[C320-list] Martec prop

[Stephen Lunsford]

Denny,
Sorry to take so long to reply.

When we bought our 2000 320 it had a two blade fixed prop.  While forward
performance was okay, performance in reverse lacked significantly.  We were
also interested in racing our boat.   With those two factors in mind, we
bought a used Martec Autostream 3 blade feathering prop at a slight
discount.  We've enjoyed it. IMO, it had much better performance in reverse
with less prop walk.  We also reduced drag which helped when racing.   The
downside is that it's a heavy piece of metal on the end of your prop shaft.
We've replaced the cutlass bearing once so far.  Was that a result of the
Martec?  I don't know, but it is heavy.  If your shaft isn't perfectly
aligned, you will feel it. We've also replaced our OEM shaft with a
stainless one.  It's  just stronger given the weight of the prop.
Maintenance for our prop has been easy.  The zinc is easy to change and I've
done it in the water.  Lubrication is also easy with a simple fitting that a
grease gun can engage to lubricate all of the internal gears.  The only
issue is how long the O-rings at the props will last in salt water.  We've
had these ones on for approximately five years and will be looking at them
very hard next spring when we haul the boat.  Changing the O-rings isn't
difficult, just messy given that you've got to disassemble the back of the
prop to do it which releases all of the internal grease.

While we like our Martec prop, I've often wondered if we might have been
better off with a 3 blade folding prop versus the 3 blade feathering prop
given the difference in weight and internal gearing.

Steve
s/v Joy  756



-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Denny Browne
Sent: Friday, August 05, 2011 12:36 AM
To: C320 List
Subject: [C320-list] Martec prop

Can't afford an Autoprop but hate my 3 blade fixed. Except pulling into the
slip too fast, then I like it a lot. 

But have any of you switched to the Martec? Comments? Sorry for the old
topic. 

Thanks,

Denny Browne
A Cappella #935
Redondo Beach

Sent from handheld, sorry for typos, grammar, etc...