Three-bladed prop

[Kathleen]

We have a Martec folding prop (MK III Eliptec right hand 13") on our 1991 Catalina 28. This was installed in 2001 by the previous owner for racing, but we find that we are doing quite a bit of motoring, and would like to replace it with a 3-bladed prop. Does anybody know what the proper specs would be for our boat, and where to get one at a good price? Thanks!

 

[Dan]

Try a fixed two-blade!

I have a fixed 13x10 two blade on mine. It's a bit over-propped but not significantly. The advantage over a three blade is that there is less drag, and since it has a 10" pitch it presents even less drag than the standard two blade. Moreover, I cruise very nicely at around 5.9 kts @ 2900 rpm, max 6.7 kts (in fact the boat planes a bit). No black smoke ever. Dan, s/v Cachet #21