Hi All! First season under my belt with my new H34. Had a great summer. However, want to beat feet into port faster when Lake Erie's clouds form. Currently have a folding racing prop. Seems like it struggles to push the vessel much more than 5 knots. Has anyone done anything to get better results? Any of you fixed 2 blade folks getting good results? Any info would be appreciated. John H
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Tell me about your folder...
John, I have an H28, and with my fixed 2-blade, I can exceed 6 knots at 3000 rpm. I'm kind of new to this myself, but my boat came equipped with a 15" right-hand rotation, 12-pitch prop, on a 1" shaft. I think prop diameter and pitch are significant, and a clean bottom helps. It could be your prop is undersized or under-pitched. Now, I'm looking for a folding prop to help me during the race season. Would you be interested in selling yours? Of course, that's assuming it would be compatable with my set up. Thanks - Robert
John, I have an H28, and with my fixed 2-blade, I can exceed 6 knots at 3000 rpm. I'm kind of new to this myself, but my boat came equipped with a 15" right-hand rotation, 12-pitch prop, on a 1" shaft. I think prop diameter and pitch are significant, and a clean bottom helps. It could be your prop is undersized or under-pitched. Now, I'm looking for a folding prop to help me during the race season. Would you be interested in selling yours? Of course, that's assuming it would be compatable with my set up. Thanks - Robert
H34 vs H28 prop size
Robert, when I sized my folding prop (H28.5), I called Martec; give them the shaft size, engine horse power and transmission ratios; dimension from end of shaft to rudder and from end of shaft straight up to the to hull. I'd assume a 34 should have a much larger diameter and/or pitch for the greater boat weight and horse power.
Robert, when I sized my folding prop (H28.5), I called Martec; give them the shaft size, engine horse power and transmission ratios; dimension from end of shaft to rudder and from end of shaft straight up to the to hull. I'd assume a 34 should have a much larger diameter and/or pitch for the greater boat weight and horse power.
Might be looking elswhere
My 34 will do 6.5 at 2700 with a 2 blade 15X12- it is the Yanmar 3GMF- probably the same engine? Maybe your mixer elbow?
My 34 will do 6.5 at 2700 with a 2 blade 15X12- it is the Yanmar 3GMF- probably the same engine? Maybe your mixer elbow?
Original prop does 7 knots
I have the original standard 15 x 15 two bladed prop that came with my 1987 H34. At 3000 rpm my boat will comfortably go at 7 knots and a little more if in a real hurry, like running in front of a storm with the throttle fully open. I also find that when under sail I lock the prop in reverse instead of allowing it to spin in neutral to reduce the drag and I then pick up about and extra 1/4 of a knot which is about the same I am told as a folding prop can do.
I have the original standard 15 x 15 two bladed prop that came with my 1987 H34. At 3000 rpm my boat will comfortably go at 7 knots and a little more if in a real hurry, like running in front of a storm with the throttle fully open. I also find that when under sail I lock the prop in reverse instead of allowing it to spin in neutral to reduce the drag and I then pick up about and extra 1/4 of a knot which is about the same I am told as a folding prop can do.
The ideal solution...
...is a feathering prop. Folding props are very low drag which is great for sailing, but they leave a little to be desired in drive and especially in reverse. Fixed blade props are a huge drag for sailing but do better in drive mode. Feathering props are very low drag for sailing and really shine in drive and reverse. Downside, they cost more. For me there is no choise to make, but you have to make your own choice.
...is a feathering prop. Folding props are very low drag which is great for sailing, but they leave a little to be desired in drive and especially in reverse. Fixed blade props are a huge drag for sailing but do better in drive mode. Feathering props are very low drag for sailing and really shine in drive and reverse. Downside, they cost more. For me there is no choise to make, but you have to make your own choice.
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