two vs three blade prop

New member here. I recently purchased a Cal 2-29, and am pulling it out for bottom paint, zincs, misc. maintenance, and a survey. I am curious about three blade props as opposed to two blade. Pro's vs Con's. I've read a bit, but not sure. Power is a Yanmar 15-hp diesel. any info would be appreciated. I will be almost exclusively cruising the San Juans, here in Washington State as I do not have enough experience to even consider racing. Steve Ottman---"Iona"

My Dad did an A-B test of his bolding 2 blade vs a fixed 3 blade. The 3 blade made the boat go faster. I use a 2 blade folding as basically all I do is get out of the harbor and race. For where you are, I think you want to optimize performance under power. I have sailed there but also found that often there is no wind and you want to get somewhere so you go under power for a lot of the time. On Mon, Nov 20, 2017 at 6:17 PM, 'gr… [at] frontier.com' gr… [at] frontier.com [Cal_Boats] <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> wrote: > > > New member here. I recently purchased a Cal 2-29, and am pulling it out > for bottom paint, zincs, misc. maintenance, and a survey. I am curious > about three blade props as opposed to two blade. Pro's vs Con's. I've > read a bit, but not sure. > > Power is a Yanmar 15-hp diesel. any info would be appreciated. I will be > almost exclusively cruising the San Juans, here in Washington State as I do > not have enough experience to even consider racing. > > Steve Ottman---"Iona" > > >

I have a Cal 31 and replaced my original 2-blade prop with a 3-blade “sailors prop” (Google it) 2 years ago. It certainly improved the thrust, but in hairy conditions the 16-18 HP Yanmar is not adequate to move the boat directly into the sharp Chesapeake chop produced by 20+ knot winds. It was definitely an improvement, however, and any reduction in sailing speed, if any, is not noticeable. Harleigh Ewell From: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com [mailto:Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com] Sent: Monday, November 20, 2017 9:18 PM To: Yahoogroups <ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> Subject: [Cal_Boats] two vs three blade prop New member here. I recently purchased a Cal 2-29, and am pulling it out for bottom paint, zincs, misc. maintenance, and a survey. I am curious about three blade props as opposed to two blade. Pro's vs Con's. I've read a bit, but not sure. Power is a Yanmar 15-hp diesel. any info would be appreciated. I will be almost exclusively cruising the San Juans, here in Washington State as I do not have enough experience to even consider racing. Steve Ottman---"Iona"

I think a rule of thumb is that a non folding prop will cost you 3 seconds per mile. That is a lot to a racer but mouse nuts to anyone else. On Mon, Nov 20, 2017 at 7:00 PM, 'Harleigh Ewell' ha… [at] gmail.com [Cal_Boats] <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> wrote: > > > I have a Cal 31 and replaced my original 2-blade prop with a 3-blade > “sailors prop” (Google it) 2 years ago. It certainly improved the thrust, > but in hairy conditions the 16-18 HP Yanmar is not adequate to move the > boat directly into the sharp Chesapeake chop produced by 20+ knot winds. > It was definitely an improvement, however, and any reduction in sailing > speed, if any, is not noticeable. > > Harleigh Ewell > > > > *From:* Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com [mailto:Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com] > *Sent:* Monday, November 20, 2017 9:18 PM > *To:* Yahoogroups <ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> > *Subject:* [Cal_Boats] two vs three blade prop > > > > > > New member here. I recently purchased a Cal 2-29, and am pulling it out > for bottom paint, zincs, misc. maintenance, and a survey. I am curious > about three blade props as opposed to two blade. Pro's vs Con's. I've > read a bit, but not sure. > > > > Power is a Yanmar 15-hp diesel. any info would be appreciated. I will be > almost exclusively cruising the San Juans, here in Washington State as I do > not have enough experience to even consider racing. > > > > Steve Ottman---"Iona" > > >

