[C38] Prop decision

[Charles Finn]

Hi folks!
I am just about to install my completely rebuilt yanmar 3jh3-e  and it 
is time to decide on a prop.   I am down to either a flex-o-fold or max 
prop.  I am looking for opinions and advice!
I will be sailing a lot of miles as I once again will cruise all the 
Great Lakes as I move the boat from Lake Champlain to Lake Superior.  
The upgrade to a 40hp was both to give me the power my Universal 5424 
did not have and to cruise near boat speed without having to operate the 
engine at max power.

For those of you who have not heard, I got caught at anchor in a 55 kt 
blow on a lea shore last summer that did about $15k to my boat. I was on 
shore watching the storm on the lake to the north (on radar), when it 
doglegged south and all hell broke loose!  I barely made it to the boat, 
which was dragging on my 35# delta anchor as the wind made square waves 
over 5' and tore the firmly embedded anchor out of a clay bottom.  And 
before anyone asks, I have 60' of 5/8 chain and was on a more than 5:1 
rode.  With the motor flat out and the anchor helping as it reset and 
then broke free again and again, I was barely able to deep off the rock 
ledge shore, but it was wack-a-mole with other boats who were dragging 
anchors and even moorings!  So as I was struggling to save my boat, 
three of my friends with big motors powered out of the bay into the open 
lake. They had a hell of a ride, but at least were able to make it to 
safety.

By the way, I immediately went out and bought a rocna 45# anchor and it 
is amazing how this anchor sets and holds!  There is a huge difference 
and for those of us who sleep (or don't) many nights at anchor.... this 
one is something you should strongly consider regardless of the price!

Thanks,
Charles Finn
Mighty Quinn #114
Great Lakes