[C320-list] New prop shaft and ?

[Jack Brennan]

I think the big issue is simplicity.

There's no debate that these props can improve performance on our boats to a degree. But the price is that they have moving parts and require some maintenance.

If you haul every winter and have the opportunity to do the maintenance at your leisure, that's most likely not a problem. If you're like me and haul every three or four years in Florida, that's a different story. Now I'm dependent on my monthly diver to ensure everything is up to snuff.

Also, my three-blade Michigan fixed prop is bulletproof. Unless it glows pink from loss of zinc, it will always work. Even if I snag a crab pot – a common occurrence in the Keys – I can be confident that there won't be any lasting damage.

So, like many things in life, it's a trade off. For me, it's a fixed prop because I believe sailboats should be as simple as possible. I shudder when I look at newer, larger sailboats with all of their complicated systems. I don't want to spend all of my time maintaining that stuff.

Jack Brennan'
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.




________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Jeff Smith via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 16, 2024 8:49 AM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com <C320-List at catalina320.com>
Cc: Jeff Smith <svsailmates512 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] New prop shaft and ?

We have a max prop bought by the PO. We like the fact that it feathers, the
blades reverse direction when you go in reverse (more drive in reverse),
and adjustable pitch. The downside is that you must grease it occasionally
(I do this when I haul to paint the bottom) and there is a slight delay
when you go into reverse, as the blades spin 180 degrees. Also, because the
pitch is adjustable, you must be careful if you disassemble (you know
exactly how I know this - I was off slightly and under propped the boat).

Good luck,
Jeff

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024 at 7:42 PM Troy Dunn via C320-list <
c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:

> The flexfold question got me thinking about my path forward with Hull #514.
>   The bronze shaft is now 26 years old and although I replaced the cutless
> a couple years or so ago there is still just the slightest amount of play
> in the fit when the boat is on the hard and everything is dried out.
> Perhaps the shaft is on borrowed time.    I think it may be time next
> winter to replace the shaft and engine mounts. So the question is, do I
> keep the original 3 blade fixed prop or….add to my expenses and look at
> folding options.   We don’t race but I will admit I find the noise of the
> shaft spinning as we are zipping along at hull speed under sail…annoying.
>   If I stumbled into a gently used perfect fit situation I’d probably jump
> on it.  Prop walk doesn’t really bother me.   I’ve figured out how to turn
> that into an advantage in almost all situations.    So beyond the annoying
> noise under sail.  What other things happen with a folding prop that make
> you say go for it?   What are the downsides…besides the obvious cost?
>
> Regards
>
> Troy Dunn
> Wonky Dog
> Hull #514
>