Allen, Hmmmmmm. "Mouse Nuts", eh? That much? Wow! My father sailed in SF Bay quite a bit, and, mouse nuts was a "win, or lose" item! Steve On Monday, November 20, 2017 7:33 PM, "Allen Edwards al… [at] gmail.com [Cal_Boats]" <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> wrote: I think a rule of thumb is that a non folding prop will cost you 3 seconds per mile. That is a lot to a racer but mouse nuts to anyone else. On Mon, Nov 20, 2017 at 7:00 PM, 'Harleigh Ewell' ha… [at] gmail.com [Cal_Boats] <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> wrote: I have a Cal 31 and replaced my original 2-blade prop with a 3-blade “sailors prop” (Google it) 2 years ago. It certainly improved the thrust, but in hairy conditions the 16-18 HP Yanmar is not adequate to move the boat directly into the sharp Chesapeake chop produced by 20+ knot winds. It was definitely an improvement, however, and any reduction in sailing speed, if any, is not noticeable.Harleigh Ewell From: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com [mailto:Cal_Boats@yahoogroups. com] Sent: Monday, November 20, 2017 9:18 PM To: Yahoogroups <ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> Subject: [Cal_Boats] two vs three blade prop New member here. I recently purchased a Cal 2-29, and am pulling it out for bottom paint, zincs, misc. maintenance, and a survey. I am curious about three blade props as opposed to two blade. Pro's vs Con's. I've read a bit, but not sure. Power is a Yanmar 15-hp diesel. any info would be appreciated. I will be almost exclusively cruising the San Juans, here in Washington State as I do not have enough experience to even consider racing. Steve Ottman---"Iona"

I think that is what I said. 3 seconds per mile is a lot to a racer. But if you don't race, mouse nuts. Less than 20 seconds difference after an hour of cruising. On Mon, Nov 20, 2017 at 7:57 PM, gr… [at] frontier.com < gr… [at] frontier.com> wrote: > Allen, > > Hmmmmmm. "Mouse Nuts", eh? That much? Wow! My father sailed in SF Bay > quite a bit, and, mouse nuts was a "win, or lose" item! > > Steve > > > On Monday, November 20, 2017 7:33 PM, "Allen Edwards > al… [at] gmail.com [Cal_Boats]" <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> wrote: > > > > I think a rule of thumb is that a non folding prop will cost you 3 seconds > per mile. That is a lot to a racer but mouse nuts to anyone else. > > On Mon, Nov 20, 2017 at 7:00 PM, 'Harleigh Ewell' > ha… [at] gmail.com [Cal_Boats] <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> wrote: > > > I have a Cal 31 and replaced my original 2-blade prop with a 3-blade > “sailors prop” (Google it) 2 years ago. It certainly improved the thrust, > but in hairy conditions the 16-18 HP Yanmar is not adequate to move the > boat directly into the sharp Chesapeake chop produced by 20+ knot winds. > It was definitely an improvement, however, and any reduction in sailing > speed, if any, is not noticeable. > Harleigh Ewell > > *From:* Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com [mailto:Cal_Boats@yahoogroups. com > <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com>] > *Sent:* Monday, November 20, 2017 9:18 PM > *To:* Yahoogroups <ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> > *Subject:* [Cal_Boats] two vs three blade prop > > > New member here. I recently purchased a Cal 2-29, and am pulling it out > for bottom paint, zincs, misc. maintenance, and a survey. I am curious > about three blade props as opposed to two blade. Pro's vs Con's. I've > read a bit, but not sure. > > Power is a Yanmar 15-hp diesel. any info would be appreciated. I will be > almost exclusively cruising the San Juans, here in Washington State as I do > not have enough experience to even consider racing. > > Steve Ottman---"Iona" > > > > > >

