H34 and 3 blade prop

[André R.]

I repowered my H34 83 with a 3GM30F last fall, used to have a 3GM20F. The transmission is a KM3A 2.61:1. Changed the shaft for a stainless one, had the original before,the mounts are new also. I had a 16" Max-Prop 2 blade folding prop before with the 20hp that I kept and used it this season with the 30hp.

After listening to comments of friends long time sailors and reading on this forum, I want to switch to a 3 blade prop. If I had the money, I would go for a folding Max Prop or J-Prop, but for now I'll be looking for a fixed one. In the yard, I saw a H34 with a 3 blade 15RH-11, the owner says he has a 3GM20 and another H34 had a 15RH13 !!!

What should be the best performance for the $$$ ??? 15" or should I go to a 16" ? What pitch should it be ? What was Hunter installing on the 3GM30 with 3 blades prop ?

Thanks to all of you.

André
Wind Spirit 3

 

[Vinny]

You may want to consider a Kiwi folding prop. $1,200 and if you give them the info they will supply you the correct prop set to the correct (or close to it) pitch.

http://www.kiwiprops.co.nz/contact.html

I have one and it works well.

I have no connection to the company.

 

[Steve Dion]

André: If I were to get a feathering prop, I would probably go with a Kiwi also. I think that the price is a little more expensive now than the price that Vinny quoted, but not a lot.

You next best bet is to go with a Campbell. They are about $525 delivered. You will probably get some other replies about these props, but I have never hear anything bad.

Regardless of what you select let the prop shop determine what you need. If/when it is not right it is their problem NOT yours.

Chances are that there is NOT enough clearance between you hull and prop tip to use a larger diameter prop. There is a lot of science and experience that goes into selecting a prop, so listen to the folks that will sell them to you.

 

[Marc]

Andre,
I am also on lake Champlain and own a Hunter 34. I have a three blade prop which we are not going to use if you are interested in it. Marc mebeaupre@gmail.com

 

[Vinny]

"André: If I were to get a feathering prop, I would probably go with a Kiwi also. I think that the price is a little more expensive now than the price that Vinny quoted, but not a lot."

Steve,
You are correct. I just went to their site and the prop is $1,250 US plus $50 for shipping for a total of $1,300 US.. Mine was $1,200 + $50 so really only $50 more. Good deal in any case and it work as advertised.

 

[Steve Dion]

Here ya go! These guys sell both of the props.

http://www.westbynorth.com/

 

[André R.]

Thanks guy
I went on westbynorth web site and I'm now waiting for their answer. Meanwhile, I sent an email to Hunter, asking them what brand and size 3 blades prop they were installing then on H34 83-84, and the answer I got was... they never installed 3 blades prop !!!
And last of all, my 2 blade 16" Max-Prop was pitched at 13", and I just learned that it should have been at 11". I was doing 6.2 - 6.4kn at 2200-2400RPM, I liked the speed but was not able to go over 3100RPM cause the engine was too loaded.
So, if I don't buy a 3 blade this year, I'll test my boat with my MaxProp at 11" next season.

Thanks again

André
P.S. If you ear someone that as a 3 blades 16" x 11" pitch, let me know.

 

[Steve Dion]

You cannot compare a standard prop to the Kiwi or Campbell. You will see once they send you the reply.

 

[DJ Sailor]

Some H34's in 1983 came with Westerbeake engines. I've seen 15X15 and 15X13 two bladed props from the factory on several different H34. I'd be guessing but believe Hunter had some leftover 15X13 from the Weterbeake's and placed them on later H34's with Yanmars.

 

[Dan Johnson]

Andre...

what hull number is your H34?

 

[André R.]

Re: Andre...

Hey Dan,
On my papers it says HUN34289M83J, so I guess it is 289. But you know what, this boat had only one previous owner and his name was Don Johnson !!! From Beverly, MA area. The world is a global village.

André