in the off season so they fold and open easily. You may have a barnacle or scum growth binding the parts. A folder will be slightly more difficult to open if the boat has any apreciable forward speed, but a 'shot' of power will typically open it. Backing and filling and general dockside manuvering isn't any problem once you get used to throttling back between shifts. I estimate up to 1/2 knot difference in sailing performance depending on wind speed; plus less turbulence in front of the rudder can help pointing ability. A geared featherng prop may be the best of both worlds but at greater cost.
We had a fixed two blade on our H28 and a...
fixed three blade on our P42. We're not in it for racing so if it means a small difference in speed I'll settle for the reliability of the fixed blade. Terry
fixed three blade on our P42. We're not in it for racing so if it means a small difference in speed I'll settle for the reliability of the fixed blade. Terry
atfer using folders for years
I think they are the best way to go. fast and clean. they have to be clean. they need to be shifted early. before you want the power to back. I always shift at low rpm then increase power to back. If you shift at high rpm it will slam the blades out and distort the hub and its wings. so the blade opens to far, greatly reducing performance. maybe someone has already done that. you can easily see wear on these props. usually the prop shops solution is to sell you a new prop. They can be rebuilt and are kinda pricey so, so dont let them keep the old one. if your going to change. ood luck.
I think they are the best way to go. fast and clean. they have to be clean. they need to be shifted early. before you want the power to back. I always shift at low rpm then increase power to back. If you shift at high rpm it will slam the blades out and distort the hub and its wings. so the blade opens to far, greatly reducing performance. maybe someone has already done that. you can easily see wear on these props. usually the prop shops solution is to sell you a new prop. They can be rebuilt and are kinda pricey so, so dont let them keep the old one. if your going to change. ood luck.
feathering!
I have a CDI feathering prop and it excells on all points. Better speed under sail, at least as good in forward as the fixed 2 blade it replaced, and reverse is fantastic. It will back the boat in a straight line, versus the "torque steer" the fixed caused. Love it!!
I have a CDI feathering prop and it excells on all points. Better speed under sail, at least as good in forward as the fixed 2 blade it replaced, and reverse is fantastic. It will back the boat in a straight line, versus the "torque steer" the fixed caused. Love it!!
If you really want to know
I had a two blade fixed, changed to two blade folder. I have kept the fixed for 10 years to make *&^ sure that I didn't want to go back. I've learn to anticipate the characteristics fo the folder and most of the previous comments explain it all. Now if you really want a fixed blade, we could make a trade for the one that's in my basement!
I had a two blade fixed, changed to two blade folder. I have kept the fixed for 10 years to make *&^ sure that I didn't want to go back. I've learn to anticipate the characteristics fo the folder and most of the previous comments explain it all. Now if you really want a fixed blade, we could make a trade for the one that's in my basement!
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