My prop (Kiwiprop, 3-blade) broke a reverse roller, and wasn't shifting well to forward thrust. The boatyard says this can be repaired reasonably cheaply (boat is already hauled for other work), but suggests I might instead consider a new prop given what I say about how I want to use the boat.
They recommend (if getting a new one) a 3-blade bronze prop, either Gori or Maxprop. Someone else knowledgeable suggested Flexofold, but supposedly they do not have as good support availability in the US.
I would appreciate any opinions on:
- Should I just fix the Kiwiprop (a lot cheaper, but it's old, plastic, and has now failed once)
- If I change props, suggestions re: Gori / Maxprop / Flexofold (or something else)
- Fixed vs folding? (is fixed cheaper? I am told everyone does folding now)
- Anything else I should have in mind before talking to the prop people (yard has engine/gear ratio/shaft/etc -- I mean questions re: pitch, or who knows what. I am new to this and facing a $2.5k hit... figure I should ask here first
Many thanks (and Happy New Year)!
PS: details of boat/use model, if you want them:
- 1998 E34 with Yanmar 3GM30F
- 3-blade Kiwiprop is pretty old (at least 7 years, possibly (likely) a good bit older (boat is 1998))
- I sail / plan to sail a good bit in and off the approaches to the Golden Gate / SF Bay. This is a heavy ship-traffic/current/swell area at times, and also sometimes the wind drops out there and you end up motoring for a good few hours (like 5+) down to Half Moon Bay or up to Drake's Bay.
- I would like a prop with good thrust and reliable -- singlehand a good bit, not excited about problems.
- I do not race or care if I am competitive, but do enjoy that the boat sails pretty quickly (for its type/age). The Kiwiprop has not put me through the water at hullspeed -- been fine inside the bay, but not super fast. Upwind out of the marina (into 20+ kts) I can be creeping along at only 2-3 kts, which has made me wonder about it as a tool if I need it in bad conditions.
- A new prop is a lot of money for me; not super excited about the sudden new expense, but if I'm going to do it might as well do it earlier rather than later in my ownership of the boat.
They recommend (if getting a new one) a 3-blade bronze prop, either Gori or Maxprop. Someone else knowledgeable suggested Flexofold, but supposedly they do not have as good support availability in the US.
I would appreciate any opinions on:
- Should I just fix the Kiwiprop (a lot cheaper, but it's old, plastic, and has now failed once)
- If I change props, suggestions re: Gori / Maxprop / Flexofold (or something else)
- Fixed vs folding? (is fixed cheaper? I am told everyone does folding now)
- Anything else I should have in mind before talking to the prop people (yard has engine/gear ratio/shaft/etc -- I mean questions re: pitch, or who knows what. I am new to this and facing a $2.5k hit... figure I should ask here first
Many thanks (and Happy New Year)!
PS: details of boat/use model, if you want them:
- 1998 E34 with Yanmar 3GM30F
- 3-blade Kiwiprop is pretty old (at least 7 years, possibly (likely) a good bit older (boat is 1998))
- I sail / plan to sail a good bit in and off the approaches to the Golden Gate / SF Bay. This is a heavy ship-traffic/current/swell area at times, and also sometimes the wind drops out there and you end up motoring for a good few hours (like 5+) down to Half Moon Bay or up to Drake's Bay.
- I would like a prop with good thrust and reliable -- singlehand a good bit, not excited about problems.
- I do not race or care if I am competitive, but do enjoy that the boat sails pretty quickly (for its type/age). The Kiwiprop has not put me through the water at hullspeed -- been fine inside the bay, but not super fast. Upwind out of the marina (into 20+ kts) I can be creeping along at only 2-3 kts, which has made me wonder about it as a tool if I need it in bad conditions.
- A new prop is a lot of money for me; not super excited about the sudden new expense, but if I'm going to do it might as well do it earlier rather than later in my ownership of the boat.
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