So - pros versus cons re: Indigo prop?

[ILikeRust]

Well from what I'm reading here and in the prop FAQ at the Moyer Marine web site, it seems that there are nearly zero negative comments regarding the Indigo 3-blade prop, and the general consensus is it works very well with a direct-drive A4.

I'm leaning towards going ahead and buying one, as using the prop that is on the boat now (which has been on it for years, as far as I know), the engine never gets above about 1700 rpm at WOT.

The previous owner told me he had the timing and everything checked by a marine mechanic and the engine did run very well, so I figured the only thing left was the prop. The surveyor agreed that was the likely culprit.

I guess the primary potential downside is increased drag from the 3-blade versus the existing 2-blade prop.

But being as my prop is in a cutout between the rudder and stern end of the keel, I'm wondering if that increase in frontal surface area might potentially be minimized. Here's a lousy photo:




Also, Indigo states that the increase is about 9%, so I'm thinking that on a 30-foot, 10,000 - 12,000 lb. boat (1968 Pearson Wanderer), the extra drag of that prop likely will be so small as to be negligible and not noticeable. After all, I'm not racing; I'm just cruising around the Chesapeake Bay.

All in all, it looks like to me that it probably is worth it to drop the $$ on the Indigo prop, but I figured I'd drop a note to see if anyone has any other "cons" I should consider to balance out all the "pro" comments I've seen, before plonking down another few hundred bucks and yet another new thing for das boot.

Thanks...