Campbell Sailor Brand Prop Question

dacap06 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009

Maine Sail's strong endorsement of the Campbell Sailor brand of propellor (see 3-blade fixed prop recommendations), complete with impressive drag measurements, was compelling and started me thinking about replacing the prop on Tranquility Base.

However, I have one more question for CS owners: how well does the Campbell Sailor on your boat back down? I have avoided folding propellers because they compromise reverse thrust, and I wonder whether a propeller that derives part of its forward thrust from its wing-like cross section compromises it also.

So how well do the Campbell Sailor two and three-blade propellers back down in comparison to propellers that do not have a wing-shaped blade? What about in comparison to feathering propellers?

Maine Sail · #2 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009

I can't comment on the two blade CS but my three blade has more bite and better stopping/backing than my Michigan three blade did. Tough I don't use it much for docking when I come into the dock and hit reverse it stops the 17,000 boat well.

Backing sailboats is something that takes practice. A prop will generally only make a marginal difference. Also some gear boxes have a different ratio in reverse..

fordo · #3 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009

When I repowered my Tartan 30 I changed from the 2 blade to a three blade Campbell Sailor. Reverse is fine; the prop seems to make no difference. I have no experience with folding props so I can't say about them...

winddancer88 · #4 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009

I switched to a Campbell Sailor a few years ago and noticed more power, and along with that more prop walk. That wasn't a bad thing -- the prop walk is strong enough now I can make use of it.

dacap06 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-04-2009

Thanks, folks. Those replies really helped me with my decision.

DaCAP

cutterorient · #6 (**permalink**) 12-04-2009

I replaced a Luke feathering - for sale by the way - with the CS as I wanted a single piece of metal for my prop in the spirit of keeping it simple. I am very satisfied with it and Norm is a great help. Nice thrust. As far a reverse is concerned my boat is a wreck going backwards so I avoid it. I find it easier to just push it out of the slip despite her weight. Pulling into a slip I need to come in hotter than others to be able to still steer and the reverse thrust is more than adequate. Also, the coating that it comes with from the factory is superb at repelling barnacles.