Prop for Ranger 29 with A4

[svfrolic]

Hello,

I wonder if any of forum users might have some suggestions about prop for my Ranger 29 (disp. 6700lb) with Atomic 4.
I am aware of some props designed for A4 like CDI or Indigo.
Previous owner had the boat equipped with two blade folding prop which was lost.
I replaced it with some second hand 12/6 two blade prop (the only thing what was available in that place and time).
It performs properly on flat water but not very good in some head wind. It has a lot of prop walk on the reverse too.
I do not race this boat so I am not worry about fraction of the knot but I do not motor a lot either.
I would like to have something that will provide more trust in emergencies or when I need to push the boat against current and wind chop.
I would appreciate all advice.

Matt

[msauntry]

I've had the Indigo prop for a few years and am happy with its performance. Its well matched for the A4.

[dvd]

I recently purchased a new Martec folder for my cal 3-30 with an A-4. I spoke with the Martec people and they knew all I needed to know about prop size and pitch. I didn't know what the correct prop was for my boat when I was purchasing the Martec and they looked it up and told me that I had a 2 to 1 reduction and the specs called for a 16" prop with 12 pitch I believe. After I removed my old 2 blade fixed and cleaned it up a bit sure enough those number were affixed to it as well so they apparently knew what they were doing. The folder performs well. I'm not making a sales pitch for Martec but what I'm saying is that any good prop shop that deals with sailboat props should be able to dial in exactly the right size and pitch. You can't just find some old prop laying around and put it on your boat and expect it to perform optimally. Size and ptich must be correct. DVD

[Redboat]

Matt, I would go with the Indigo, it does what they say on their website. I purchased one for my Tartan 30(A4 w/direct drive) 6 years ago and it has been one of the best investments I have made for the boat. I can motor all day at 1800RPM and at a boat speed of just under 6kts and still have about 400rpm reserve in when I need to punch through chop on a windy day.
The engine is smooth and fairly quiet at this speed.

Larry

[CalebD]

I have a Tartan 27' which weighs in around 7200#. The spec given for the T27 is: Prop 2 Blade: 13x12x1, 3 Blade: 13x11x1.
That said you should talk to a prop shop as already suggested.
Good luck.

[roadnsky]

Originally Posted by Redboat

I can motor all day at 1800RPM and at a boat speed of just under 6kts and still have about 400rpm reserve in when I need to punch through chop on a windy day.
The engine is smooth and fairly quiet at this speed.

Ditto to what Larry just said.
I have a RANGER 30 with the Indigo prop and cruise at 6 knts at 1800 RPM.
I've still never max'd her out since 6K is plenty of speed with the "Lead Sail" running!
-jb

[svfrolic]

Thank you everybody for the ideas. I will contact prop people and find out what they recommend.

Matt