Hunter P42 20 inch propeller?

[BBC16385]

Has anyone ever put a 20 inch propeller on a 1990s version of the P42? I think they came with either two or three blade 18 inch propellers. I have a manufacturer recommending a 20 inch three blade folding and I am worried about the closeness of the blades to the hull and cavitation, etc.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Sailgunner]

I don't know who you are working with but beware of Flex-o-fold. They oversized my prop and it cost me more than $1,000 to get the correct size.

 

[BBC16385]

I don't know who you are working with but beware of Flex-o-fold. They oversized my prop and it cost me more than $1,000 to get the correct size.

When did this happen? What prop did you get, two or three blade? What size engine do you have? What are you final dimensions and how happy are you?

Thanks.

 

[Dave Groshong]

The original was an 18 inch, here's a link to that page of our site:

http://shop.hunterowners.com/hp/part.php?m=42&c=12&p=52526

 

[Mikem]

I have a 2003 H466 and have a 20 x 14 three blade flex o fold. I achieve the rated 3600 rpm and hull speed with it, 8.3 kts. My original fixed three blade was 18 x 17. As with Sailgunner Flex o fold originally specified a 22 x 14 but I thought that much too prop to swing and asked for the 20 inch. I am very happy with the 20 inch. I think the rule of thumb for hull to propeller tip clearance is 10% of the prop diameter. In other words one needs at least 2" clearance from the hull to prop tip with the 20" prop. If you have the 62hp yanmar it might swing the 20" depending on the pitch. Maybe other 42 owners could chime in with their experience.

 

[Sailgunner]

When did this happen? What prop did you get, two or three blade? What size engine do you have? What are you final dimensions and how happy are you?

Thanks.

The final prop was 17x12x3. The first one they sold me was 18" I have the 4JH2E, 50HP. They need to match the engine and transmission. They had all the info and screwed it up and it cost me! I can now get my full RPMs and not overloading my engine. I still have the old blades if anyone is interested.

 

[eianm]

i have a 1991 H42. When i bought it , it had an 18" 2 blade- a *****! Put a 3 blade variprop- 19x15x14 RH and it made a HUGE and very positive difference- the Gori seems the best prop to invest in- my mate has one - the overdrive feature is amazing! If i am in a position to buy a variable prop again, I will certainly go for a Gori for the overdrive.
Eianm- Sydney, Australia.

 

[Terry Cox]

Our boat came equipped with an 18x15 three blade RH fixed on our 1991 P42 and we are very pleased with its performance. It will cruise all day long at 1,800 RPM pushing the boat to seven knots. The 4JH2-TE at that RPM burns about one gallon/hr. I normally keep it in neutral while under sail letting the prop spin freely. Yanmar confirmed it is better to let the prop spin in neutral, placing much less strain on the internal transmission parts.