Hunter 34 prop

Db421

.
Jun 7, 2004
95
Hunter 34 1986 Lake Lanier, GA
I have a 15", 15 pitch 2 blade prop on my 1986 h 34. I believe it's a 1" shaft. Thinking about moving to a 3 blade fixed prop. Anything I should consider that I'm not thinking about? Not sure I need a three blade, just fact finding.
Thanks!
 

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,440
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
You say you're considering a change.
Why are you considering this action?
How do you use your auxiliary engine on Lake Lanier?
The way you use your auxiliary power source should guide you as to the type of prop needed.

Do you sail more than you power?
Are you fighting currents that demand you power with higher performance?
Are you having vibration issues? Vibration issues may not involve the prop.
 
Nov 6, 2006
10,019
Hunter 34 Mandeville Louisiana
DB421.. I have the 15 X 15 RH prop, 1" shaft, on my H-34 and have been ok with it .. I replaced it in '08 when the original Michigan Sailor threw a blade (corrosion) .. The new Michigan Sailor 2 at the same pitch/diameter has been fine for the coastal cruising that I do .. ..
If considering a three blade prop, think about the Cambell folks. They seem to have a pretty good fixed blade product.. Whoever you go with, get them to recommend the diameter and pitch .. some props, like feathering or folding will need a different pitch than the original.
Hope you guys are de-iced up there now!
 
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Likes: jssailem
Jan 7, 2011
5,348
Oday 322 East Chicago, IN
Why not consider a 3-blade folding or feathering prop? Assuming you sail, and don’t just motor, the feathering or folding prop will give you some extra speed when sailing. It will also stop the shaft from spinning while under sail.

I put a 3-blade MaxProp on Tally Ho last season and really appreciate the reverse thrust, the extra 1/2 knot of speed in light air, and the fact that the shaft is still while under sail. No noise and no spinning of the transmission parts. I also like the fact that the MaxProp pitch is adjustable. I am going to try to add small bit of pitch to my FWD setting this year to see if I can squeeze a bit more speed out of a given RPM.

Yes they are expensive, but they are a work of art ;)

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Greg
 

Db421

.
Jun 7, 2004
95
Hunter 34 1986 Lake Lanier, GA
You say you're considering a change.
Why are you considering this action?
How do you use your auxiliary engine on Lake Lanier?
The way you use your auxiliary power source should guide you as to the type of prop needed.

Do you sail more than you power?
Are you fighting currents that demand you power with higher performance?
Are you having vibration issues? Vibration issues may not involve the prop.
Excellent questions! I mostly sail (not motor), no current to speak of in Lake Lanier. I typically only use the motor in and out of port or to anchor. Occasionally we need to motor upwind in heavy chop in winter, but not that often. I think you just saved me a lot of money and hassle. Thanks!
 
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Likes: jssailem

Db421

.
Jun 7, 2004
95
Hunter 34 1986 Lake Lanier, GA
Why not consider a 3-blade folding or feathering prop? Assuming you sail, and don’t just motor, the feathering or folding prop will give you some extra speed when sailing. It will also stop the shaft from spinning while under sail.

I put a 3-blade MaxProp on Tally Ho last season and really appreciate the reverse thrust, the extra 1/2 knot of speed in light air, and the fact that the shaft is still while under sail. No noise and no spinning of the transmission parts. I also like the fact that the MaxProp pitch is adjustable. I am going to try to add small bit of pitch to my FWD setting this year to see if I can squeeze a bit more speed out of a given RPM.

Yes they are expensive, but they are a work of art ;)

View attachment 229367


View attachment 229369


Greg
Because I could buy an additional boat for what that would cost me.Thanks for the reply though!
 
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jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,440
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
It's my pleasure. I enjoy saving money, which allows me to spend more money on other things, like cruising or drinking wine (sometimes beer) with friends.

I posted my adventure with prop issues a couple of years ago. I asked myself all the same questions. In my case, it was an inevitable change. We have all the reasons you need to have optimum thrust from your auxiliary here in the inland waters of the PacificNW. After exploring several options, I purchased a Campbell Sailor 3-bladed prop designed for my boat, engine, and transmission.