Allen is correct, not just about the mouse nuts. In the Northwest, particularly cruising in the summer, you want to be able to power your boat well. There is often not much wind in the summer in the San Juan and Gulf Islands. And even less in the South Sound. Perhaps more important than whether you have a two or three blade is to be sure that your prop is matched to your engine and boat, in both size and pitch. Since this is a task usually done when you boat is out of the water, let an expert in the boatyard advise you on this. They may get a recommendation from a propeller vendor. I cruised with a 3 blade and did some fairly successful beer can racing as well for many years. I finally got a folding prop, but for cruising it is not really necessary. Where are you located? Terry Cal 2-29 Capriccio Tacoma > On Nov 20, 2017, at 8:13 PM, Allen Edwards al… [at] gmail.com [Cal_Boats] <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> wrote: > > > I think that is what I said. 3 seconds per mile is a lot to a racer. But if you don't race, mouse nuts. Less than 20 seconds difference after an hour of cruising. > > On Mon, Nov 20, 2017 at 7:57 PM, gr… [at] frontier.com <mailto:gr… [at] frontier.com> <gr… [at] frontier.com <mailto:gr… [at] frontier.com>> wrote: > Allen, > > Hmmmmmm. "Mouse Nuts", eh? That much? Wow! My father sailed in SF Bay quite a bit, and, mouse nuts was a "win, or lose" item! > > Steve > > > On Monday, November 20, 2017 7:33 PM, "Allen Edwards al… [at] gmail.com <mailto:al… [at] gmail.com> [Cal_Boats]" <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com <mailto:Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com>> wrote: > > > > I think a rule of thumb is that a non folding prop will cost you 3 seconds per mile. That is a lot to a racer but mouse nuts to anyone else. > > On Mon, Nov 20, 2017 at 7:00 PM, 'Harleigh Ewell' ha… [at] gmail.com <mailto:ha… [at] gmail.com>[Cal_Boats] <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com <mailto:Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com>> wrote: > > I have a Cal 31 and replaced my original 2-blade prop with a 3-blade “sailors prop” (Google it) 2 years ago. It certainly improved the thrust, but in hairy conditions the 16-18 HP Yanmar is not adequate to move the boat directly into the sharp Chesapeake chop produced by 20+ knot winds. It was definitely an improvement, however, and any reduction in sailing speed, if any, is not noticeable. > Harleigh Ewell > > From: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com <mailto:Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> [mailto:Cal_Boats@yahoogroups. com <mailto:Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com>] > Sent: Monday, November 20, 2017 9:18 PM > To: Yahoogroups <ca… [at] yahoogroups.com <mailto:ca… [at] yahoogroups.com>> > Subject: [Cal_Boats] two vs three blade prop > > > New member here. I recently purchased a Cal 2-29, and am pulling it out for bottom paint, zincs, misc. maintenance, and a survey. I am curious about three blade props as opposed to two blade. Pro's vs Con's. I've read a bit, but not sure. > > Power is a Yanmar 15-hp diesel. any info would be appreciated. I will be almost exclusively cruising the San Juans, here in Washington State as I do not have enough experience to even consider racing. > > Steve Ottman---"Iona" > > > > > >

