3-bladed feathering/folding prop choice

[macd]

I’m in the process of re-engining a Rival 32 with a new Beta 28hp and looking to fit a suitable three-bladed prop – feathering or folding. I’d much prefer three blades for better drive in a seaway, and feathering rather than folding as good brakes/reverse performance are important on the Rival (long fin, skeg rudder) which is pretty cussed in reverse. But in either case I’m open to other members’ experience.

I had a Kiwiprop in mind, but have recently learned that there would be insufficient clearance since this feathers in a slightly unusual way. Obvious feathering alternatives are the Autoprop or Maxprop, but I’d welcome members’ views. Clearly no option is likely to be cheap, so it’s important I make the right choice first time.

Thanks, and Merry Christmas.

 

[sailorman]

i have 2 blade Maxprop /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif 37 ft x7 ton boat + Nanni 4150 /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Talbot]

Dont forget the Gori

 

[DavidMcMullan]

The Contessa 32 has a small propellor apperture, but can fit one of the mini JF Feathering propellers. Contact for more details is Darglow Engineering in Dorset. www.darglow.co.uk
Regards, David
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[charles_reed]

I've had a 14" 3-bladed Autoprop for 11 years (it's one of the first).

Apart from needing regular annual tightening of the races, it has been most satisfactory, adding about 0.5 knot over a folding 2-blade prop and nearer 1.0 knot over a fixed 2-blade, under sail.

On a 29'10" LWL boat weighing 3300kg it gives a still-water top speed of 7.2 knots, even though the Yanmar 2GM20, can't quite reach its full-power rpm. Cruise speed at 1600 engine rpm (50% throttle) is about 6.0 knots.

Its greatest benefit is the ability to motorsail at little over tickover and attain quite reasonable speeds in light airs.

I do about 80-200 hours a year under power.

The downside, slightly more noise than the fixed prop and being heavier than either, rather more cutless wear.

I used to use 1 expensive nose-anode a season, but since fitting a ring shaft anode can make them last 3 seasons.

 

[jtwebb]

I have just fitted a Brunton Autoprop to my Dehler 36 replacing a Volvo 3 blade folding prop. I have one more kt, 6 to 7, at 2800 rpm and a comfortable speed is now 6.75 at 2300 rpm. There is less prop kick and more 'thrust' However, I do not know about fitting in a limited 'window' as it sticks out a long way beyond the shaft and has large blades which sweep a wide arc. Speak to Brunton at the boat show?

 

[macd]

Thanks to jtwebb and to all (and anyone who responds later). I believe the Autoprop will fit, as I know of one fitted to a Rival 34 which is dimensionally similar in the prop area. And luckily I shall be able to speak to Bruntons at the Show. But anyone got any experience of alternative props?

 

[macd]

Thanks for that. The link wouldn't seem to work, but I eventually found Darglow on www.props4yachts.com
I'll be checking out what they have t offer.