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View Poll Results: What type of propeller do you have on your A4???
Two blade 79 45.14%
Three Blade 29 16.57%
Indigo Electronics 40 22.86%
2 Blade Folding 24 13.71%
2 Blade Feathering 2 1.14%
3 Blade Folding 0 0%
3 Blade Feathering 1 0.57%
Voters: 175. You may not vote on this poll

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  #26   IP: 68.174.212.225
Old 08-17-2010, 03:31 PM
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Smile propeller

Quote:
Originally Posted by Delphis View Post
Looking for input on changing my propeller to the indigo three blade, a feathering prop, or a folding prop, wanted any input on the subject if you have time.

Cheers!
Have a used martec 2-blade folder installed this year. forward is very good , reverse makes the boat stop when I want it. maybe a touch more Vibration. I Have a used martec 2-blade with 1-inch diameter good and doesnt need refurbishing. Roald Respite C&C 27 # 271 917-923-4974
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  #27   IP: 75.68.130.228
Old 08-21-2010, 04:14 PM
smosher smosher is offline
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I've had both the 2 blade oem and the indigo. Indigo
gets the nod for less vibration, more power in forward and in reverse.

This is on a P30

Steve
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  #28   IP: 161.213.49.1
Old 09-16-2010, 12:30 PM
JOHN COOKSON JOHN COOKSON is offline
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Two Blade Guys

I've heard of this drill but have never tried it.

When hauled out turn the prop shaft so the two blades of the prop line up with the keel and rudder. Mark the shaft inside the boat. When sailing turn the engine in gear until the mark lines up and the prop is in line with the keel & rudder.

Has anyone ever tried this?
What were the results? Did it incerase boat speed?
Is the drill worth while or a waste of time and effort?


TRUE GRIT

Last edited by JOHN COOKSON; 09-16-2010 at 12:35 PM.
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  #29   IP: 206.125.176.3
Old 09-16-2010, 03:16 PM
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John, The P.O. (my father) of my boat had the prop marked this way. When we raced the boat when I was a kid, we always set the prop. Dunno if it made a difference, but I am sure it didn't hurt.

For those with a folder, you are supposed to mark it the opposite, when it is horizontal, so that a blade won't 'fall' open in light air sailing.
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  #30   IP: 173.166.26.241
Old 09-28-2010, 06:36 PM
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Watching the way the percentages on the responses are coming it is clear the 2 blade is still in the lead by a wide margin. This surprises me since the 3 blade prop runs so much truer.
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  #31   IP: 71.248.8.80
Old 09-28-2010, 09:20 PM
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Indigo in an aperature

I've had a 13x8 two blade on and couldn't get up to speed at all. When it came to "puttering around", that prop takes the cake. I switched to the Indigo and have been quite pleased with the performance.

This is on an Alberg 35. (full keel/prop in aperature). The 13x8 was off a smaller (but very similar) Triton which also had an Atomic 4. It was a marriage of convenience...

I'd love to get my hands on a 12x7 two blade that I could hide in the enormous deadwood behind the keel. I don't race, but with so much light air sailing (Chesapeake) I'd like to do whatever I can to minimize drag.

From other posts and experiences I've gathered the following wisdom:
Atomic 4's on heavier boats like mine need the Indigo.
Smaller boats can get away with some incorrect props (Triton- really? a 13x8?)
Racers need something floppy or folding.
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  #32   IP: 206.125.176.3
Old 09-29-2010, 10:07 AM
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Thumbs up

Quote:
Originally Posted by msauntry View Post
I'd love to get my hands on a 12x7 two blade that I could hide in the enormous deadwood behind the keel. I don't race, but with so much light air sailing (Chesapeake) I'd like to do whatever I can to minimize drag.
Micah, I have a perfectly good 12 x 7 Michigan wheel two-blade prop I took off my Catalina (1" shaft). I discovered I didn't bother to hide the two-blade behind the keel when sailing so the extra drag of the Indigo isn't really noticeable to me.

I'll sell it cheap!!!
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  #33   IP: 216.243.7.216
Old 09-29-2010, 05:29 PM
JB1528 JB1528 is offline
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I have no frame of reference since the PO had already replaced the two blade (found it in the spares) with the Indigo. There is still significant prop walk and I chose my slip to take advantage of it. I generally apply power in reverse just enough to make way, then coast in neutral until until the propwalk won't put me into the dock, then put it back in reverse and finish my turn.

Going forward, I am at hull speed (Catalina 27) doing about 2000 rpm or so which is about what they claim I think. When I return to the dock the prop stops me well and the propwalk snuggles me into the dock like I knew what I was doing.

