Looking to replace the prop on my newly acquired N33 so I’m curious as to what props other N33 owners use/like, ie, model, type, size, etc. Thus far I’m hearing from prop vendors that 15" feathering is the way to go; another says 16", yet I’m also told that 17" folding is ideal. Maybe their all good but I’d still like to get some input from those who have been out there sailing for a while.
Ed Strazzini
Deltaville, VA
N33 #36 (no new name yet)
Based on the engine/transmission and boat a propeller manufacturer will make a recommendation. It is voodoo to us mortals… but the wrong prop can damage transmissions and cause all manner of problems. I have a 15/12 Gori two blade on a Westerbeke 21 pushing a 26 …
Yes I know that they have their recommendations, which interestingly support their own products as best choice. I’m only now trying to get some input from N33 satisfied or dissatisfied customers.
Hi Ed
I installed a Flexofold two blade folding prop. I believe the size and pitch was determined by my engine and transmission specs. Mine is 16x11 R. I love the working performance both under forward and reserve power and under sail.
Good luck.
Pete DePascale
Irish Mist
33’ #006
Branford, CT
Ed
For reasons I won’t go into I used a 3 blade fixed prop for part of last summer. It was smoother than the 2 blade but ugly ugly to sail with, cost 1 knot of speed under sail and oddly enough did not back as well as the two blade folding prop.
I motor for 40 hours a summer so the twin blade folding Gori is fine, And I do not have to deal with tidal currents so that is something to consider as well. The Gori gets me 5.2K at 2400 rpm all day long which for a 26 is just what you would expect. It does not back turning to starboard very well, but moves to port like a tango dancer.
However there are plenty of happy three blade folding / feathering prop owners out there…
So many choices!
T
Hello Ed,
I bit the bullet about 9 years ago and got a Flexofold 3 blade for my 30 with a new Betamarine 25. I took Flexofold’s advice on the prop sizing and could not have been more pleased. It had done very well in test results (Yachting Monthly I think) in terms of drag and forward performance. I think only the two blade was better in those two areas. It was above average in reverse. I was planning a 6 month cruise to Bahamas and back and wanted to bias as much as possible in my favor. Not once was I able to tell I had a folding prop. Switching from fwd to reverse always brought instant response. Even though it was not best in class in reverse it would bring the boat from over 5 knots to zero in one boat length. As you mentioned, 3 blades also made it smoother. Expensive but wonderful.
Forgot to mention: No problems at all reversing. In fact I actually had people complement my backing prowess 
I attribute that to the Nonsuch design and the prop. It always backed straight.
Just finished going around this one on our 354. If you’ve got a vee drive, you have more options than I did. I would have gone with the Gori if it would fit. When I realized I would have to go with a feathering prop, I decided on the Autoprop. Haven’t had much experience with it yet, but so far, I’m very pleased. Got to a good cruising speed with less RPM, less prop-walk in reverse and plenty of power in forward and reverse. The pulsing that came from the two blade prop is gone and steering under power is much easier. Motor-sailing is much more pleasant. It’s also nice that the shaft stops rotating under sail.
Good luck with your decision.
Craig Stanley
S/V Matou, NS 354 #70
Tampa, FL