Terry, As I said, I am a "new owner", and Iona (not me), is located in Deer Harbor at this time. My lady lives there. I am actually near Everett. Steve On Monday, November 20, 2017 9:21 PM, "Terry Spencer ts… [at] harbornet.com [Cal_Boats]" <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> wrote: Allen is correct, not just about the mouse nuts. In the Northwest, particularly cruising in the summer, you want to be able to power your boat well. There is often not much wind in the summer in the San Juan and Gulf Islands. And even less in the South Sound. Perhaps more important than whether you have a two or three blade is to be sure that your prop is matched to your engine and boat, in both size and pitch. Since this is a task usually done when you boat is out of the water, let an expert in the boatyard advise you on this. They may get a recommendation from a propeller vendor. I cruised with a 3 blade and did some fairly successful beer can racing as well for many years. I finally got a folding prop, but for cruising it is not really necessary. Where are you located? TerryCal 2-29CapriccioTacoma On Nov 20, 2017, at 8:13 PM, Allen Edwards al… [at] gmail.com [Cal_Boats] <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> wrote: I think that is what I said. 3 seconds per mile is a lot to a racer. But if you don't race, mouse nuts. Less than 20 seconds difference after an hour of cruising. On Mon, Nov 20, 2017 at 7:57 PM, gr… [at] frontier.com <gr… [at] frontier.com> wrote: Allen, Hmmmmmm. "Mouse Nuts", eh? That much? Wow! My father sailed in SF Bay quite a bit, and, mouse nuts was a "win, or lose" item! Steve On Monday, November 20, 2017 7:33 PM, "Allen Edwards al… [at] gmail.com [Cal_Boats]" <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> wrote: I think a rule of thumb is that a non folding prop will cost you 3 seconds per mile. That is a lot to a racer but mouse nuts to anyone else. On Mon, Nov 20, 2017 at 7:00 PM, 'Harleigh Ewell' ha… [at] gmail.com[Cal_Boats] <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> wrote: I have a Cal 31 and replaced my original 2-blade prop with a 3-blade “sailors prop” (Google it) 2 years ago. It certainly improved the thrust, but in hairy conditions the 16-18 HP Yanmar is not adequate to move the boat directly into the sharp Chesapeake chop produced by 20+ knot winds. It was definitely an improvement, however, and any reduction in sailing speed, if any, is not noticeable.Harleigh Ewell From: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com [mailto:Cal_Boats@yahoogroups. com] Sent: Monday, November 20, 2017 9:18 PM To: Yahoogroups <ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> Subject: [Cal_Boats] two vs three blade prop New member here. I recently purchased a Cal 2-29, and am pulling it out for bottom paint, zincs, misc. maintenance, and a survey. I am curious about three blade props as opposed to two blade. Pro's vs Con's. I've read a bit, but not sure. Power is a Yanmar 15-hp diesel. any info would be appreciated. I will be almost exclusively cruising the San Juans, here in Washington State as I do not have enough experience to even consider racing. Steve Ottman---"Iona"

Steve,Congrats on getting one of the best boats ever built. You might want to reconsider racing, join a boat as crew and I guarantee you will learn more that way. Try to find a boat of the same relative size. You may decide you like it!David Dobbs, Cal29 411. On Tuesday, November 21, 2017 3:05 PM, "'gr… [at] frontier.com' gr… [at] frontier.com [Cal_Boats]" <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> wrote: Terry, As I said, I am a "new owner", and Iona (not me), is located in Deer Harbor at this time. My lady lives there. I am actually near Everett. Steve On Monday, November 20, 2017 9:21 PM, "Terry Spencer ts… [at] harbornet.com [Cal_Boats]" <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> wrote: Allen is correct, not just about the mouse nuts. In the Northwest, particularly cruising in the summer, you want to be able to power your boat well. There is often not much wind in the summer in the San Juan and Gulf Islands. And even less in the South Sound. Perhaps more important than whether you have a two or three blade is to be sure that your prop is matched to your engine and boat, in both size and pitch. Since this is a task usually done when you boat is out of the water, let an expert in the boatyard advise you on this. They may get a recommendation from a propeller vendor. I cruised with a 3 blade and did some fairly successful beer can racing as well for many years. I finally got a folding prop, but for cruising it is not really necessary. Where are you located? TerryCal 2-29CapriccioTacoma On Nov 20, 2017, at 8:13 PM, Allen Edwards al… [at] gmail.com [Cal_Boats] <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> wrote: I think that is what I said. 3 seconds per mile is a lot to a racer. But if you don't race, mouse nuts. Less than 20 seconds difference after an hour of cruising. On Mon, Nov 20, 2017 at 7:57 PM, gr… [at] frontier.com <gr… [at] frontier.com> wrote: Allen, Hmmmmmm. "Mouse Nuts", eh? That much? Wow! My father sailed in SF Bay quite a bit, and, mouse nuts was a "win, or lose" item! Steve On Monday, November 20, 2017 7:33 PM, "Allen Edwards al… [at] gmail.com [Cal_Boats]" <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> wrote: I think a rule of thumb is that a non folding prop will cost you 3 seconds per mile. That is a lot to a racer but mouse nuts to anyone else. On Mon, Nov 20, 2017 at 7:00 PM, 'Harleigh Ewell' ha… [at] gmail.com[Cal_Boats] <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> wrote: I have a Cal 31 and replaced my original 2-blade prop with a 3-blade “sailors prop” (Google it) 2 years ago. It certainly improved the thrust, but in hairy conditions the 16-18 HP Yanmar is not adequate to move the boat directly into the sharp Chesapeake chop produced by 20+ knot winds. It was definitely an improvement, however, and any reduction in sailing speed, if any, is not noticeable.Harleigh Ewell From: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com [mailto:Cal_Boats@yahoogroups. com] Sent: Monday, November 20, 2017 9:18 PM To: Yahoogroups <ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> Subject: [Cal_Boats] two vs three blade prop New member here. I recently purchased a Cal 2-29, and am pulling it out for bottom paint, zincs, misc. maintenance, and a survey. I am curious about three blade props as opposed to two blade. Pro's vs Con's. I've read a bit, but not sure. Power is a Yanmar 15-hp diesel. any info would be appreciated. I will be almost exclusively cruising the San Juans, here in Washington State as I do not have enough experience to even consider racing. Steve Ottman---"Iona"

