[C320-list] Folding props

Fri Jan 6 07:48:01 PST 2006

I love my Martec 2-bladed folding...best performance purchase for cuba libre 2...

--------------------------
Regards,
OD

Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

----- Original Message -----
From: C320-List-bounces
Sent: 01/06/2006 07:42 AM
To: C320-List at catalina320.org
Subject: RE: [C320-list] Folding props

Looks like 2-blade folding props, in general, could be getting an 
unnecessarily bad rap.  I had a Martec, non-geared, 2-blade folding prop on 
my prior 31' sailboat for over 15 years. The only time vibration was an 
issue was when sea creatures became encrusted on the blades. Once cleaned, 
no more vibration. Proper installation is very important to eliminating 
potential vibration.  For example, a new prop should be tightly and 
uniformly "seated" on the shaft. This is done by rotating it by hand on the 
fixed shaft with grinding compound applied to the interface. A worn cutlass 
bearing or slightly warped shaft will also allow the slightest unbalance to 
become a noticeable vibration. I am of the opinion that a 3-blade folding or 
feathering prop is only beneficial to owners who do a lot of motoring in 
choppy conditions where an extra "bite" is desired. Otherwise, a 2-blade 
folding prop provides the least drag, best sailing performance and lowest 
cost.

Peter Clancy
AROBAN  C320  #222
Miami, FL

>From: "Stanley Rogacevicz" <SROGACEV at holycross.edu>
>Reply-To: C320-List <C320-List at catalina320.org>
>To: <C320-List at catalina320.org>
>Subject: RE: [C320-list] Folding props
>Date: Fri, 06 Jan 2006 07:55:17 -0500
>
>    Well Adam.... I hate to pour salt into your impending financial wound
>but the other Stan also has one sitting in his cellar that I could have
>packed in with the Spinnaker I sent you.
>    With all the negative press on fixed 3 blades I didn't bother to
>advertize it with my other sell out items. You should find it smoother
>than your 2 blade - just as a 4 blade would be smoother than a 3 blade.
>Not an opinion - just a simple fact.
>    As for Power when punching through steep waves you should also feel
>a difference. I first pulled it and installed a Martec 2 blade folder
>over the winter back in 1999-2000. Over the lonnnggg winter and since I
>only had the c320 since the previous August the power of the Martec
>seemed fine. I got sick of, and worried about, the vibration and did a
>short haul to put the 3 blade back on and with only a couple days in
>between I was Amazed at the difference when I pulled out of the marina -
>It was like a power boat in comparison !! I was sooooo glad that I
>switched back later that year when motoring all day directly into steep
>5 footers to get down to the 2000 c320 regatta in Stamford that August.
>Of course the winning boat in light air that I crewed on down there had
>a Martec 2 blade folder that when I drove it under power I could also
>feel the same vibration that caused me to remove mine.  And yes, if you
>have a good breeze you can still sail at hull speed with a fixed 3 blade
>easily.
>    The next winter I went with the AutoProp and except for some strange
>noises that in 4 years proved harmless I was reasonably satisfied. My
>Nauticat also has an AutoProp and I'm glad it does for the power and
>feathering. The 'best of both worlds' is expensive but I think some type
>of folding or feathering 3 blade is the only way you can hope to achieve
>it.
>Stan
>(formerly) Christy Leigh
>c320 #656
>Wickford/Narragansett Bay RI
>
>
> >>> esquirecatering at rcn.com 01/05/06 9:45 PM >>>
>Stan, I would love it.  Contact me at esquirecatering at rcn.com.
>Thanks,
>Adam
>-----Original Message-----
>From: C320-List-bounces at catalina320.org
>[mailto:C320-List-bounces at catalina320.org] On Behalf Of Stan
>Sent: Thursday, January 05, 2006 3:29 PM
>To: C320-List
>Subject: Re: [C320-list] Folding props
>Hi Adam,
>Yes, If somebody on the list actually wants it, it's theirs for the
>cost
>of shipping.
>Stan
>"Our Little Amusement" #744
>
>
>
>
>!!- _______________________________________
>!!- C320-List at catalina320.org mailing list
>!!- Archives Here: http://www.catalina320.org/list/archives
>!!- Change Subscription Here: http://www.catalina320.org/list/change
>!!- Subscribe Here: http://www.catalina320.org/list/join

!!- _______________________________________
!!- C320-List at catalina320.org mailing list
!!- Archives Here: http://www.catalina320.org/list/archives
!!- Change Subscription Here: http://www.catalina320.org/list/change
!!- Subscribe Here: http://www.catalina320.org/list/join

-----------------------------------------
The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity
to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or
privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or
other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this
information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient
is prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the
sender and delete the material from any computer.