Looking for suggestions for a new prop

[scgunner]

Since one blade of my prop just snapped off yesterday I'm in the market for a new one. I haven't bought a prop for 30+ years I'd be interested to know what the current thinking is about prop replacements.

[Ed Shankle]

I've been happy with my 3 blade FlexoFold. Picked up speed both under sail and power. Installed it a number of years ago.

[scgunner]

Ed,

Thanks for the response, what were you using before the FlexoFold?

[Jim Hardesty]

I'd be interested to know what the current thinking is about prop replacements

Kevin,
It depends on what's most important to you and your usage.  Price? Low drag? High thrust? Maneuvering?  My Maxiprop has given me 25 years without a problem.  But, I hear that they have gotten very pricey.
Jim

[Noah]

I am quite happy with my 3-blade Flex-O-Fold 15x10. It is also quite pricey. If you still have a bronze prop shaft I would recommend you change it to S.S. if you end up going with one of the heavier, large hub, folding props such as mine.

[Ted Pounds]

I also had a 3-blade Flex-O-Fold which replaced a 3 blade fixed.  Definitely a big improvement.  Noticeable improvement in speed; I went from lower half of the pack in the local race series to consistently winning.  And that was after giving up a chunk of my handicap because of it. I was initially worried about how it would do in reverse.  Turned out to have plenty of reverse thrust and it actually backed straighter than the fixed.

[scgunner]

Thanks Guys,

As I expected lots of good suggestions. Right now I'm thinking about a 3 blade fixed prop like the one CD sells. While the 3 blade folding prop is clearly superior I think the fixed will meet my requirements for the way I sail nowadays as my racing days are behind me and getting there as fast as possible isn't as important as it used to be.

[Ron Hill]

Kevin : Now that I'm 92 (next month) its surprising how age changes your priorities!! 

A thought

[Ed Shankle]

Kevin, I had the 3 blade Michigan
Regards,
Ed

[Ed Shankle]

I should also note it's more forgiving when a lobster buoy line is accidentally run into!

[scgunner]

Ron,

I know just how you feel I'm 26 but I'm trapped in this old guy's body!

Ed,

It's probably a lot more forgiving than the lobster trap guys! If you could how about a review of your three blade. How do you like it? How does it compare to what you replaced it with? Any or thoughts you might have?

FYI, I just dug out my original Sailor prop and I may just install that until I figure out the best option for me.

[waughoo]

I mentioned this in reply to your other post, but I have a Campbell Sailor.  I rather like it.  The guy that sells them has a somewhat standard spec for the C34 which I modified in an attempt to get max rpms at full throttle.  I don't recommend chamging the spec's as I don't have much reserve thrust if needed above 2400.  The CS has a smaller blade profile than the Michighan sailor to reduce drag while under canvas.  At least give it a look see.

https://westbynorth.com/campbell-sailer/

[Noah]

Alex—just curious. What is the difference between the prop CD now sells and the Campbell prop? The CD prop doesn't look like my old Michigan Wheel Sailer prop either—-which I keep as a back-up/spare.

[Ron Hill]

Kevin : What kind of prop lost a blade??

A thought

[scgunner]

Alex,

The prop that came from the factory on my boat is a CS two blade 15" by 10 and is probably going back on in the interim. Is your CS two or three blade?

Ron,

It's a plastic or plastic composite with a high tech (for the time) blade shape, curved leading edge and a straight trailing edge. I don't remember who the maker was I've been going through my old paperwork looking for an info sheet or receipt, to tell the truth I'd consider buying another one, just before the blade snapped off I was making 6.8 knots.