Prop choice for a Catalina 36

[Jim]

I recently purchased an 84 Catalina 36. It has a fixed 2 blade prop. I am not happy with the performance. What would you recommend for performance, prop walk, cost etc. I know the folding two blade props are popular for sail performance but what would the trade off be between a 3 blade and folding two blade? Can you recommend a size and model # from your manufacturer. Thanks for your advice. Jim.

 

[Steve Dion]

Too many choices.

Jim:I personally do not like folding props. There will always be a lot of arguement about which is better and the cost justifications for each remedy. Folding, Feathering, Campbell Sailors, 2 Blade, 3 Blade. Each has their pluses and minuses.One way to go to improve your performance without spending a LOT of money is to have your two blade prop reworked. Contact Bob Kilan at Bay Props in Alameda, CA. (510)337-9122. Talk to Bob about your problems and see what he has to say. I think you may be impressed.

 

[Trevor]

3 blade

I have a 1986 C36 with the older M25 Universal engine. This motor is underpowered at 21hp (IMO), but a 3 blade will go a long way to helping improve motoring performance. However, the 3 blade will promote the dreaded port reverse "prop walk" even more. This is tolerable once you learn to use it to your advantage... but then you are dragging a bucket around with you under sail. The two spendy options are the Autoprop and Max Prop. There has been much discussion over the relative merits of each, and people get defensive about their choice, since they need to justify the expense. My deduction is that the Autoprop is better for motor sailing but the Max prop is better for overall sailing speed (less drag). There are other less costly alernatives, like the Campbell, Gori, Flexofold, etc, etc, so it depends on budget and whether you intend to do more cruising (read motoring in most cases) or pure sailing. I replaced a satisfactory 3 blade (15x9) with a Max and am pleased with the result. People spend a LOT of money on new sails and bottoms to go a little faster, and the prop choice benefits sailing speed every time I turn off the motor. Everying has their opinions on this... just my 2 cents.Best of luck,Trevor

 

[Tom]

If you want the most out of your 21HP engine

then the Autoprop is the way to go. Not the cheapest nor the absolute best under sail (though pretty good). But when it comes to getting power out of a prop, then this is the way to go.

 

[Joe Barrett]

Feathering Prop

I put a folding prop on my last boat and lost 1/2 knot in forward gear. I put an Autostream 3 blade feathering prop on my new Catalina 320 and really like it. Speed in forward is the same as the 3 blade fixed which is fine with me. Speedsailing increased by 1/2 knot but what I really like is reverse, much more power (including getting unstuck when grounded!) and no prop walk at all. With a fixed prop the leading edge is always forward, on a feathering prop the leading edge flips to reverse when backing up giving way more power and no prop walk. Highly suggest a feathering prop not a folder for that size boat.