"Wayne.B" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 15 May 2006 10:09:35 -0700, "Capt. JG"
wrote:

According to the owner, it's got a fixed, 3-blade prop. I believe the boat
also has a folding prop aboard in a locker. Would that help? Would
tuning help?

It's probably safe to say that the 2 bladed folding prop will have
less "walk" than a fixed 3 bladed. That is not necessarily the best
solution however, depending on how the boat is used. For a heavily
loaded cruising boat that spends a lot of time under power or motor
sailing, a 3 bladed prop can be a nice thing to have because it will
generate more thrust, with less slip, both forward and reverse, than a
2 bladed folder. On the other hand if the owner is also concerned
with light air sailing performance, and is willing to take the
necessary steps to ensure that the prop folds properly, then that is
the way to go. I would not go to a folding prop just to minimize prop
walk. My personal choice for a cruising boat would be a 3 bladed
feathering prop.

Wayne,

Do you think there would be a significant difference between a 3-blade
feathering prop and a 2-blade folding prop? I guess my question is why would
you prefer that prop?

FYI, most of the sailing is on the SF bay, so lots of wind, strong currents,
etc.

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com