Props

[andrewa]

I have been looking through the old posts in the Forum ref props and don't seem to be able to find what I am looking for so I apologise if this has been asked before. I have a single engine stern drive hooked up to a Bravo II, the boat handles well and doesn't seem to lean or pull to the left or right. My problem is going in reverse and to port, basically the boat doesn't like and I believe it is called the paddle effect. Whilst my boat is out the water would either of the following improve matters.

Change to a stainless prop and or 4 blade as opposed to three.

Your advise is appreciated.

 

[spannerman]

This is quiet normal on Mercruiser single prop drives, mine does exactly the same so I where possible make sure that going astern is in the favoured direction. This is due as you correctly said to paddle wheel effect, changing to a 4 blade will increase the paddle wheel effect as you have more 'paddles', and knock off a couple off knots at the top end. And an SS prop will give you less reverse thrust as the blades have more rake (aftsweep) and are optimised for going forward. I know because I have a Mercruiser with a High 5 SS prop and I need to use a lot more power to stop the boat and make it go astern. However I consider the improved time to plane, and handling worth it as 99.9% I am going forward.
Hope this helps, Steve

 

[DepSol]

When you go into reverse do not lock the wheel over fuly, put it 3/4 of the way over then reverse then go to full lock, this should increase your control and make the boat more responsive to full lock turning in reverse. I havent thought of the mechanics but it just seems to help when I do it that way on my freinds boat. If I lock it over then reverse it is a pig to get it to move properly.


Dom

2003 is going to be a good year for me