[C320-list] Prop replacement/Headsail

[wdoc1 at aol.com]

Appreciate the great input re propellers and headails...thank you! Bill McCDiversion, 2000 #714


-----Original Message-----
From: Chuck Mueller <katchu at chartermi.net>
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Thu, Sep 23, 2021 7:00 pm
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Prop replacement

Bill
I started out with a three blade fixed prop, and then upgraded to the feathering Kiwi prop.  It was a vast improvement for sailing speed and also for power in reverse.  It had almost no prop walk.  But I did lose perhaps a knot of motoring speed at the high end.

After using that prop for several years, I upgraded in 2020 to a three blade Flexofold prop.  It doesn’t back as well as the Kiwi, but I can cruise at hull speed again if I wish.  

There was a great article in Yachting monthly, May 2009, (The ultimate propeller test) that does a great job of comparing different types of props on a Beneteau 323, so should be relevant to our 320’s

Chuck Mueller
Northwind, 2000, #676 
Holland, MI


>>> On Thu, Sep 23, 2021, at 6:17 AM, wdoc1 at aol.com wrote:
>>>> Feeling "the need for speed!"  I have a fixed 3-blade propeller.
>>>> Considering replacing this with a folding or feathering prop to gain a
>>>> little speed for casual Wed nite racing without sacrificing too much
>>>> performance under power.
>>>> Also looking to purchase a used 150-155% headsail...no matches yet at
>>>> Bacon Sails or on eBay.
>>>> Anyone have recommendations/observations?
>>>> Thank you,
>>>> Bill McConnellDiversion, 2000, #714
>>>

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