We just bought a new Catalina 385. The standard Catalina fixed 3 blade prop vibrates and makes a lot of transmission noise when sailing. It's not acceptable to us. we want to buy a folding prop. Anybody have any experience on which brand to buy? What works with least vibration and noise under power or sail: 2 or 3 blade? Folding or Feathering like a Max Prop?
we appreciate any help in not making a mistake in what we buy.
Thanks, Rob Kolb SailAway
Resolved no
This is not a prop problem. Something else is going on.
First thing and that comes to mind is something is wrapped around the shaft. Have your diver take a look. My suspicion is that you will find a line wrapped around the shaft.
Being a new boat one would think everything else is in order. It should be smooth.
You only need a folding prop if you want to race or sail faster in light wind due to less drag (which is all too common). It won't increase your top speed. Vibration is not one of the reasons.
Congrats on the new boat!
2000 C36 MKII 1825
We just launched the boat. Now and last year we got the same vibration caused by the free wheeling prop in neutral. There is nothing wrapped on the prop last year after the launch this year. The Yanmar manual specifically says the engine must stay in neutral and snot put in forward or reverse. I called Winters the dealer were we bought the boat told me the same thing. Then I called Gerry Douglas in Largo Florida where the boat was built and he told me as per the manual the engine must stay in neutral. The noise and vibration is caused by the free wheeling 3 blade prop supplied with the boat. The boat is a Catalina 385. The Max Prop three blade model was recommended to us to stop by vibration by feathering but not losing a lot of speed under power as the folding props do although sailing speed is only slightly improved over the fixed prop. Anybody have any experience or suggestions with the Max or folding props? Thanks.
Are you not putting the transmission in reverse when sailing with the engine off? This will lock the shaft and stop any noise, as well as save wear and tear on the transmission.
Dan & Amanda Reed
1989 Catalina 36 #947 Miss America
Fin Keel Std Rig
FL Panhandle
I agree with knotdoneyet, this is not a prop problem. My C36 Mk II had a "standard" Michigan Wheel 3-blade bronze fixed prop which was silent when free-wheeling while sailing. I replaced it this winter with a 3-blade MaxProp feathering prop, but for speed reasons in lighter air. I agree that you should dive and inspect.
I don't agree wtih Danno (and many other experienced sailors) that you should lock your shaft while sailing due to the excessive drag it causes in dragging the blades through the water. I know that some transmission manufacturers recommend this procedure to reduce wear (I never looked this up for my boat because I was planning to replace the prop from the purchase date). Frankly, I did not care what the OEM manufacturer said because the transmission will wear anyhow in using it -- hell, everything on a boat wears just being out in the sun! I figure that as a coastal cruiser, it does not add that many revolutions to let it free-wheel, compared to using it to motor. Perhaps I'd care if I was crossing oceans.
John Parsons
"Water Music" 1999 Catalina 36 Mk II - Hull 1771
Tall Rig, Fin Keel
Bay City, MI, USA
When was the last time you had the prop taken off and refurbished? My three blade prop looked good when I had the bottom painted which I usually do every two years or but, I was planning a 300 mile open water trip and the prop hadn't ben pulled since I owned it (2003) so I had it pulled, inspected and refurbished. I was surprised how out of balance it was and even got a few more RPM's out of it.
__/)__/)__/)__Capt Mike__/)__/)__/)__
Punta Gorda Florida
1990 Std WK M35 Hull #1050
Since boat really is new, ask for a Catalina factory Rep to stop by and spend a few hours with you,
Maybe you got the short end and some how ended up with a defective cutlass bearing.
For what it's worth, we swapped our three blade fixed prop for a two blade folding prop. Might be a Max prop. We always throw transmission in reverse, the blades fold in and quiet. We also had marina install new cutlas bearing with about 735 hours on engine. A two blade folding prop has different power thrust characteristics than three blade and you might find it frustrating at times. I got frustrated (and I have been ailing 30 plus years), hired our local sailing professional for two hours refresher to figure this out. Money well spend. I got my mojo back and the Mrs. is again relaxed on the boat.
peter g
2000 C36, MK2, Hull. #1897
wonderful, wonderful, wonderful ! ! !. 5 th Catalina