In process of acquiring an F33. Currently considering removing the 2 blade prop and replacing with a 3 blade. Any recommendations for a high quality 3 blade prop? Any good reason to keep the two bladed prop on the vessel?
If the prop is matched to the boat and there is little vibration the question is what’s the need for a three blade prop , just more drag .depends really whether you mostly sail or mostly motor
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I agree with this. From my perspective a two-blade folding prop is the way to go. We have two-blade folding props on our F30 and F38. Smooth!
Little wind in the summer here so most people motor and then sail in spring and fall when the winds are better. Had also been hoping the vessel would work better for tighter maneuvers within the marina
Carl
In light winds the drag from a three blade prop is significant , been likened to towing two buckets
Maybe consider a feathering prop .only downside is the cost and added complexity
I have a two blade autoprop
If you do change to three blade make sure to size it correctly as any benefit may be lost if engine can’t make revs
The current two blade is a 16 -9 right prop. What I am uncertain of is if I go to a 3 blade if it would be a 16-8 or 15-9. I am not sure if it is pitch or diameter that changes but installer and sales person should know
As with many boat upgrades, it depends on needs and available funds… with a damaged two blade prop (bizarre situation w/ unknown cause) on our F30, I researched online and spoke with various experts.
The outcome is that the new three blade prop provides us more power and more maneuverability when backing out of our slip. There must be more drag when sailing, but we don’t notice it. Do appreciate having more power in heavy seas.
As part of your research, and for a prop recommendation(s), I recommend speaking with Accutech Marine Propeller in Dover, NH. (603) 617-3626
Thanks that is helpful… appreciated
Carl
Speaking from a planeing power boat view point, not sailing. Be careful to not load the engine down being unable to achieve full RPM / power. Matching RPM to max hull speed for a displacement hull I have no experience. Two blade = less resistance when sailing.
From yachtworld:
”Which ever style propeller you choose, just remember, 1mm of growth on your prop can result in approximate 12% lose in efficiency. So, keeping your existing prop clean might be just as good as swapping it out for a new one.”
Ended up going from a 16 diameter 9 pitch fixed two blade to a 16 inch diameter 10 pitch 3 blade fixed prop. While true under certain conditions I may lose a bit of speed sailing, the vessel will plow through chop better and brake better as well and be more easily operated in tighter marinas and anchorages. Less moving parts than a variable pitch so less chance of catastrophic failure. Bonus is significantly less expensive.