R&R fixed two blade w/feathering prop

[shorty]

I would like to replace the two blade 16"x10 prop in the photo with a three blade, most likely Kiwiprop, feathering prop.For what its worth, boat is Pearson 34 1985 w/Yanmar 3GMF 21hp & Kanzaki KM3-A transmission, Ratio 2.6/1. 1.125" shaft.Because the boat is 5 hours away & I will have one trip, in a couple of weeks, before she goes in the water, I am wondering about pitfalls on this seemingly simple job. I have a variety of pullers available at my shop (I run a WW business).Shaft is stainless, I think the existing nut is bronze. Am I likely to run into corrosion problems holding the nut fast?

 

[Tim R.]

Stuff you may need

Stuff to bring: Wrenches of correct size, propane torch, pliars to pull pin, hammer. You will need to find a way to keep the prop shaft from turning. Using a spare boat stand attach the prop in such a way to prevent it from spinning while removing the nuts. Do not try and use the strut as this could bend it out of alignment. Use the hammer to lightly hit the wrench to break the nuts loose. Back off inner nut til it is flush with end of shaft(prevents mushrooming). Use puller to apply moderate pressure tot he prop. heat the body of the prop only. Tap the end of the puller which is applying force to the end of the shaft. Be carefull as the prop could suddenly pop off during any part of this procedure.Nice Audi in the background. I have owned a few. My latest is an original '95 A4 in mint condition.Tim R.

 

[Anchor Management]

Two or Three Blade that is the question

I'm purchasing a new Hunter 31. I can't decide if it is worth it to upgrade from a fixed two blade prop to a three blade prop. Because I'd prefer sailing performance over motoring, I'm also considering a folding prop. Will it really make a difference which prop I choose?

 

[Tim R.]

Makes a big difference

To go from a fixed to folding prop. I am a big fan of the Flex O Fold 2 blade prop. Great sailing performance and better motoring characteristics over a fixed prop. Call Chuck Angle at Flex O Fold in Marblehead. He is very knowledgable and he will help you decide what is best for your boat. 2 blade folding will be about $1000 for your boat.Tim R.

 

[shorty]

Feathering - Folding

Thanks for the help Tim.Anchor - feathering have better reversing than folding, but most are a lot more $$. They can go as high as the Autoprop at ~$3500. The Kiwi that I am thinking about is $1300 delivered in the States and spoken of very highly in an offshore voyager's article in Practical Sailor two issues ago.

 

[Patrick Lombard]

Kiwi

Installed one last season. Big improvements all the way around, on my H 31. Well spent money.

 

[Pat]

just received my Kiwi

could not pass up the good press and the cost - $1250 total for my 36 footer - recived it in about 7 days from New Zealand.

 

[shorty]

Key stock

Patrick & John I look at your profiles & see Patrick's boat is almost as old as mine. Did you guys re-use the existing key stock or replace? I figured to bring a new key, question is brass or SS. SS key stock at McMaster Carr is .002 under, brass is "standard". Did you use a bearing puller to remove the old?What are your shaft & nut sizes? SAE taper on a 1-1/8" shaft has 3/4" thread. SAE nut for a standard 3/4" thread is 1-1/8". Again, given the distance I want to make sure I show up w/right wrenches and not adjustable (round over) wrenches. Thanks boys.

 

[john meyer]

kiwi kiwi

I used the keystock provided with the prop (brass). They also provided the nut which requires only a 1/2" driver. They recommend using a torque wrench and setting to 10 ft lbs. My shaft is a 1.25. Old prop came off easily with a wheel puller, btw my boat's only 1 yr old and sits in fresh water so you can't use me as a benchmark.

 

[shorty]

What Pitch?

To those of you that have installed Kiwi's, what pitch (they express in degrees)did you have before and what did they recommend/send? I am concerned about over-propping an older engine. Mine is two blade w/10" pitch that they recommend 20 d. on theirs.