I replaced my fixed prop ( 3-blade 16 RH 10) with a 17 RH 10 Flex-O-Fold 2-blade folding prop. I have experienced much improved speed under sail and not bad performance in reverse. However, I am unable to get full cruising RPM in forward and because of this am not able to motor cruise at much more than 4.3 knots. My vessel is a Nautilus 37 with a 35 hp Yanmar diesel. Also I am experiencing vibration at 1900 RPM which I did not have with my fixed prop. Any suggestions? Ron
Hi Ron: The first step would be to go back to the prop supplier and have some dialog. Sounds like you’ve got a bit too much blade diameter or pitch. This could be the result of improperly reading the reduction gear data- i.e., if the reduction gear has less of a reduction ratio, the prop would be spinning faster, which would cause the problem you’re encountering. Good Luck–Steve
Posted by Steve Dashew (November 30, 1999)
