[C38] 3 bladed folding prop

[Steve Smolinske]

Steve, 

 

I have a three bladed max prop I switch out for cruising, we race with a
two bladed martec.  The max prop is amazing there is no vibration, lots
of power and she backs out straight.  I love that prop.  It is
feathering, but because you have three fins even when feathered you will
get some drag especially as the boat pitches, two of the blades will
provide resistance through the water as the stern goes up and down,
still better than a fixed prop and, If that bothers you Max prop also
makes a two blade version.

 

Steve

#312 Peregrine

Seattle

 

From: listserve-bounces at catalina38.org
[mailto:listserve-bounces at catalina38.org] On Behalf Of S Orton
Sent: Monday, May 27, 2013 5:23 PM
To: Cat 38
Subject: [C38] 3 bladed folding prop

 

Has anybody tried a 3 bladed folding prop?  Slipstream makes a geared 3
bladed folding prop which should have less drag and be more efficient
than a feathering prop.  I've got to go to a three blades to reduce
vibration and to make my cutlass bearings last longer-now a geared
folding prop is installed.  I typically replace the cutlass every time I
haul the boat.  Phil Gay tells me he hasn't replaced his cutlass since
replacing his prop with a Max Prop and that was over ten years ago.
What kind of life are the members experiencing?  In the past, I removed
the shaft took to a machine shop to inspect for trueness- the machinist
did face the flange while mounted on the shaft less than .002", which
didn't help.  I have also replaced engine mounts.  All alignment
procedures were done on the hard.  The only thing left is to do is an
alignment check in the water.  Or again maybe its the 2 bladed prop! 

Comments please,  Steve O (Santa Susanna,304)

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