New Prop for O'Day 30'

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Ray Larcher

My O'Day 30' (1982) has the original two-blade prop, which is driven by the original Universal 16hp engine. Rather than repower I was wondering if the cost of replacing the prop with a three-blade would help me get a little more speed. I have to haul it out this winter for bottom painting and while it's out and if a new prop isn't cost prohibitive it would be a good time to consider the upgrade. Thanks
 
J

J. Tesoriero

Call the prop guys

It is not uncommon for sailboat props to have too much pitch. This degrades engine and boat performance under power. Generally, if you can get close to your hull speed at about 70-80% of max engine RPM, your prop is about right. Before you consider a new engine, you should contact some of the prop manufacturers for their advice on the "correct" size and pitch prop for your boat. Try www.westbynorth.com for the Campbell Sailor and other sites for fixed, folding, feathering, etc. props. If you give them the details about your boat, engine and transmission, they can give you the optimum prop dimensions. I made a relatively small change in my prop with a large increase in boat speed and performance under power.
 
M

Manuel Moniz

If you cruise, the three blade is the way to go.

I channged the prop on my Oday 35 from a two to a three blade and it made a great improvement. Yanmar typically suggests that you go down one inch in diameter and keep the same pitch. Picked up about a full knot.
 
K

Kevin

Prop

Hello Ray, The stock two blade prop that came with the boat of a 82 vintage shows to be a 16” x 9” two blade. If you were to change out to a three blade the diameter may drop to a 15” and the pitch would stay the same 9”. This will help to keep the propellers diameter and pitch more in proportion. I would not get your hopes up to high in achieving mass differences in speed. In flat calm water either prop should perform at apx. the same speed, give or take a couple of 10ths. You will see a major difference when you are powering into a heavy wind or sea. Your loss of boat speed will be much less with the three blade. You will also find the three blade is quieter under power. Good luck. Kevin
 
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