I am going to replace the three-blade fixed propeller on my Catalina 36 (1999) with a feathering three-blade Max-Prop this winter. The yard doing the work and the Max-Prop distributor, PYI, have been really helpful in sizing and advice. One suggestion confused me, and I want your feedback before dropping an additional $500. They both suggested I replace the original bronze propeller shaft with a stainless one ($400). Naturally, if I pull the shaft, I might as well do the cutlass bearing at the same time. Both of them gave me vague answers about stainless being stiffer than bronze, reducing vibrations as it will not flex as much, and is more wear and corrosion resistant (we're fresh water, but theoretically things rust here too). I cannot detect vibrations now, but perhaps with a feathering prop these will increase (?). I do not disagree with their comments (stiffer, resistant, etc.), it's just that I don't seem to have problems now, and do not seem to need any improvement.
Any advice is worthwhile. Will the forces on a feathering prop be different and stronger than the fixed-blade?
Any advice is worthwhile. Will the forces on a feathering prop be different and stronger than the fixed-blade?