Prop thoughts / recommendations - E31 Independence

[David Vaughn]

After motoring 250 or so miles in the last few weeks, we’ve been disappointed in the cruising speed Kotona has averaged, just barely over 5 knots. Hull speed is about 6.5. We know the Yanmar 2QM15 is a bit underpowered but last year we managed about half a knot faster.

We’ve stopped at a DIY yard in Demopolis AL and hauled out. The layer of growth that fixed itself to the bottom over the winter explained part of our problem. Pressure wash and fresh coat of bottom paint, fine.

But now that I can see it up close, I’m wondering about the prop. It looks in a bit worse shape than it did when we hauled out last year. And out prop zinc has a decent amount of loss for just one year in fresh water. I can’t rule out the possibility that the marina where Kotona spent the winter, had some stray current.

Still, below is what it looks like after scrubbing this morning. The surface feels fairly rough, and the leading and trailing edges are pitted. I’m pondering replacing it while we’re out of the water.

Other E31 owners, what prop are you using and how has its performance been? A folding or feathering prop is not in the budget this year, but a good quality fixed would not be too big a drain on our cruising funds. Thoughts?

 

[Waayout]

I have a Campbell Sailor on my Independence and love it. It was put on years ago (mentioned on this site) has held up beautifully and moves the boat quite quickly/efficiently. Recently a friend had a leftover Campbell Sailor prop from a Tartan and I reached out to West by North who makes them to see if it would fit my boat as a spare. The people there responded quickly and were very knowledgeable. If the new option isn't in the cards, I wonder if a good prop shop could recondition yours? As a teenager, I worked at a marina on the great lakes and the prop shop guys could do some pretty amazing things.

 

[bsangs]

I'm going to echo @Waayout in regards to reconditioning. I recently installed a new three-blade prop and due to a mixup, the service yard guys reconditioned my old two-blade prop. (For free, since that's not what I asked to be done.) I can't believe how pristine the old prop looks, and part of me briefly regretted getting the new one. Good luck.

 

[David Vaughn]

Thanks @Waayout. What size is your Campbell Sailor?
@bsangs I’ll check with the yard manager and see if there’s a local shop. A lot of Loopers come through here every year, surely some of them need prop work.
Thanks guys.

 

[David Vaughn]

I found the thread you mentioned earlier @Waayout. My prop is measuring 14x? which I thought was odd, and in that thread the prop is 13x9. The clearance I have on mine from the hull is only 1-1/4”, and I think it should be a bit more than that. I’ll be calling West by North tomorrow.