Westerly Fulmar - propeller recommendations

[rex_seadog]

Recently had our Fulmar lifted out for the first time since purchasing last year and can now see that the prop is a 15 x 11 fixed two blade. According to Bukh UK this probably explains our rather disappointing motoring performance (DV20 engine) and have recommended a 15 x 13 three blade prop. We realise we might lose a little sailing performance but hopefully not too much. Experiences of forumites, particularly Fulmar owners, would be appreciated. Is this a good time to get deals on new props?

 

[john_morris_uk]

We have a three bladed fixed prop and our sailing performance in light airs is terrible. If you are going to get a new prop, why not get a folding or feathering one?

 

[boatmike]

Yes it is with Boat Show offers. Your choice is 3 bladed fixed which will improve motoring performance but have detrimental effect on sailing performance or some type of folder. I am a particular fan of Brunton Autoprops but they are a bit expensive. They will however improve sailing and motoring performance.

 

[H4B]

hello,
What do you mean by 'disappointing motoring performance' . I have exactly the same set up and have not felt under engined. We happily make 6 knots under engine admittedly not into a strong head wind, but with abit of main we can motor sail , pretty close. personally I would do nothing to hinder sailing performance I suppose a folding prop would work , but my boat is mud berthed and I believe the mud would wear out the folding mechanics abit too quickly !

 

[ayearsley]

I have Fulmar 417 with Volvo 2002. My experience with Westerly is that they fitted 'sailing' propellors with narrow blades which could not absorb the available horsepower. I have re-propped my past Centaur and Konsort and now the Fulmar. This had the same 15 by 11 which was 0.25 DAR. At small expense this was replaced by a 15 by 12.5, 0.35 DAR two blade which is slightly over pitched to reduce the cruising revs. Max revs gives about 6.5 knots with clean bottom, 2000 revs about 5.3. Ring me on 705 3630 if you want to discuss.

 

[chrisbailey]

I have been using a 15 X 13 3 bladed prop on my Fulmar for 15 years now it gives far better performance under power and I did not notice any detriment to the sailing perfomance over the previous 2 bladed prop and at the time of changing I was involved in sucessful club racing. I would recommend that you change to 3 blades 15 X 13. good luck.