3 Blade Prop--An Update

M. R. Bober · Post by **M. R. Bober** » Apr 19th, '99, 21:03

I had posted a request for info (re: replacing the prop on our CD330) a few weeks ago, and want to thank those who offered advice plus report on the swap.
"Respite" came equipted with a Universal M30 (21HP)& a 14RH10 "Columbian" prop.
I contacted a prop shop with a long standing good reputation. They opined that generally when going from two to three blades keep the diameter and drop 2" from the pitch. However the "Columbian" was a "heavy" prop and they felt that we could try dropping only 1" from the pitch. If the 14RH9 proved to be more than the Universal could handle, the prop shop would replace the prop with a 14RH8 at no charge (their diver or my next haul).
THEIR ACID TEST: if you cannot rev the engine in forward gear to within 100 rpm of the the max rpm in neutral, you have too much prop.

The 3 blade 14RH9 proved to be a bit much. Oh well, that's what the big stick in the middle of the deck is for....

thebobers@erols.com