Prop Walk

[Gunni]

Went to a 2 blade Gori from the original fixed 2 blade Michigan Wheel prop because Yanmar stated not to lock the prop shaft when sailing, but to let it freewheel.

The OP's 2007 will also have a Kanzaki hydraulic transmission. Any fix-blade prop will have to be set to neutral and freewheel when sailing, which is the number one reason that Beneteau owners switch to some variety of a feathering / folding prop. They don't want to have the prop-shaft "rumble" and they don't want to destroy their transmission.

 

[BigEasy]

Mark,
I chartered the same 343 that had a 3 blade fixed prop many times over a four year period. It had pronounced prop walk in reverse even at slow speeds. So, I doubt that you’re going to see a big improvement, converting from your 2 blade to a 3 blade fixed. My 343 has a Volvo 3 blade folding prop. Slightly less prop walk than the 3 blade fixed prop (same shoal keel that the charter boat had). As others have mentioned, the main benefits are the increased sailing performance and no noise from the shaft spinning. Surprised that your boat had a 2 blade as both the charter boat and my boat had 3 blade from factory...same vintage as yours.