motorboat style vs. sailor style prop

Oct 30, 2019
12
I am in the process of repowering to a Beta and have the choice of
using a motorboat-style or sailor-style propellor. Both are of the
proper size of 12x8/9. I think the pros and cons are that the
motorboat-style will give better stopping and starting in forward and
reverse but with more drag when sailing. In the northwest US water I
use the boat in, I tend to do at least 50% motoring. I am swayed
towards the sailor because I can get it at much less cost, lower drag
and the boat is a sailboat first. On the other hand I was hoping for
improved close quarters handing by replacing the original Combi. Any
advice is appreciated.
Vega 2456 - Katia Sofia.
 
Nov 8, 2001
1,818
Hi Austin

Us the standard sailing prop, doubt if you will notice the difference. 128 Vegas now have Betas and I reckon 95% have teh standard 3-blade fixed prop.

Cheers

Steve B
 
Oct 30, 2019
1,459
Austin,
I have a Campbell Sailer prop, 12" RH 10", 3 blade.
My engine is a 13 hp Yanmar with 2.62 to 1 gearbox.
I get about 5.5 knots at 2400 RPM and about 6.5 knots at 2900 RPM.

Backing up is ... well ... not my favorite direction, although once
there is some way on she steers well enough. Forward acceleration is
good. This is my first boat with an inboard engine so my experience is
limited. That said, I think it's a good combination for the Vega.
Hope this helps.
Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'
P.S. See you at the NW Rendezvous!