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c&c30
It''s true that a three blade prop of any kind will provide more surface area so as not to slip or cavitate as much in extreme conditions. It (particuarly) a feathering prop will back and stop better.
However you have a diesel with a nice big reduction in the tranny. And you have a boat that will swing a large diameter prop (lots of clearance) if yours is like my 76.
Feathering props are very expensive and subject to damage, wear and even theft. Feathering props have more drag than folding props and will catch lobster pot floats.
Your 30 has a swept back keel and rudder and will sail right thru pots. Very few boats will do this but only with a folding prop.
I sail a C&C 35-1 with a 12" X 12" Martec folding prop. It backs and stops just fine.
It''s better in high winds than my C&C 30 was with the A4 and 1/1 tranny and that 11X7 2 blade fixed prop.
There is no problem backing up a C&C 30. They have a big spade rudder and steer in reverse very well with any prop. And if you have a tiller you can reverse the rudder 180 degrees and steer even better in reverse.
The boat is worth a low drag prop because it has the potential to be a really good sailor.
Get the 2 blade Martec folder. Save the money.
Measure from the tip of a blade now to your hull for the present clearance and measure the diameter of your prop. Call up Martec and ask for the largest diameter you can swing with the 15% clearance. I would guess it to be at least 13" That will be a nice big prop.
You are so lucky to have that C&C 30. Someone here on the net bought a Bristol 29.9 and paid over $20K. They are a dog as a sailboat.
You may as well put in a new cutlass bearing and hose on the stuffing box while you have the prop shaft out.
If I had a million bucks and repowered my C&C 35 I would still put on a folding prop.
Good luck.
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