The ideal prop for a C30?

[Overspendin']

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?

[jayw]

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.

[Jesse Delanoy]

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.

[sastanley]

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!

[Jesse Delanoy]

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.

[Dave O]

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.