Two Blade vs. Three Blade Propeller

[Eric]

I am wondering what people recommend for a feathering propeller on a Catalina 320. We will be keeping our new boat at a mooring so do not need to be able to manage particularly tight manuevering. We also do not race though we do sometimes need to be able to move the boat through the water and may wind up doing more motorsailing than we'd like. I'm looking at the max prop and found the three blade to be about $1000 more than the two blade. Suggestions? Does anyone have any experience with other brands?Thanks.EG

 

[Jack]

I went with 3-blade MaxProp

Eric,I went with the 3-blade MaxProp for my C350. Ordered it direct from PYI versus through my marina. The difference was approximately $600 between the 2-blade and the 3-blade. The reason I chose the 3-blade was for more power on the occasion when I had to motor against a strong wind or strong current.Jack"Friendship"C350, #80

 

[Hank LeSieur]

2 vs. 3 blade

Eric, you might want to look at the 320 site on Sailnet. There was a lengthy discussion about this topic recently. Hank LeSieur#331

 

[RonD]

Prop Choices

I have a fixed 3-blade on my C320 and find that it does give a bit more power than the 2-blade. Particularly when cruising under power in any sort of wind/seas. Pretty responsive while docking, too. That said, a feathering or folding prop would produce less drag, but at what price does that extra 1/2 knot or so become worthwhile? As you said, you aren't racing the boat. The cheaper alternative is to go with a fixed prop (lists for around $350 from Catalina a few years ago). Personally, I'd rather sink that disposable cash into something else on the boat.If you are still set on a feathering or folding prop, beside MaxProp there are other brands (Gobi, Flex-O-Fold, etc.) Check the archives for discussions & info.Just make sure your diameter & pitch are sized properly to your hull, engine & transmission.--RonD

 

[Dick]

Assess the need

Eric...what you don't say is why you think you need a feathering prop. As you can surmise, each of the blade configurations (2-blade, 3-blade, feathering, folding) have advantages and disadvantages, all designed to meet specific needs. You may be fine with what you already have.

 

[JeffC]

3 Blade

Eric,Last season I changed from the stock 2 blade to a MaxProp feathering 3 blade. In the process I not only gained some speed under sail, but also lost a whole lot of vibration. Whether you choose fixed, folding or feathering I would suggest that you go with 3 blades for smoother operation.JeffC