Need a new propeller fast-where to start?

[seahag]

Hi, we are currently in Georgetown, Bahamas, and lost our port side propeller yesterday. Our boat is a Leopard 40 Catamaran with Volvo MD2030 engines, and saildrives. The prop is two bladed, fixed. I am trying to find what pitch it is, and would like to find a source to get a new one quickly, as we have some people coming next week who could bring it along if we get it sent soon. If anyone can help us to determine what to get and where to get it, we'd really appreciate the help-Thanks!

[a64pilot]

You should be able to Dive the Boat and get the pitch off of the remaining prop, it’s usually stamped on the prop itself and the stamp may look something like this
12x18

[travellerw]

I have 2 MD2030s on my Island Spirit. I replaced both props with standard 2 blade Volvo props. I ordered from this website and recieved them in less than a week. Each one cost around $250 or so.

https://www.generalpropeller.com/pro...enta-saildrive

[DougR]

As A64pilot says, you should pull the remaining prop and check it for size or part number. Most likely it is a standard Volvo prop and can either be ordered by size or part number, both will be stamped in the prop hub. At the same time you need to order a prop cone kit to replace the one which was also lost.

I recommend getting two new props and two new prop cone (nut) kits. In addition, buy a couple extra of the stainless Allen lock screws which are in the prop cone kit. These lock screws should be replaced after being once or twice. Throw the old prop, prop cone and Allen screws in a locker and you have a back up just incase.

You can get the items from General Propeller, as mentioned, or any good VP dealer.

DougR

Originally Posted by a64pilot

You should be able to Dive the Boat and get the pitch off of the remaining prop, it’s usually stamped on the prop itself and the stamp may look something like this
12x18

[HopCar]

If your friends are coming through Miami, Frank and Jimmie’s (F & J) propeller shop is only five minutes from the airport. They are located across the street from my old store. They have a good reputation.
Home: Frank & Jimmie's Propeller

[akprb]

Two props for sure.

Consider upping to 3 blade if intending to head down to the Virgin Islands et al.

;-)

SEAHAG!!!!!! I know you! Check on Ohana while you’re there!

[travellerw]

Originally Posted by akprb

Two props for sure.

Consider upping to 3 blade if intending to head down to the Virgin Islands et al.

;-)

SEAHAG!!!!!! I know you! Check on Ohana while you’re there!

Pourquoi? We have gone from Miami to Grenada. Then back up the island chain twice on 2 blade props. We cruise at 4.8 on a single motor and 5.8-6.2 on 2 motors. Our 2 blad props have much less drag under sail than a 3 blade. Not sure why you would need to go to a 3 blade prop if heading to the virgin islands?

[budm303]

Amazon.

[westwinds]

Originally Posted by travellerw

Pourquoi? We have gone from Miami to Grenada. Then back up the island chain twice on 2 blade props. We cruise at 4.8 on a single motor and 5.8-6.2 on 2 motors. Our 2 blad props have much less drag under sail than a 3 blade. Not sure why you would need to go to a 3 blade prop if heading to the virgin islands?

David Gerr has a book on propellers. It's a bit technical. You will need to know algebra. One thing he mentions is a 3 blade is slightly less efficient than a 2 blade because there is less turbulence. A 3 blade is needed if the loading on the 2 blade propeller is enough to cause cavitation. This could happen if you went to a larger engine.

[Mplight]

Contact AB Marine

https://www.ab-marine.com/