Speed difference between 3 bladed

[BOB]

I was wondering about how much speed do you think I would gain (under normal conditions) on a Catalina 28 going from a three bladed fixed prop to a two bladed fix prop? I have both, the three is on now and I'm only going to have the boat for another 6 months before I’m getting another new boat. But if it enough speed I'll change it. Thanks BOBPS: I'm use to a folding prop so the three bladed prop I have feels like I'm draging a anchor!!

 

[Alchemist]

Power, No speed difference, Sailing, LOTS of Difference

Under power, a properly sized and pitched prop (either 2 or 3 blade) will get the boat up to hull speed. With chop and / or a strong head wind, the 3 blade should be more capable of maintaining this speed (current is irrelevant as it is a "moving carpet" that changes your speed over the bottom, but not your speed throgh the water).Under sail, the three blade prop is essentially a sea anchor, especially down wind in light winds. Once the wind speed gets you up to hull speed, there would be no difference.SteveAlchemist

 

[Tim McCarty]

I thought I read....

a thread in forum about 3 blade props with regard to prop walk etc. Anyway, one of the respondents suggested putting the clutch in reverse (engine off of course). We have a 3 blade prop on our new boat...the only problem with locking the clutch in reverse, that I can see, is remembering to put it in neutral, when starting the diesel. Any thoughts out there about this technique...

 

[JIm Hamilton]

reverse

I always lock the transmission in reverse when I'm sailing. I've read (and been told) that having it spin is bad for the transmission if the engine is off.Plus, you won't believe the amount of noise the shaft makes when spinning!!! Putting the shaft in reverse makes for nice, quiet sailing.As for remembering to put it back in neutral before starting the engine....I ALWAYS check both the throttle and gear selection prior to hitting the start button. Kids, someone bumping the throttle etc....the last thing I want to do is start the engine with the throttle set to full!!!JimmyDS/V JimmyDreams