which prop is best for a fortyplus

[frank avey]

have a choice of props i can put on my fortyplus but which is the best for hp.
i have a weedless 3 blade or a four blade normal prop, which gives the most push as i'm replacing my 15hp mariner and 8hp yamaha on my 3.2mtr inflatable with a seagull ,
i know i'm not going to be speeding along with the seagulls and not bothered but might as well get the best hp out
of them i can ,which will get me out fishing .
will the seagulls push me along in an inflatable as not had one on yet till weather warms up a bit.
will be a lot easier to move around to get to the beach without the big engines and fuel tank.

[Robin Anderson]

As has been mentioned on similar subject threads there is not much difference either way. I have tried both types of prop on 40s and Centuries and I think the Hydrofan type has slightly more thrust at lower revs - not much appreciable difference at other revs as neither type of prop is optimised for racing! I have found however that the round bladed "weedless" delivers when you need it as the Hydrofan collects all the weed in the sea. Running across Langstone Harbour I found having to stop the engine to de-weed it caused me to frequently get swept in or out with the tide when I wanted to cut across it so I would recommend weedless style. As regards power, a 40 plus will pootle you along fine but you will certainly not have much in reserve for fast tides and strong winds which can affect inflatables adversely. A short shaft century gives more than twice as much power and more like the speed you would get with the litte Yank on the transom. So clearly don't worry about the type of prop, just get another bigger seagull to keep your 40 company and ditch those damn Yankees.

Robin
Pleiades of Birdham
MXWQ5