Repropping Oceanis 321

[Roger Seals]

I have the original 3-bladed, fixed prop and actually believe that it is too much prop for the boat. About the maximum rpm I can achieve with the prop in flat seas is 2800-3000. Plus, for improved sailing, I would like to consider either a folding or feathering prop. While most of my sailing is inland or coastal, I am planning a trip to the Bahamas within the next year or so.Thus, I'm requesting the advice and experience of 321 owners that may have repropped.In your opinion, what is my best option and why?Thanks!

 

[Tim]

Something else is wrong

Roger,You should have your engine checked out, or Beneteau put the wrong prop on the boat. My friend's 321 with the original prop has no problem making 3400 RPM. My 321 has a 2-blade 16x12 Flex-O-Fold on it which I mostly like, however if I were to do it again I think I'd go with a 3-blade feathering prop (MaxProp or Kiwiprop). The 3-blade is just smoother at all RPMs. My 2-blade seems to have some vibrations at certain RPMs that just bothers me. Could be my propshaft, but I won't know until I check that out over this winter.Email me directly at TKP62@aol.com as I have some other questions for you.Tim

 

[Charlie Gruetzner - BeneteauOwners.net]

Prop

Roger, does the RPM's go higher if the boat is in neutral and not in gear? Have you checked the prop to see that it is not fouled by marine life?This is place to start if it is neither of those let me know and we will try to work out an answer.Charlie

 

[Roger Seals]

Reproping Oceanis 321

I can achieve 3600+ rpm in neutral.Relative to prop fouling, I'll have to have that checked. However, I believe the probability is low.I was checking out an overheating problem and engaged the prop while tied in my slip. The max rpm I could achieve was 2500. I basically held that rpm for about 40 minutes.On Saturday, in flat water, I achieved a speed over ground of about 6.7 knots at 3000 rpm. Tried but couldn't increase rpm above that amount.

 

[Charlie Gruetzner - BeneteauOwners.net]

Low RPM's

Roger, maybe the throttle cable needs adjustmentIt is hard to determine without running the boat but this is where I would look next.