We've had our '99 P 420 for several months now and have found her to be a great boat overall. Our biggest problem is maneuvering under power, especially in reverse. Trying to back into a slip is quite a chore especially if the wind is blowing. Our boat has the standard 2 blade prop and we we're wondering if anyone has switched to a 3 blade (or other). Did it help and how much did it cost and was it worth the trouble? Thanks in advance.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
R
Ron Hughes
Get a Max-Prop
Greg, this one has been discussed alot. Check the archives, you'll find more I'm sure. I have a 40.5 with a 3 blade Max-Prop. It makes gaining way in reverse as easy as it is in forward since the feathering blades flip completely over when the transmission is shifted into reverse. The feathering capability makes drag become minimal under sail making the boat faster. The only drawbacks of the Max-Prop are increased maintenance/complexity and cost. A new Max-Prop will cost well over $2000, but is worth every penny and more when you suddenly NEED to back up or stop.....RIGHT NOW! Ron
Greg, this one has been discussed alot. Check the archives, you'll find more I'm sure. I have a 40.5 with a 3 blade Max-Prop. It makes gaining way in reverse as easy as it is in forward since the feathering blades flip completely over when the transmission is shifted into reverse. The feathering capability makes drag become minimal under sail making the boat faster. The only drawbacks of the Max-Prop are increased maintenance/complexity and cost. A new Max-Prop will cost well over $2000, but is worth every penny and more when you suddenly NEED to back up or stop.....RIGHT NOW! Ron
B
Bryce Grefe
autoprop
I have a 410 with an autoprop. I replaced the factory two blade mid season this year. Can't say enough positive things about the prop. Handles well in reverse, better acceleration and backing down under power and substantially improved fuel efficiency.
I have a 410 with an autoprop. I replaced the factory two blade mid season this year. Can't say enough positive things about the prop. Handles well in reverse, better acceleration and backing down under power and substantially improved fuel efficiency.
L
Les Blackwell
I agree with Ron
I agree with Ron. The Max-Prop, although, expensive, is one of the best things you can do for your boat. It is standard equipment on Swans.
I agree with Ron. The Max-Prop, although, expensive, is one of the best things you can do for your boat. It is standard equipment on Swans.
D
Dakota Jim Russell
Maxi
Three blade for smoothness, but the maxi increases your power, feathers to minimal drag, and works smoothly. Careful when you install, as the tables suggest a pitch slightly higher than necessary. Thus the underwater adjustment model has some advantages.
Three blade for smoothness, but the maxi increases your power, feathers to minimal drag, and works smoothly. Careful when you install, as the tables suggest a pitch slightly higher than necessary. Thus the underwater adjustment model has some advantages.
G
George Kornreich
Come sail with me in Houston
Greg, I have a 430 with an Autoprop, right in your neighborhood. The boats are rather similar. If you'd like to take her for a "spin" someday before deciding on a prop change, email me at georgek2@earthlink.net and we'll get together. George
Greg, I have a 430 with an Autoprop, right in your neighborhood. The boats are rather similar. If you'd like to take her for a "spin" someday before deciding on a prop change, email me at georgek2@earthlink.net and we'll get together. George
S
Scott Drake
Center Cockpit?
Hi Greg, I don't have much experience but have a question for you. Really like the lay out of the center cockpit on the passage 420 but have heard you lose performance in center cockpit boats. Is this true? Are you happy with yours? Do you have room for a generator and water maker? Do you feel confident making a blue water passage in your boat? I'm new, learning and confused. Sorry for all the questions. Thanks, Scott
Hi Greg, I don't have much experience but have a question for you. Really like the lay out of the center cockpit on the passage 420 but have heard you lose performance in center cockpit boats. Is this true? Are you happy with yours? Do you have room for a generator and water maker? Do you feel confident making a blue water passage in your boat? I'm new, learning and confused. Sorry for all the questions. Thanks, Scott
G
Greg Beckner
prop
Scott I don't know enough to tell you if there's a loss on performance with CC boats but I will tell you that we just got back from our boat. On a great sailing day with 25 Kts we were doing 7+ kts towing a dingy and beating most of the cats upwind. Because the boat is pretty tender we had 2 reefs and about 85% jib but still had plenty of speed. The CC does make for more windage and the boat is a cow under power--thats why I need the better prop. Below theres room for everything you could want--genset, watermaker, a/c. I think there might be room for a w/d but you'd probably lose something pretty important like the forward head. As far as blue water is concerned I have no experience there and have no plans to take this boat to sea. My guess is thats not really its mission and there are many compromises made for daily comfort that might be a problem at sea. I can tell you having chartered many a boat for coastal and island cruising that this is the best layout and execution I've ever seen for this mission. The boat is just outstanding for short-haul sailing and living on the hook. If I can answer any other questions please e-mail me at the address below.Thanks to everyone for their input on the prop. Greg Beckner s/v Champagne Girl gmb2@flash.net
Scott I don't know enough to tell you if there's a loss on performance with CC boats but I will tell you that we just got back from our boat. On a great sailing day with 25 Kts we were doing 7+ kts towing a dingy and beating most of the cats upwind. Because the boat is pretty tender we had 2 reefs and about 85% jib but still had plenty of speed. The CC does make for more windage and the boat is a cow under power--thats why I need the better prop. Below theres room for everything you could want--genset, watermaker, a/c. I think there might be room for a w/d but you'd probably lose something pretty important like the forward head. As far as blue water is concerned I have no experience there and have no plans to take this boat to sea. My guess is thats not really its mission and there are many compromises made for daily comfort that might be a problem at sea. I can tell you having chartered many a boat for coastal and island cruising that this is the best layout and execution I've ever seen for this mission. The boat is just outstanding for short-haul sailing and living on the hook. If I can answer any other questions please e-mail me at the address below.Thanks to everyone for their input on the prop. Greg Beckner s/v Champagne Girl gmb2@flash.net
D
Dick
Recent Return
We just got in from the ICW down from the Maryland area Friday and have an Autoprop on the P-42. Powered performance is better than with a fixed prop and reverse is a delight... Slightly more vibration at 1800 rpm, but smooth at other speeds, and better speed under sail. The only drawback we had was we had to learn to dock the boat all over again because she is NOT going to slow down just by throttle reduction, and needs to be put into reverse early on and throttle added when needed... hope this helps... RN
We just got in from the ICW down from the Maryland area Friday and have an Autoprop on the P-42. Powered performance is better than with a fixed prop and reverse is a delight... Slightly more vibration at 1800 rpm, but smooth at other speeds, and better speed under sail. The only drawback we had was we had to learn to dock the boat all over again because she is NOT going to slow down just by throttle reduction, and needs to be put into reverse early on and throttle added when needed... hope this helps... RN
- Status
- Not open for further replies.