I'm on the point of becoming a Hunter owner with a 1986 H31 with a Yanmar 18 hp. I have read the many posts about props and am looking to replace the standard 2 blade with a flex o fold 2 blade. Has anyone done this conversion ? if so what were the benefits / drawbacks, what was the flat water motoring speed, increase in sailing speeds. The standard prop is a 15 x 12. flex o fold have suggested a 15 x 11. Comments will be appreciated please,
- Status
1987 Hunter 31 with fixed prop
I have the original fixed prop and am happy with it. The other Hunter 31 and 34 owners I know who switched props, went with the MaxProp. Folding props don't do well on the Great Lakes with the Zebra Muscles unless you dive on the prop often.
I have the original fixed prop and am happy with it. The other Hunter 31 and 34 owners I know who switched props, went with the MaxProp. Folding props don't do well on the Great Lakes with the Zebra Muscles unless you dive on the prop often.
Martec Folding Prop
I've had a martec two blade folding prop on our Hunter 28.5 since commissioned in 1986. The 28,5 and 31 share the same 2GM20F engine, but the 31 is 2800 lbs heavier and has 2.5' more water line length. On our 28.5, the martec two blade folder provides aproximately 1/2 knot better sailing speed than the original equipment fixed prop. I haven't see any difference in forward motoring speed with the Martec folder. The one draw back of the folder is that a reasonable application of throttle is necessary to open the prop if the boat is sailing with any forward momentum.
I've had a martec two blade folding prop on our Hunter 28.5 since commissioned in 1986. The 28,5 and 31 share the same 2GM20F engine, but the 31 is 2800 lbs heavier and has 2.5' more water line length. On our 28.5, the martec two blade folder provides aproximately 1/2 knot better sailing speed than the original equipment fixed prop. I haven't see any difference in forward motoring speed with the Martec folder. The one draw back of the folder is that a reasonable application of throttle is necessary to open the prop if the boat is sailing with any forward momentum.
- Status