Cape Dory 28 Propeller Feedback

[Dave and Kathy]

Grayce Avery, our 1984 CD 28, has finally launched! Her restoration included installing a new Beta 16 to replace her tired Universal M-18. I was also interested in replacing her original 2-blade, 13 x 11 prop, with a 3-blade. After researching the options, we focused on the Campbell Sailer prop. West by North, the supplier, originally recommended a 12 x 6. After some discussion we settled on a 12 x 6.5 3-blade. The change was made to provide a bit more "bite" considering the currents we are likely to encounter.

Sea trials were conducted on the Willamette River in Oregon across from Sauvie Island on a flat calm day. Snow runoff has the Pacific Northwest rivers all swollen and I estimate current at between 2.5 and 3 MPH. The Beta 16 is rated for a max of 3600 rpm. Full throttle indicated 3500 rpm with no indication of laboring or smoking. Full throttle produced 5 - 6 mph going upstream, measured with a hand-held GPS. Downstream produced 9-10 mph at full throttle. If the assumption of a 2.5 to 3 mph current is close, we appear to be getting hull speed (6.3 knots/7.25 mph).

When headed downstream, she was brought to a stop and reversed against the current with good control while backing.

Also relevant: 2 adults on board, water tanks empty, and clean smooth bottom (we had an epoxy barrier coat put on prior to bottom paint).

Talked with West by North yesterday and they agree that the 3-blade 12 x 6.5 Campbell Sailer seems to be well matched to our application, considering our sea trial results.

[tjr818]

"...good control while backing...."
THAT says it all for me Congrats.

[gates_cliff]

I'm happy to note that others have "good control...".

I added a 3 blade prop last year and there is some improvement in control, I'd say I still don't have "good control" so seems like that could be attributed to operator error.

Nothing new here!