Steve, Deer harbor is a lovely spot. I have good memories of stopping in there while cruising. Absolutely idyllic. You are in the heart of some of the best cruising grounds in the country, if not the world. Enjoy, Terry > On Nov 21, 2017, at 12:05 PM, 'gr… [at] frontier.com' gr… [at] frontier.com [Cal_Boats] <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> wrote: > > > Terry, > > As I said, I am a "new owner", and Iona (not me), is located in Deer Harbor at this time. My lady lives there. I am actually near Everett. > > Steve > > > On Monday, November 20, 2017 9:21 PM, "Terry Spencer ts… [at] harbornet.com [Cal_Boats]" <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> wrote: > > > > Allen is correct, not just about the mouse nuts. In the Northwest, particularly cruising in the summer, you want to be able to power your boat well. There is often not much wind in the summer in the San Juan and Gulf Islands. And even less in the South Sound. > > Perhaps more important than whether you have a two or three blade is to be sure that your prop is matched to your engine and boat, in both size and pitch. Since this is a task usually done when you boat is out of the water, let an expert in the boatyard advise you on this. They may get a recommendation from a propeller vendor. > > I cruised with a 3 blade and did some fairly successful beer can racing as well for many years. I finally got a folding prop, but for cruising it is not really necessary. > > Where are you located? > > Terry > Cal 2-29 > Capriccio > Tacoma > > >> On Nov 20, 2017, at 8:13 PM, Allen Edwards al… [at] gmail.com <mailto:al… [at] gmail.com> [Cal_Boats] <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com <mailto:Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com>> wrote: >> >> > > • Privacy <https://info.yahoo.com/privacy/us/yahoo/groups/details.html> • Unsubscribe <mailto:Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com?subject=Unsubscribe> • Terms of Use <https://info.yahoo.com/legal/us/yahoo/utos/terms/> > . > > >

OK, fine on going forward.... but how about backing up? It seems that a 3 blade prop is far more susceptible to prop walk than a 2 blade.... or am I just imagining things?

Can boats back up? Wow, that would come in handy. On Wed, Nov 22, 2017 at 7:52 AM, ca… [at] hotmail.com [Cal_Boats] < Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> wrote: > > > OK, fine on going forward.... but how about backing up? It seems that a > 3 blade prop is far more susceptible to prop walk than a 2 blade.... or am > I just imagining things? > >

I have had a 2, 3 and now 3 bald max prop on the same Cal 29 over the years. All had quite a bit of prop walk. The boat backs up beautifully with all three, but you have to plan for the prop walk starting out backing until you get some way on. Terry > On Nov 22, 2017, at 8:00 AM, Allen Edwards al… [at] gmail.com [Cal_Boats] <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> wrote: > > > Can boats back up? Wow, that would come in handy. > > On Wed, Nov 22, 2017 at 7:52 AM, ca… [at] hotmail.com <mailto:ca… [at] hotmail.com> [Cal_Boats] <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com <mailto:Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com>>wrote: > > OK, fine on going forward.... but how about backing up? It seems that a 3 blade prop is far more susceptible to prop walk than a 2 blade.... or am I just imagining things? > > > >

