A couple more points. First I want to mention that what ultimately helped me get through the ordeal was Chuck Scheafer and this list.
I knew from having actually motored on Chuck's boat and that the Max Prop would work well. I went for the Flex O fold mostly because it was over $1,000 cheaper and appeared to have less drag. Chuck also put me in touch with another 34+ owner who's got a Flex-O-Fold installed. I called him / he has the same 16 X 12 Flex o Fold I was sent and he also thought it was over-pitched. He can't get more than 2900-3000 RPM either. He also told me he's replaced his engine mounts and has to replace his cutlass bearing every other year. After that conversation I knew I had to get a different prop. As for the comment about 2,850 RPM being an ideal RPM for the 3GM 30F that's true. It's the ideal cruising RPM. as stated by Yanmar in the manual However, according to Yanmar's dyno testing graph the engine makes 16 HP on the "Propeller Power Curve" at 2850 RPM. The engine needs 3,400 RPM to make it's max rating of 24 HP "Propeller Power". If it's struggling to get to 3000 in good weather, you might get to 2,700 - 2,800 in a stiff headwind and waves. Personally, I would not want to be in a storm with an engine struggling to make 16 HP "Propeller power" pushing a 13,000 lbs 36 ft boat through rough waters... - Francois 1990 34+ "Take Five" Lake Lanier, GA
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