[C38] performance

Charles charles at finn.ws
Sun Oct 28 09:59:15 EDT 2007


Ken,
I too was a bit taken aback with the prop walk on the 38s.  It is much 
more than my last boat and I my experience on the helm on a couple of 
"J" boats which have significantly less.  I think this is a trade-off 
for our particular mast - keel configuration which allows us to point so 
well.  As far as props go, I went to the three blade Sailor prop and 
experienced what Phil is talking about in terms of the additional power 
these blades have over the two blade.  Again, there are trade-offs.  My 
three blade prop increases boat speed (over one knot at 2200 rpm for me) 
and reduces fuel consumption (I keep track).  It also has reduced drive 
train resonance, which really bothered me.  But, it does slow the boat, 
which I could have eliminated with Phil's $2500 prop (mine cost $500). 
I think your Universal is actually a 24 hp engine, which is a bit under 
powered, but I am sticking with mine as I still have other places to put 
that $10,000!
It took me a couple/three years to figure out the throttle technique 
(slow learner) and there are still situations that make me nervous such 
as high winds with crowded docks.  But, this prop walk can be managed 
with practice. 

Charles Finn
Mighty Quinn #114

Kenneth M. Sutto wrote:
>   I recently bought a '83 Catalina. I am in the process of getting to 
> know the boat and how it handles. It has the standard Universal 21hp 
> engine and two blade prop. My big problem is every time I try to back 
> out of my slip the stern wants to got to the port no matter which 
> way I turn the wheel.  I have a tight slip length and width wise.
> Is there some way I can get more control performance wise other than 
> getting a bigger engine? Would a three blade prop help? What is the 
> best way to turn the wheel once I get water flowing past the rutter?
> Ken  Catalina #251
>
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