What Terry said…Prop walk can and should be your friend. On a fin keel boat it is predictable, and can be a handy tool to help maneuver. Consider the ability to turn around in a tight situation, where going in the “walking” direction will yield a circle about half the diameter of the opposite direction. For several years I have backed Nemesis around a corner and down the fairway into the slip next to Terry. Like anything else, some forward planning is needed, and I have learned when not to do it. But it is still a good tool to have in your bag. Fred Haas 3-30 Nemesis- fixed 2 blade Michigan “sailor” Tacoma On Nov 22, 2017, at 8:51 AM, Terry Spencer ts… [at] harbornet.com [Cal_Boats] <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> wrote: > > I have had a 2, 3 and now 3 bald max prop on the same Cal 29 over the years. All had quite a bit of prop walk. The boat backs up beautifully with all three, but you have to plan for the prop walk starting out backing until you get some way on. > > Terry > > >> On Nov 22, 2017, at 8:00 AM, Allen Edwards al… [at] gmail.com [Cal_Boats] <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> wrote: >> >> >> Can boats back up? Wow, that would come in handy. >> >> On Wed, Nov 22, 2017 at 7:52 AM, ca… [at] hotmail.com [Cal_Boats] <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com>wrote: >> >> OK, fine on going forward.... but how about backing up? It seems that a 3 blade prop is far more susceptible to prop walk than a 2 blade.... or am I just imagining things? >> >> >> > > >

I've never seen a cal back down and thread a needle like Fred at the helm of Nemesis through the two tightest turns I have ever seen in a harbor into his slip. When we brought his beautiful boat back to Tacoma, after he so graciously allowed us to sail and motor her throughout the sound for a month, we still negotiated in bow first. And Terry, we admired your 2-29 when we were there. I still miss our 29, Noah's Kid. We went from a two-blade, to a three blade indigo prop, which the SF bay saltwater ate quickly, and then a feathering max prop, 3 blade which we bought used off CL, sent to max where they cut it down and reconditioned for us. Even though it needs extra care to lube seasonally, it was perfect for racing and maneuvering, even with phrf adjustment. (A-4 power,which we also have on Caliente 36, which still has a fixed 3 blade). Helen Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android On Wed, Nov 22, 2017 at 9:09 AM, Fred Haas ca… [at] gmail.com [Cal_Boats]<Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> wrote: What Terry said…Prop walk can and should be your friend. On a fin keel boat it is predictable, and can be a handy tool to help maneuver. Consider the ability to turn around in a tight situation, where going in the “walking” direction will yield a circle about half the diameter of the opposite direction. For several years I have backed Nemesis around a corner and down the fairway into the slip next to Terry. Like anything else, some forward planning is needed, and I have learned when not to do it. But it is still a good tool to have in your bag. Fred Haas3-30 Nemesis- fixed 2 blade Michigan “sailor”Tacoma On Nov 22, 2017, at 8:51 AM, Terry Spencer ts… [at] harbornet.com [Cal_Boats] <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> wrote: I have had a 2, 3 and now 3 bald max prop on the same Cal 29 over the years. All had quite a bit of prop walk. The boat backs up beautifully with all three, but you have to plan for the prop walk starting out backing until you get some way on. Terry On Nov 22, 2017, at 8:00 AM, Allen Edwards al… [at] gmail.com [Cal_Boats] <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> wrote: Can boats back up? Wow, that would come in handy. On Wed, Nov 22, 2017 at 7:52 AM, ca… [at] hotmail.com [Cal_Boats] <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com>wrote: OK, fine on going forward.... but how about backing up? It seems that a 3 blade prop is far more susceptible to prop walk than a 2 blade.... or am I just imagining things?

We re-powered our Cal 2-29 with a 15hp Yanmar replacing the old Farymann several years ago and went with a 3-blade. The 2-blade gave us a little more speed, but a lot less torque. The 3-blade doesn't give us as much speed, but a lot more torque, which comes in nice when towing the dinghy and kayaks or motoring to weather or swell; or towing the dinghy and kayaks while motoring to weather or swell... And when I say "a little more speed" I'm talking 0.5-1 knot.