Frances 26 propeller

Dingeman_Boogert · 2014-01-14 15:35:31

Has any owner of a Frances 26 ever installed another propeller than what I suppose to be the standard fixed 2-blade one, the motor being a Yanmar 1GM10 diesel.
I'm especially interested in an easier way to reduce drag than by fixing the propeller in an upright position, as I do now, and in improving performance against stronger winds and waves. Improving stopping performance is also an issue since I once hardly succeeded bringing CLARA to a halt in front of a lock in a force 7 tailwind.

Thanks already for yuor suggestions.

Dingeman Boogert

Jonathan_Hopper · 2014-01-15 23:05:39

Dingeman -

The short answer is get a feathering propellor, such as a Darglow Feaatherstream.

The long answer -

You probably have a 12 x 11 2 bladed prop. Reverse with the 1GM10 has a slower prop speed than forward, so performance is 'challenging' when you are trying to stop! You can improve on the 2 bladed prop in terms of motoring by changing to a 3 bladed 12 x 9, or even a 13 x 8, or perhaps even a 14". These will give you more surface area which is what you lack with the 2 bladed prop. the 13" and the 14" technically break the rules on clearance between the tip of the blade and the hull, but I believe this to be a rule that may be broken with this design of hull - a modern saucer shaped hull may be less forgiving.

However doing this will take its toll on sailing. The only way to improve motoring and keep the sailing the currently have is to go for a feathering prop.

It might be possible to improve a bit and change to a 2 blade 13" or bigger, but I suspect the gains are less than you are after - I fully understand how difficult a Frances is in a crowded Dutch lock when everybody else has considerably better steerage, acceleration and deceleration. It is a nerve racking experience that requires plenty of fenders.

If you want to go even better then change the 1GM10 for a Beta 13.5. This engine not only has a bit more power, but also has reverse gear ratio the same as forward. Also fill in the cut-out in the rudder if it hasn't been done already.

If you want to see the effect of these changes then you are more than welcome to come over for a sail (ie motor).

Dingeman_Boogert · 2014-01-16 12:11:17

Jonathan,

thank you very much for your useful comment. Got a lot to consider now, but hope to make a decision soon. I might contact you if I get to England in the near future.

yours sincerely,
Dingeman Boogert

Dingeman_Boogert · 2014-01-20 21:57:35

Jonathan,

thinking things over, I decided for the Beta 13.5 and will discuss the propeller with their Dutch agent. Since they want to promote the Beta in The Netherlands, they now offer the 13.5 for € 4400, VAT included, which seems quite reasonable to me.

Dingeman

Jonathan_Hopper · 2014-01-23 11:52:12

Dingeman -

I certainly have never looked back over the change to the Beta.

You will still face the same quandary over which prop to use though. Many people make comparisons to a car - ie a bigger engine gives a faster car, but in the case of a boat it is almost more useful to consider the prop first, then the gearbox and how big an engine to drive it all. Because of the gearbox ratios you will have similar prop options between the Yanmar and the Beta, but if you wanted to stick with a 2 bladed prop then there is unlikely to use much of the Beta's available power. However if you wanted to move to a 3 bladed prop then you could do this first as you can use it with either engine - it wont spin as fast with the Yanmar but will give you more grip than the 2 bladed. Ask me more about a feathering prop later in the season, but from your original post I guess this is likely to be a direction you will want to go in.

Jan_van_Miltenburg · 2014-02-28 21:04:24

Dear Dingeman, beste Dingeman,

This winter I've decided to replace my standard 3-bladed propeller with a Featherstream from Darglow. It will be mounted in April at the yard in Medemblik. You'd be most welcome to come and pay a visit and have a look at the propeller. Or even to join me one day and experience the new propeller yourself.

Dingeman_Boogert · 2014-09-29 20:41:58

Dear Jonathan, beste Jan,

eventually I had a Beta 13,5 installed with a 13" two bladed prop. After a season sailing this appears to be a very satisfactory solution. Noise is considerably reduced, a certain speed forward is reached at lower revs and bringing the boat to a halt is done much faster than before. When manoeuvring it's a great help the motor revs up much quicker than the Yanmar did. There's only one drawback, when the motor is running stationary, the boatspeed is a bit higher than before. Fuel consumption however seems to be about the same as before.
When sailing I don't notice much difference. She reaches hullspeed just as easily as before. I'm altogether very happy with the new motor.

#1 2014-01-14 15:35:31

Frances 26 propeller

#2 2014-01-15 23:05:39

Re: Frances 26 propeller

#3 2014-01-16 12:11:17

Re: Frances 26 propeller

#4 2014-01-20 21:57:35

Re: Frances 26 propeller

#5 2014-01-23 11:52:12

Re: Frances 26 propeller

#6 2014-02-28 21:04:24

Re: Frances 26 propeller

#7 2014-09-29 20:41:58

Re: Frances 26 propeller

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