PROP CHANGE FOR HUNTER 35.5

[Fred Miller]

I am in negotiations to purchase a 1992 Hunter 35.5. It now has a two blade prop with a Yanmar 27 Hp Engine. My question is, has anyone gone to a fixed three blade prop on this boat. I am looking for extra maneuverability backing and more punch going in and out of inlets. I don't care if I loose a little top end speed under sail because of increased drag. What diameter and pitch fixed 3-blade prop is recommended? A fixed 3 blade seems to suit my needs [and is less expensive probably] than going with a variable pitch two blade or folding propeller.

 

[Steve Miller]

Consider this

I just purchased a 1988 Hunter Legend. The external hull design is very similar. It also has a Yanmar 27, with a two blade prop. I can dock the boat whether backward or forward as easy as you can maneuver a car. So I would try it before you spend money on something you may have to compromise on.

 

[Don]

37.5 ain't so easy

I now have a '94 37.5 with the 2 blade prop and 38hp Yanmar. The prop walk in reverse is terrible - very hard to back into a slip and bascially impossible to pull starboard to a pier. I'm considering the 3 blade switch too.

 

[Shaun Moore]

Prop

I have a 94 model 33.5 and just put a 3 blade on replacing the factory 2 blade.My boat has the same 27 hp yanmar as yours. 3 blade results in much less vibration when motoring, the boat stops and backs quicker too.I have not noticed any slow down in sailing or any more prop walk than I already had with the boat.  I went with a 15x11 3 blade, tried a 15 x 9 but still found i could pull 3600 rpms or more with that prop.With the 15 x 11 I can pull about 3300 rpms. Close to the 3400 redline. With the 2 blade on the boat, I got tired of running the engine at 3200 rpms all the time trying to make 6 knots.

 

[Dave Howard]

Folding (feathering) prop possibilities

Fred, I would counsel against changing the prop for the sake of manuverability. I liveaboard a 35.5 and singlehand. I have been in the worst possible situations (mostly in docking and departing my slip) where winds made it a challenge to get in/out. However, this boat is so incredible and easy that it comes down to pure practice and knowing how the boat responds. I have had comments regarding my docking (especially since I singlehand) that acclaim my expertise when, in fact, the credit goes to the boat. You can literally turn her on a dime. Now, I might recommend a folding/feathering prop to minimize drag while sailing. As for your conerns, no worries...just practice. Also, there has never been a situation where I needed more push. And I has push my boat through Deception Pass in WA at slack tide (which is to say it sucks you in then tries to push you back out). Made it fine...this is one great boat!!S/V Seychelles sends...

 

[David]

Max

Dear Fred,I have a 94 35.5 in Austin Tx. We have had the boat for 3 years now and we have a max 3 blade and it is great. When you get in a place where you have to get out backwards... you will love it. You will also go fast under sail.The backup power is without question.You will love it.Have fun and good sailing the 35.5 is the best of the hunters.David and Phyllis Carmack (Purrsnickitty)