Prop Advice

[Umperstilt]

Hello all:

I've got a 32 pearson with a universal atomic diesel. I've got it pulled at the moment and was wondering if anyone had a suggested replacement for my two blade prop. I'm figuring in 30+ years that surely there is a more efficient prop I can slide on????

[Weyalan]

Personally, I think the flex-o-fold 3 blade folding prop is great... it is a good combination of drive when under motor and not too much drag under sail.

[Umperstilt]

Thanks, I'll check that out, I saw some similar but the price was crazy high

[Weyalan]

Bottom line - the fancier the prop the crazier the price.
Best value for money is, no doubt, a fixed prop, 2 or 3 blade. A 3 blade fixed will give you the best performance under motor and the worst under sail
As soon as you start looking at feathering or folding props, you get better performance under sail and worse performance under motor.

End of the day, you pays your money and takes your choice...

[Brob2]

...but do your research and your chances improve, and asking here is a great start.

I too am a big fan of the Jensen Flex-0-fold, and at your size a two blader will give you only marginally less motoring performance with a noticeable improvement under sail. If you do no racing however, or speed while sailing is not critical to your enjoyment, it's probably not worth the expense unless you're fairly free with your budget.

[Captn morgan]

I've had a Flex O Fold on my last two sailboats and not only has my forward speed increased but I have less walking when in reverse.

Captn Morgan
S/V Chase The Clouds

[Terra Nova]

The gold standard seems to be the Max prop.