What a difference a good prop makes

[Ross]

About 6 years ago I bought a used 13x15 three blade prop because I was very unhappy with my 13x7 two blade sailorman prop that came with the boat. I thought at the time that it(the new prop)was probably over pitched but I put it on anyway. The difference was apparent the first time I put it in gear. But it vibrated and I couldn't get to full engine speed so I throttled back a little and did well enough. Last winter I took it off and had it re-pitched and reconditioned. It was in bad shape as far as pitch was concerned. one blade was at 15 another was 14+1/2 and the third was 15+1/2. Now they are all at 13 and the man who did the work said that for a 40 year old prop it was in excellant condition. We splashed the boat today and were pleased to find that we have reduced prop walk and vibration, an increase in top speed from 5.5 to about 6kts. and a somewhat slower speed at idle, down around 1.5 all on the gps on the river at high tide so the current was not significant.I had determined that the prop was out of shape just with a tape measure but I didn't realize it would make so much difference.

 

[Ross]

I forgot to say why I took the approach that I did

I paid 75 bucks for the prop and 125 to have it repitched. So I have for all intents and purposes a new prop for 200 bucks.

 

[seadaddler]

What A Bargain

Are you rubbing it in our face,how much we spend for a fancy new prop for our fancy new boats.I need to find a bargain like that so that mywife doesn't think it's time to trade me in.Nick

 

[Ross]

Nick , haunt the antique barns. I often see lovely props there and Nancy

won't let me but them because she knows that the next step is finding a boat to attach it to. She says the my fifty dollar prop will end up costing ten thousand. She knows, because she sometimes buys a cute purse that will just match that new outfit she is looking for.

 

[CharlieCobra]

I've got a gorgeous bronze prop in a locker

on the boat. Don't know what pitch but it's an 18" 3 bladed prop. I found it along with tons of gear after I bought her.

 

[seadaddler]

My wife

I always tell people I am so lucky that my wifeis not much of a shopper,I am always tricking herinto going shopping not just for a new boat.But lately she is making a liar out of me I should have kepther busy working, when ever we go out I see something new on her.We don't go out shopping much so it must be these dam computers,but I have my new boat so I guess it's her turn.I am putting a new prop some time this week,I will seeif it's worth the $$$$.Nick

 

[Mike B]

I agree

Ross, I agree. I spent significently more money on my Autoprop but am very pleased with it. It actually has greater prop walk than a fixed prop but I use that to my advantage when docking or coming alongside a pier. What I enjoy is consistent power across the RPM band and less drag under sail. Glad to see the repitch is working for you.Mike

 

[CalebD]

Nick, maybe it is time to disconnect the cable TV

You have heard of HSN (home shopping network)? Now you don't even need the internet to shop from home, just a phone and cable TV. I'm not sure if your better half would appreciate your overtures though. We like to shop for nautical things and they just like to shop for new 'stuff' or maybe that is just a bad generalization.It is nice that your lady (er, Admiral) likes to look good for you.

 

[Manny]

Here's a question Ross

Out of curiosity, do you think the 2 inches of less pitch will cause the prop to create more drag when sailing? I always wondered how much the prop pitch affected sailing performance on a fixed pitch prop.Manny

 

[Ross]

Some ,perhaps but not much.

All of the other gains will be worth that small level of drag.

 

[patrick]

3 blade Maxiprop

is the best thing I ever did on my boat. It is indeed expensive but very much worth it. I gained 1.1 knots motoring and no noticeable difference sailing compared to the two blade Maxi.