Folding prop on 1975 Hunter 30

[dcbp33]

Hi all ...

doing a little research on behalf of a luddite friend, who owns a 1975 Hunter 30. He'd like to replace his current 13" 2-blade fixed prop w/ a 3-blade folding prop. Problem is - so far all the 3-blades he's found start at 15"

Has anyone successfully put a 3-blade folding prop on this boat? if so - what make & model ?

thanks & regards (feel free to reply offline)

...diane
s/v mood indigo, keyport nj
1970 Pearson P-33-1
e-mail diane.c.bonnell # db.com or dcbp33 # optonline.net

[chucklesR]

Replacing a 2 bladed fixed with a 3 bladed means either pitch or length needs to go down or he will overload his engine and not get reasonable performance. He could modify the pitch and help that, but he'd had to be careful and know what he's doing. The luddite reference means that's not likely, so -
He needs to consult with a sales representative of any one of the companies offering propellers.

To answer you question - many Hunters have been retrofitted - search the forum at Hunter Owners.com for owners sailing production sailboats

Chuck - former hunter owner.

[sailingfool]

There's no need to consider a three blade prop for that size boat, the only benefit would be to more quickly spend your boat $$$. A 3 blade is not "better" than a 2 blade, the extra blade is just a way to increase blade crossarea within the diameter permit by space.

He will probably be well served by an inexpensive Matrec two blade folding prop, as used by most 30 footers that have something other than a fixed prop. If he wants to go first class and spend more $$$ he can contact PYI PYI http://www.pyiinc.com/index.php?section=max-prop&action=main&sn=1 for sizing of a nice MaxProp two blade.