The ideal prop for a C30?
 

As you may know via catalinathirty.com, I'm in the middle of a serious refit.
I'd like suggestions for the ideal non-feathering prop for an A4 powered C30.
I currently run a 12 x 7 two bladed prop which I find almost acceptable.
the boat is used primarily for day sailing or cruising.
I've recently located to a small yacht club near my home that usually has serious wind
and current issues to deal with when docking, not to mention prop-walk.
I'm not overly concened with drag, but I'd like to get as much oomph as I can...ideas?

I contacted Michigan Wheel and filled out their form for prop selection: http://www.michiganwheel.com/MIWheel...is/InboOne.asp and then emailed one of their tech people who were very helpful in figuring out how I had used the form incorrectly. I'm very pleased with the 3-blade prop that they recommended for my A4 with a reduction gear.
If I had a direct drive A4, I would contact Indigo www.atomic4.com/ to inquire about their 3-blade prop.
Prop walk is an issue with my Bristol 35.

I have the Indigo three-blade prop on my Catalina 30, and I'm very satisfied with it. Much less prop walk and much easier maneuvering in reverse than with my prior two-blade prop.

old thread!
 

Hi Jesse,

Since I know you still frequent the A4 board, I hope you'll see this.

What is your latest thoughts on the Indigo prop a year after this post?

My concerns are drag (i am a racer at heart!!) and still like to cruise fast

Does it all the RPM to get up more than an overpitched/sized two-blade?

Although down on my priority list quite a bit, I have been thinking about a prop change if it is useful at the higher end of the motoring spectrum, possibly the CDI...and more information without spending any money is always useful!
Thanks!

Shawn,

I've had the Indigo 3-bladed prop for several years now, and I'm still satisfied with it. I haven't noticed any additional drag from when I had a larger, two bladed prop, and in fact I think I recall seeing a spec that indicated that the Indigo does not increase drag materially (or perhaps not at all). It's a fair bit smaller in diameter than the old two-bladed prop, so that makes up for the extra blade somewhat.

By co-incidence I just ordered an Indigo prop yesterday after checking any number of threads and suggestions on this board and others. Ultimately I decided that Indigo was probably the best bet for me and we'll see in the spring.

My principal concern did not have to do with drag but in the back-and-forth with the Indigo people they mentioned this:

I do not have any hard data with regard to drag. I do know that when you compare the frontal area of our 3 blade prop with a standard 12" diameter two blade "Sailor" prop, our prop has about 8% more area. You will see a little more difference yet. Having said that, I do not think you will be able to perceive the difference. If you were going from a folding prop to ours, probably you would notice the difference.