There aren't too many other things you can do to gain that much performance
that easily.

Paul
"Glenn Ashmore" wrote in message
news:OI2Yc.31945$A91.27814@okepread02...


JAXAshby wrote:
glenn, just where is it you found you "facts" that "a medium displacement
boat"
has 2,866.66666666 pounds of drag?

From the VPP diagrams and backup data on my boat, the VPP for a Beneteau
First 47, C.A. Marchaj's "Sail Performance" and working backwards from
Dave Gerr's figures. The VPPs were run with standard and Gori folding 3
bladed props and showed from 12 to 15% increased speeds with the folding
props up to about 80% of the first reef point.

20 miles a day is a 15% improvement on a base 5.6 knot cruising speed and
you are correct that folding props make the most difference in light air.

Reducing drag has the advantage over adding sail area in that it does not
add to heeling moment.

BTW, Gori, Martec, Brunton/Varifold and others make 3 blade folders. Volvo
even makes a 4 bladed folder.

Now, you can continue to rant and make an ass of yourself as usual but
that is all I have to say about it.

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com