Propeller change?

[Ellen Noll]

We just recently bought a 1980 30' Catalina and are interested in a new prop. Since it is a very difficult boat to reverse right now (takes forever to start moving), we were thinking about a feathering prop either 2 or 3 blade but not sure what would be best. Right now it has a 13*12 size, 2-blade bronze prop. Universal 5101 gas 4cyl 30HP engine. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[Jim Nixon]

I have checked

I have a 1979 30' with the 5411 motor. I just changed the prop to a 3 blade Campbell Sailer, it was sent 12" x 8 pitch and it did not work very well it was slower than the 2 blade 12" x 11 that came off. I called catlaina today the told me the prop that comes with the boat is 2 blade 12" x 11 or 3 blade 12" x 10. I am in the process of repitching the Campbell sailer prop. to 12" x 10. The Campbell Sailer's claim to fame is less drag than the convetional props. I think that if drag is really important to you and money can be spared there is no substute for a feathering prop. I have had great succes with conventional 3 blade sailer prop and with tolerable drag. I will let you know how the Campbell sailer works out in the end I hope to get it on by the week end.Jim Nixon

 

[Ellen]

thanks Jim....any others?

Thank you for your reply Jim. I will be interested to see how the Campbell Sailor works out for you. Has anyone else had a feathering prop? I was looking at the Kiwi feather propeller I saw advertised. The description on their website sounds interesting: http://snoopy.falkor.gen.nz/kiwiprop/

 

[Jim Nixon]

here is a couple more

EllenI did not have good luck with the repitched Campbel Sailer, it bites to much now and I am going to have it repitched again this time to a 12" x 9.Here are 2 more feathering prop's to check out. http://www.autoprop.com/ Auto Prop is very popular here. http://www.westbynorth.com/ is the manufacture of the Campbell Sailer and they have featering props as well. I hope that you have better luck than I did,these pitch changes are getting expensive.Fair WindsJim

 

[James M.]

Campbell Sailer

We re-propped last summer with a 13X9 Campbell and I am extrememly pleased with the change. The prop seems to have all the thrust my old Michigan Wheel 3 blade had, but noticably less drag. I have not had any problems with cavitation. I think for the money, it was a good deal at present exchange rates. If you can swing a 13" prop, I would do so, as it does make a measureable difference.

 

[Mike Casucci]

prop

Have an Autoprop. Fantastic. I believe they recently came out with a 2 blade model.