What is the preference for Hunter 31s, fixed or folding. How much real gain is there on a fodling prop, and how much sacrifice from the Yanmar 2? I am assuming that some improvement in performance has been realized in the 25 years since my 86 was made. What aftermarket props have people experienced notable improvement with?
Fixed Prop vs. Folding
- Thread starter wufibugs
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My '85 H'31 had a CDI Prop (15 x 10) for years. It was much better than the prop that Hunter delivered (15 x 12) the boat with but I do not think that most of the mfg do a very good job regarding the matching of props/engine/transmission/vessel on sailboats.
The next question when you start looking at the alternatives is price and overall performance. A Michigan prop is probably about $400 for a 3 blade unit. The Campbell prop will run you about $600. Then you can move up to the folding props (better for sailing, but probably not good for motoring). These are typically less expensive than the feathering props. Then if you have the big bucks you can spend upwards of $3k for a prop that is probably better all around.
You need to determine what is important to you and how deep your pockets are.
HOW DEEP ARE YOUR POCKETS?
The next question when you start looking at the alternatives is price and overall performance. A Michigan prop is probably about $400 for a 3 blade unit. The Campbell prop will run you about $600. Then you can move up to the folding props (better for sailing, but probably not good for motoring). These are typically less expensive than the feathering props. Then if you have the big bucks you can spend upwards of $3k for a prop that is probably better all around.
You need to determine what is important to you and how deep your pockets are.
HOW DEEP ARE YOUR POCKETS?
Without question fixed blade props are a drag on sailing. Not only do they slow the boat, they increase weather helm and decrease pointing ability. The more hydrodynamic the prop design the better your boat will sail. Carrying a fixed blade prop while sailing is equivalent to dragging a bucket off the stern. For both sailing and motoring performance a feathering prop works best but they are also the most expensive. Folding props are as efficient sailing but not as good when motoring however they are far less expensive. Only you can decide whether or not to spend the extra bucks.
I managed to find a Martec folding prop for my H34 on ebay and got it for $225. If you are patient and know what you are looking for, the deals do pop up every now and then. I think it does fine in forward, in reverse you do have to give it a little more gas than a fixed prop, but at least for me I'm only in reverse for about the last 50 feet to get back into my slip, so it's no biggie.
Unfortunately, I don't have a comparison as far as speed when sailing, as I installed the folding prop before I ever launched the boat. It came with a three blade and I knew that had to go. Most of what I've turned up says to expect around 1/2 knot difference.
Unfortunately, I don't have a comparison as far as speed when sailing, as I installed the folding prop before I ever launched the boat. It came with a three blade and I knew that had to go. Most of what I've turned up says to expect around 1/2 knot difference.
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