Has anyone had experience with replacing the original two-blade fixed prop on a 22 with a folding or feathering prop? Any noticeable improvement? Thanks.
John Gialanella
Tourmaline
Nonsuch 22
Bolles Harbor, Michigan
John,
I have never used other than a fixed prop, but I can compare different fixed props from my experience. My previous boat had a Yanmar 2ym15 rated at 12hp and had a two blade fixed prop. My N22 has a Westerbeke w10-2 rated at 10hp and drives a Michigan Sailor three blade fixed prop 13X8. My N22 is 1500lbs greater displacement and about the same waterline length. The performance under motor is much better with my N22. I get more speed with less RPM and better ability to maintain speed into heavy chop, and of course reverse thrust is much better. I don’t race my boat so the loss of marginal speed under sail is of no concern to my cruising. I have avoided folding/feathering props because I could not justify the cost and maintenance for the performance difference on my boat for what I use it. I can say that for my needs I strongly prefer a 3 blade to a 2 blade even if sacrificing a smidge of speed.
P.S. for best performance under sail, remove the prop and motor. :-}
Ron Weber
N22 #47 Magic Time
Punta Gorda Fl
John,
I replaced mine three years ago with a Veriprop, the blades feather. I am happy with it so far, although it requires more attention than I first thought. Here is a picture from Suey’s haul out last month. You can see that I had prop speed applied when it was new. The nut on the hub is switched out with a zerc fitting, and some grease specified by the Veriprop is pumped in. Veriprop states that this should be done annually. The tech and I agreed that the prop is in A1 condition, including the zink on the hub, pictured. You can still buy Hub Zincs and grease (They say don’t use white, but their grease is white, perhaps a translation problem) from Veriprop, but it’s not easy. My boat sits in salt water.
I usually have my prop in mind when I am motoring, basically the nightmare stories. Most of us understand that folding vs standard is an imperfect compromise.
Dave King
Suey
N22
Alameda, CA
Campbell Sailors get good reviews for their fixed props.
I have come to the conclusion that folding/feathering props add 1/2 knot to boat speed and enable the boat accelerate faster in wind gusts. It is perhaps not material in a day sailing environment, but if you are travelling 30 plus miles, it makes a material difference .
And there is no way I am giving the Power brothers any more advantage 
What do you mean “more” advantage?
Mark (one of the disadvantaged) Powers brothers
Thank you all for your replies. I will give lots of thought to this self-Christmas present and next spring will let you know the outcome and performance change(s).
John
NS 22 #8
Tourmaline
Bolles Harbor, Michigan
I use variprop.. it may damage the transmission over prolonged use but it gives better::
Fuel economy
Gas mileage
Speed
Reverse articulation
Harmonica53, don’t forget to use the signature block or the from line to set your name and boat info - name model, general location,
That way we can provide better help and will know if you use a variprop on a 22 or some other model.
Mark Powers
John, some more info to think about. This is the only test I have found that reviews the Campbell Sailor and the Michigan Wheel.
Mark Powers
(attachments)
propeller test.pdf (269 KB)
Thanks! Interesting study.
I will have to re-re-read it. Fortunately I have months to do so!
John
You have Nesta on your side
Thanks! Interesting study.
I will have to re-re-read it. Fortunately I have months to do so!
John