Jim

Last edited by JB1528; 09-29-2010 at 05:31 PM. Reason: spelling
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  #34   IP: 70.22.123.244
Old 10-02-2010, 10:09 PM
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Shawn,
Thanks for the offer! I'll keep it in mind and see if I can get my hands on a shim for the taper since I've got a 7/8 shaft.
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  #35   IP: 74.15.99.250
Old 03-19-2012, 05:39 PM
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I have the 3 blade, but have no idea who made it or where it came from.

I took it in to our local prop-shop and he tweaked it a bit changing the pitch for better performance so he says.. I guess I'll find out.

I really don't see spending the huge amount of money for a feathering prop to gain what...?? 1/2 a knot.
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  #36   IP: 108.52.38.204
Old 05-09-2015, 02:54 PM
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It looks like I have the original prop that came with my boat - a 2-blade Michigan Sailor 13 RH 8 with a stamp of "6 75" on it. It's in good shape, performance is fine in fwd, no issues with drag during sailing, but it's unpredictable in reverse.

I'm also looking to change, as I usually have a brisk cross-wind backing out of my slip. I like the idea of the 3-blade Maxprop for better performance in reverse, but its a pricey item. Need to look into the Martec props in more detail and continue to follow this thread. I'll make a call after this season and install something different. Thanks to all for the commentary - very helpful.

Mike
A4 in a Bristol 27 'MarciLee'
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  #37   IP: 24.138.22.213
Old 05-09-2015, 07:53 PM
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3 blade fixed.

I don't have allot of pics of the prop. This is one taken as Odyssey came out, maybe 2 years ago. I paint the prop with Americoat ABC#4 bottom paint. Have not had any growth issues and haven't noticed and performance issues.

The prop is 12/6 and I find it pushed the boat really well in moderate seas. I can't say she's ever been under engine is true storm conditions although I've sailed her in 45 kts back in 2009. Normal sea chop with winds and subsequent seas associated with 25 -30 kts she does really well.

Another added feature I like is the ability to stop the boat docking with adverse wind conditions affecting the boat...it really does do a nice job.

Generally, I feather the prop underway sailing with the engine shut down. I know this is perhaps not the preferred or recommended method to be underway. I love that extra bit of speed and am prepared to deal with any issues that might arise for my indiscretion on that matter. It really hurts the boat racing and without 15 kts of wind it's more like dragging a bucket LOL.

For me, it's benefits outweigh the adverse affects, particularly with my sailing habits. I've never tried the indigo but am sure they do a fine job as well.
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Last edited by Mo; 05-10-2015 at 06:00 AM.
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  #38   IP: 107.0.6.242
Old 12-23-2015, 02:01 PM
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After horsing around with props for 20+ years I finally got the one that works perfectly on Destiny (2:1 reduction drive) - 3 blade, 12x12. Yeah, I painted it with no issues. Thanks, Dan.

Last edited by hanleyclifford; 07-13-2016 at 08:25 PM.
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  #39   IP: 71.118.13.238
Old 12-23-2015, 02:57 PM
Dave Neptune Dave Neptune is online now
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Hanley, does that mean you'll send back my 2 blade from a while back?

Destiny looks good!

What kind of RPM's do you get at around 5~8" of vac?

Dave Neptune
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  #40   IP: 107.0.6.242
Old 12-23-2015, 03:27 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Neptune View Post
Hanley, does that mean you'll send back my 2 blade from a while back?

Destiny looks good!

What kind of RPM's do you get at around 5~8" of vac?

Dave Neptune
Dave - I will absolutely send that prop back. It is a dandy and deserves to be on a good boat. PM me a shipping address (CRS is getting worse). I can easily reach 2600 rpm but prefer to cruise around 2200 rpm - can't remember where I wrote the vacuum numbers. I'll get back later on that when I find them.
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  #41   IP: 71.59.125.65
Old 12-23-2015, 04:53 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dvd View Post
I installed a 2 blade martec on my cal 3-30 with an A-4 and it made a big difference. I am winning beer can races all the time now. (I also put an new fast bottom on her at the same time) If you want to sail your boat alot its the only way to go. They are a little pricey but the martec is the only financially sane option if you dont want drag while sailing. I purchased mine from Martec and it was about $800.00. I think you can spend over $3000.00 for a high tech feathering prop but if you have a boat with an A-4 something like that would not be worth it. If I had to do over again I would buy the martec again in a hearbeat.

