Folding to Fixed Prop

[Gulfislander]

Hi,
Up front I will say I no nothing about props. I am looking to change out my volvo 2 blade folding prop for a 3 blade fixed prop. I have a Niagara 31 with a Yanmar 2GM20FC and SD20 saildrive. I live in Vancouver and I am looking for a reputable business to help me with this. Also, is there anything I should be watching out for?? Are props like most things where brand can be a factor? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[sestina]

Why? If you want a motor boat, you'll need to get a bigger engine.

[Ex-Calif]

A prop change is sort of a big deal and a fair amount of research is required.

Why are you changing the prop is a good place to start. In other words what do you hope to achieve with the prop swap.

A better swap in my personal opinion is a feathering prop.

I don't know any local shops.

[Bash]

Is there a budgetary reason behind this? If not, and you're just not satisfied with the performance of the two-blade, you might want to consider a three-blade folder. Check out Flex-o-fold, which performs as well as a 3-blade fixed and yet folds for sailing. I've found them to be less expensive than other brands.

[Gulfislander]

The reason for the change is that I boat in an area of strong tidal currents (Gulf and San Juan Islands). It does not take much current to really slow my boat down with the 2 blade folding and dragging my tender and motor. Over the years we have found we end up motoring at least half of the time (or more). I would like some more thrust when against the current. I have to be realistic in that we are cruisers and not racers. We go out a lot and there is a large percentage of time without wind. I like the idea of a 3 blade folding prop but they seem to be ~$2500-3500. I have been working a lot on the boat over the last couple of years and I do not have the budget for that...yet. So my solution for now is a fixed blade prop. Thanks.