o'day 272- upgrading to a 3 bladed prop?

[Ed Smith]

My 1986 o'day 272 seems to be under powered- Some O'day owner reviews had the same comment about the 10 HP Diesel Westerbeke not having enough muscle for inlets & heavy seas- I was wondering if a 3 bladed prop would help- has anyone tried a 3 bladed prop on the 10 HP Diesel? If so, What kind of results and what kind of prop (pitch & diameter) was used? any comments would be appreciated

 

[Brian R Clare]

Three blade works well on my 272LE

Sorry I can't give you details of my 3 blade prop. as I don't have any record and boat is in the water. But she has more power and boat is very different much better handling in both forward and reverse. There is a down side, as under sail 3 blade adds more drag, but I can't notice or measure that. Go for it!