>From FlexFold web site regarding 2 vs 3 blades. Choice between fixed, folding, 
>feathering is your choice.

What propeller to choose?
That depends on what sailing boat you got, the engine and not least - your 
priorities!

A 2-blade propeller is more efficient than a 3-blade. Surprised? Well, most 
people are.
Thus, a properly sized 2-blade will give you a higher speed at a given RPM in 
flat water than a properly sized 3-blade. The 2-blade is also lower in drag and 
cheaper.

The 3-blade, because of its larger blade area, will accelerate the boat faster. 
This means a 3-blade is better around the docks, when powering against a head 
sea and when stopping.

Ed
Briar Patch C&C 34
New Orleans

From: CnC-List [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of 
[email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, January 14, 2014 11:27 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Stus-List Prop Question

I just paid $1,145 for a 15x9R Flexofold.

sam :-)
From: Gary Nylander
Sent: Tuesday, January 14, 2014 9:07 AM
To: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
Reply To: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Stus-List Prop Question


Chuck, you missed one other option, a two bladed geared folding prop, like the 
Flex-o-fold or Gori. With the Flex, you get a little less sailing performance 
(it only folds to a width of about an inch but the hub is that large, so this 
may be a non-issue) but it has blades with more curve than a Martec and they 
have more area out toward the end, so the powering performance is better and 
because the blades are geared together, it folds and unfolds as a unit.

Advantages: you don't have to align the shaft to assure it will fold - a 
non-geared unit may have a blade hanging down if the prop is stopped in the 
horizontal position - a geared one always has a blade which wants to fold and 
bring the other one with it; it unfolds easier in reverse, so is more reliable 
in emergencies; and should be available for about $1000 (it has been years 
since I bought mine, and I don't know current prices).

My $.02

Gary
----- Original Message -----
From: Chuck S<mailto:[email protected]>
To: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 13, 2014 11:41 PM
Subject: Re: Stus-List Prop Question

I bought a sailboat to sail.  If I wanted a powerboat, I'd buy a bass boat or a 
ski boat or a fishing boat or a house boat.
I choose what's best for sailing and bought a MaxProp in 2007.
Personal choice is what it's all about.  The cost differences are very 
different as is performance.   I changed from a Martec eliptic folding prop to 
a two blade MaxProp and love it.  Roughly:
A fixed 3 blade prop will cost $600; this is the slowest sailing prop but best 
powering forward and reverse.
2 blade Martec folding prop will cost $1500;  this is the fastest sailing prop 
but least power w motoring against the wind and very little stopping power.
2 blade feathering prop like a MaxProp will cost $2000; next fastest sailing w 
great power motoring forward and reverse.  Maybe 95% of a fixed prop.
3 blade feathering prop like a MaxProp will cost $3000; third fastest sailing w 
greatest power motoring forward and reverse, same as fixed prop, best for 
distance cruising.
Chuck
Resolute
1990 C&C 34R
Atlantic City, NJ
________________________________
From: "Brian Morrison" <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>
To: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 13, 2014 10:44:48 PM
Subject: Stus-List Prop Question


Hello List,

I have a 1979 C&C 34 with the original 2 blade martec folding prop. While at 
the yard today a friend suggested changing the prop to a fixed three blade for 
greater propulsion. The previous owner was a racer and I am more of a cruiser. 
My friend suggested that the 3 blade drag would be negligible but power would 
be much greater. Any thoughts or recommendations on prop replacement would be 
appreciated.

Brian

Brian C. Morrison
S/V Rekofa, The Blue Whale
1979 C&C 34
Baltimore, MD





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