[C320-list] Light wind performance

[Bruce Stanley]

Brad and Jeff
it is magic to enjoy the subtle thrill of passing another same-size (or
bigger .. a la Hunter 33 etc)

.... Downunder the popular prop seems to be the Kiwi Feathering Prop. 3
Bladed and available to the USA market at less than we in the antipodes have
to pay ;o((

Point really being is that a feathering / folding prop is the answer to
sailing faster (but don't tell the Hunter guys).

Bruce S/Sydney
================================
On Mon, Jun 20, 2011 at 10:56 PM, Jeff Hare <catalina at thehares.com> wrote:

> We noticed a slightly smoother lighter helm under sail also. The 3-blade
> prop causes some rudder turbulence that we could feel but folding blades
> don't.
>
> And we also sail along making progress when the sails used to just slat
> before. My wife was especially happy b/c she hates the engine.
>
> -jeff
>
> Brad Kuether <bkuether at comcast.net> wrote:
>
> I had the opportunity to really try out the new Flex O Fold prop today.
> Forecast was 5 to 10 and spent most of the time down around 5.
>
> Not what I was looking for but on Fathers day, but hey, if there is any
> wind you take it!!!!
>
> All through the day the boat kept moving. Sometimes it was painfully slow,
> but MOVING. I have had instances in the past two years where around 3 or 4
> kts, the boat just STOPS. Didn't happen today.
>
> The best moment was when a Hunter 335 going the same direction back to the
> river did exactly that. Stopped.
>
> With the folding prop this boat has acceptable light wind performance.
>
> If anyone is interested in doing a 320/folding prop "try before you buy"
> let me know. My family doesn't quite appreciate the same way I do... :)
>
> -Brad, Mary, Monica, and Jarod
> "Independence"
> 2004 Catalina 320 Hull 1006
> Middle River, MD
>
>