DVD
Please explain " fast bottom"
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  #42   IP: 107.0.6.242
Old 12-24-2015, 10:48 AM
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Originally Posted by BadaBing View Post
Please explain " fast bottom"
http://www.practical-sailor.com/issu...m_10706-1.html I can remember some of the Rhodes 19 guys doing this in Edgartown.
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  #43   IP: 47.33.99.96
Old 12-13-2016, 12:09 AM
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channging my 3 blade for 2 blade

Hi folks
posting here rather than starting new thread - (correct etiquette, right?)
My boat is big and heavy by A4 standards, 36', 8 ton, but slim. It has a big 3 blade, and I hate to see the turbulence in my wake. I'm sure I lose most of a knot. And it has horrendous prop walk.
I'd like to switch out to a 2 blade - I doubt I can accomodate a folding due to the ovoid window - see pic. I have a V drive, and I *believe* its a 2: 1. 1" shaft. What are the specs of the two blade I should be looking for?
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  #44   IP: 76.7.99.222
Old 12-13-2016, 07:48 AM
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This may help. http://www.moyermarine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6148 The link in post #3.
Your boat is larger and heavier than the MC but I believe they are of similar construction. Wood, full keel, prop in aperture etc. When I switched from a 2 blade to a 3 blade everything improved. More control, stopping power, happier A-4 with RPM/vac#/speed balance. Only draw back was I could not "hide" the prop.
Dan S/V Marian Claire

Last edited by Marian Claire; 12-13-2016 at 07:50 AM.
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  #45   IP: 47.33.99.96
Old 12-13-2016, 01:56 PM
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I've been scouring the older threads. I cruise nicely at 2000, 2500 when I'm in a hurry, and 3000 in an emergency. So it seems my prop is well suited to my vessel. Not a surprise, the owner builder was a NASA engineer and seems to have done everything right or overbuilt. Still, reversing is sideways and the drag bothers me. But perhaps I should just tun my attention to other problems - of which there are, of course, always a list. Hey, what do you expect with a 50 year old boat

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark S View Post
Art,

Do you have direct drive or reduced drive? My boat is 35 feet and weighs 13,000 lbs. and I can't get above 1900 rpm with a direct driven Indigo. With the previous 13x8 I couldn't get above 1500 rpm. I'm beginning to think that the direct drive A4 is simply not strong enough to push boats this size.

Mark
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  #46   IP: 50.245.70.213
Old 02-28-2017, 09:03 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 67c&ccorv View Post
Bought the Indigo 3-blade for my Corvette but I won't be in the water until July 22/09.

I will post any noticable differences with the new prop.
how do you like your prop so far ? mine has been great on my '68.....do you also use a Nut B type prop nut zinc ??
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  #47   IP: 70.199.136.175
Old 03-02-2017, 02:10 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JOHN COOKSON View Post
I've heard of this drill but have never tried it.

When hauled out turn the prop shaft so the two blades of the prop line up with the keel and rudder. Mark the shaft inside the boat. When sailing turn the engine in gear until the mark lines up and the prop is in line with the keel & rudder.

Has anyone ever tried this?
What were the results? Did it incerase boat speed?
Is the drill worth while or a waste of time and effort?

TRUE GRIT
Interesting discussion, I'm glad it was brought back to life.

John, I do line up the prop to the keel when racing, and sometimes even when just cruising. I can't say definitively how much it helps boat speed as there are other factors involved that vary race to race (bottom cleanliness, weight etc,), but I've got to believe it helps. Lining up the shaft is quick and easy to do with the Tartan 30 as the engine is up by the mast so shaft access is easy.

I'm interested in what folks are saying regarding directional control in reverse for various prop types. My tartan has absolutely zero direction control in reverse ... ever! I've lost count of the embarrassing bouncing back in forth in marinas I've done. I've always assumed this is because on the T30 the prop is way up forward (see pic below) while the rudder is way back. I'm not following how type of prop would help significantly with this.

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  #48   IP: 71.179.226.138
Old 03-02-2017, 04:07 PM
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I have a Tartan 30 with the Indigo Prop on it. I never owned it with a two blade so I cannot comment on the difference especially when reversing. I do think I get a bit of port prop walk but as you know with the prop so far forward of the rudder we get minimal prop wash. I love the videos where spinning your boat on a dime is as simple as back and fill. Not so on the Tartan 30. I have found the best method for any tight maneuvering in reverse is to get up some sternway (if that's even a word) and then the rudder has good control. Stopping the reverse motion is really good with the Indigo with a quick shot of forward. I do a lot of pre-planning (and sweating) when I'm going into tight quarters.
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  #49   IP: 67.1.61.240
Old 03-02-2017, 11:29 PM
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Motored alot of miles with my Indigo ... its been good. nothing miraculous in the back up department.
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Old 03-10-2017, 10:35 AM
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Inigo vs Martec

Had the boat hauled out this last week for bottom paint and cutlas bearing. And on whim yesterday I went over to Martec and bought a new 12x6 folder. I pulled the indigo so now I can post some direct comparisons for Indigo vs Martec when I go back in the water next week.
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