Aura Col 30' - Change Prop?

[Boondoggle30]

We own a 1984 Aura Col that when purchased came with a folding prop. We are new to sailing and the previous owner suggested purchasing a fixed prop. The limited use we got last season showed us that she reverses like a 3 legged dog - the previous said it is largely due to the folding prop.

Opinions? He said that I could sell the folding one for a fair bit and easily replace it with a new fixed one with the cash from the sale. She is on the cradle now... so now is the time to do it if I am going to !

thanks.

[lbdavis]

A fixed prop will certainly improve performance in reverse when compared to a folding prop. There are many concerns with folding props including: not having all the blades unfold - quite the racket!!

A fixed three blader will give you good performance in both forward and reverse, but will increase drag significantly from your folding prop. This will be your cheapest solution.

A feathering prop will offer you increased performance in forward and reverse and still have little drag. However, it does require a second mortgage on your house.

Good luck!

[Faster]

As alternatives to the michigan wheel 3 blader, consider the Campbell Sailor prop (2 or 3 blades) or the Kiwi feathering prop - which also has had some good reviews and costs much less than the Max and Jprop featherers.

West by North Enterprises

The link is for the distributor, they ship worldwide.