Posted by David Allgoweer (67.25.89.157) on July 17, 2003 at 22:21:29:
On my '89 C42 I am running a "3 blade cruising propeller" (18x14) which came from Catalina when the boat was new. I am able to sustain approximately 6.5 to 7 knots at 2000 rpm. I have owned the boat for 9 months and the fuel consumption is around .5 gallons per hour. The boat motors well and the engine runs smooth as a sewing machine, except for recent rough idle. It has been maintained properly and does not burn any oil, etc.
PROBLEM: I can not get the engine to go over 2000 rpm while in gear (out of gear it will go up to 3500) and there is soot on my transom after each sail.
The rpm limitation, I think, is due to the pitch of the prop and the soot is a result of overloading the engine. I say "think" after reading the posting in the forum on "Correct RPM's" of 6/25/03, which was very informative.
POSSIBLE SOLUTION: A reconditioned, never used Martec Folding Prop "Mark III eliptec RH 18D x 10PX x 1 1/4", which came with my boat when I bought it.
QUESTION: What are the Pro's and Con's of a Martec Folding Prop, and would it improve my situation?
As a point of interest, I am a live aboard in San Diego, do not intend to do any blue water cruising except to Catalina and mostly do day sailing.
Any input will be greatly appreciated.
David Allgower
Freedom