E32 3-Blade Prop
Date: April 9, 2003
From: Erik Hasselbach ingriderik7@msn.com
Hello everyone,
Has anyone gone from Norfolk to Miami via ICW? Does one need to use a three bladed prop? My endeavour has a Yanmar diesel 2QM20. I read of swift currents at certain times especially in Florida. Thank you.
Date: April 9, 2003
From: Patrick marina@portcolborne.com
Hi Paul and Erik,
We had a 3 blade fixed prop when we first brought the E32 down to Boca from Buffalo, NY and had no problem. We now have a Flex-O-Fold 2-blade prop and get better motoring without the pull and vibration that we experienced with the 3-blade. We motor at over 6 knots. It is also about 1 full knot faster under sail and manoevers better. For $800.00 its the best investment we've made in the boat.
Date: April 9, 2003
From: Terry Brant Sailsnwings@aol.com
I have an Endeavour 32 with a 3 blade prop. Currents at the changes of tides here in Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach, in the river and ICW can be quite strong and swift, especially at and near bridges, inlets, etc., and especially when near the mouth of the St. John's River. Even with the 3 blade prop, we always try to go out with the tide, or when it is slack, so as to make reasonable forward progress. I have a Yanmar 2QM20H (20 hp in round figures), and I do very well in most instances. Since I cruise at about 4 knots, a current of 3 to 4 knots, which is sometimes encountered in certain locations, would bring us to a virtual halt. Solution: Check your tide inlet and depth charts and plan accordingly. Otherwise, no problems of any special nature that I am aware of. Have a great trip!
Date: April 9, 2003
From: Henry Mustin BElisius@aol.com
Dear Erik,
I have the three bladed 16x12, which I find quite satisfactory in everyday sailing.motoring. The 32 is a fairly heavy little boat, and tends to take some stopping at times. The ICW is not particularly dangerous from Norfolk south. There is a lock however, but its fun rather than scary
Date: April 10, 2003
From: Gerry & Karen Larocque gkrock@optonline.net
Erik,
I made the trip once down from Connecticut to Georgia on the ICW and went out into the ocean below Savanah as the bugs were driving us crazy in the marshy S turns of the ICW at that point. We tucked back in to the ICW at Jacksonville and the St. John's River was the only place that the currents were incredibly strong as it was a full moon tide. I was sailing a friend's Bristol 35 at the time, but I remember leap frogging a beautiful green E32 named "Good Girl" who was making incredible way in the ICW under power. I believe the owner told me he was using a 3 blade prop. Seeing her was one of the strogest reasons we bought our "77 E32. I have the 2QM20 and am driving a 3 blade 15" RH X 12 prop on a 7/8" stainless shaft. Have always had plenty of power; even in a seaway.I am in the process of replacing the prop and will probably stay with the same specs. Great Sailing,
Date: April 24, 2003
From: Gerry & Karen Larocque gkrock@optonline.net
Paul,
Thanks for your efforts on this question. I did hear from several individuals and it's always of interest as to others' experiences. In my shaft/prop renewal, I'm sticking with the same formula I've had for many years- 7/8" s/s shaft swinging a 15x12 RH 3-blade prop.It has served us well.
Date: May 12, 2003
From: Larry White lwhite@fbiacademy.edu
Hi Erik:
I own an Endeavour 32 which has a Yanmar 2QM20 and a two blade prop. I have sailed from Norfolk down to Wilmington, NC. on the ICW and don't believe that you should need a three blade prop on the ICW, at lease that far down. I've not gone all the way to Florida, but plan to some year soon.
Cheep Advice:
If you find the ICW current too much for you, drop the hook, relax for a couple hours, then "go with the flow" on the opposite tide! Cheers.
