Cambell Sailer Props

[kss1220]

I have searching for a new 3 balde fixed prop and ran across a product called a Cambell Sailer manufactured by Camar Industries in Vancouver, Canada.  They have some claims of increased performance over a traditional 3 blade prop as well as the same drag as a two blade fixed.  Has anyone had any experince with this on a Catalina 34?

Fair winds to all,

Kelly Steck

[cholder]

I've used one for about four years.  It seems to work just fine.  The agent/owner suggested use of a 14" diameter rather than the 15" michigan prop normally used.  We get about 7 knots with our M25XP in calm water and with a clean bottom.  I'm unsure whether there's really much difference when sailing.  The engine runs up to the governed maximum speed and doesn't smoke.  Price is about the same as a standard prop.

PS we're based in Vancouver, so the dealer is local for us.  We've other propellor manufacturers in the area, e.g. Osbourne Propellor in North Vancouver.

[Andrew Harvey]

We installed a Cambell Sailor on our previous boat, a CS 27. The main benefits were much faster forward accleration, really useful in tight marinas and lower rpm cruising speed. There was not much difference in reverse and no noticeable loss in sailing speed. I imagine these attributes would apply to C-34 as well. I would buy one again for the new boat but it low on the list of refit projects right now

[Ken Juul]

Very timely thread.  Prop replacement is on my list for spring pull out.  I had all ready decided on a fixed 3 blade.  But which one.  This link to Campbell www.westbynorth.com  sold me.  Informal pricing was $360 for a 14" 8 pitch which was their recommendation for the C34.  Quote from Michigan Wheel was $402 for a 15" 10 pitch.

[sail4dale]

Interesting ....  I am going the other way,  I'm tired of the drag of a fixed prop (15 x 9)  On my next haulout, I'll probably get a 2 blade Martec.  Had one on my CAt30 and it worked great with the M25 engine.
 Anyone have thoughts on this and is there a market for the removed fixed prop?

[Ken Juul]

I don't know if it is my dock location or if it is endemic to the Chesapeake Bay, but I have a terrible fouling problem caused by marine growth.  On a fixed prop it is easy enough to go over the side and scrap it off, not so sure I could do that on a folding prop.  No one could give me the warm and fuzzy that I wouldn't end up hiring a diver or pulling the boat to clean the gears/folding mechinism. Catalinaowners.com used to have a used gear page, haven't been in a while not sure if it is still there.

[captaingary]

If you decide to go with the Martec prop let me know at captaingary1@hotmail.com. I am in the Long Beach area and I have a Martec that is almost new that I would be willing to make a deal on.