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Max-Prop Easy three-blade feathering propellers in stainless steel, 13 to 23 in blades for 3/4 to 1 3/4 in shafts, plus SailDrive versions. Click here to read more.

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Max-Prop Easy Three-Blade Feathering Propellers: Shaft, Blade Diameter and Hub

A feathering propeller turns its blades edge-on to the flow when you sail, so there is little drag under canvas, and pitches them back to drive the boat when you motor. The Max-Prop Easy in this collection is the three-blade version, in stainless steel. Max-Prop's listing says it replaces the Classic: it bolts onto the shaft, and the pitch can be changed without hauling out. The choice comes down to your shaft size, the blade diameter and, for a SailDrive, the dedicated SailDrive model.

Max-Prop Easy 3-Blade Sizes in This Collection
  • Shaft 3/4 to 1 in (19.05 to 25.4 mm): blades of 13, 14 and 15 in (the 13 in is MXP-78-313).
  • Shaft 3/4 to 1 1/8 in (19.05 to 28.6 mm): blades of 14 to 18 in, for example the 16 in.
  • Shaft 3/4 to 1 1/4 in (19.05 to 31.8 mm): blades of 15 to 20 in, for example the 20 in.
  • Shaft 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 in (31.8 to 38.1 mm): blades of 17 to 22 in, for example the 18 in.
  • Shaft 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 in (38.1 to 44.4 mm): blades of 19 to 23 in, for example the 23 in.
  • SailDrive: six SailDrive models, 15 to 20 in blades (the listings give no shaft size), for example the 20 in SailDrive.

The listings describe the Easy family as available from 12 to 26 in blades for shafts 3/4 to 1 3/4 in, and best suited to cruisers of 24 to 55 ft of medium displacement. This collection carries the three-blade sizes shown above. The first number in each part number (78, 85, 90, 99, 110) is the hub diameter in mm; the same hub sizes appear on the Easy combo boxes in the maintenance collection.

Two, Three or Four Blades
  • Three blades: the listings say it adds forward power, runs much smoother than a two-blade, and has slightly more drag under sail than a two-blade. Max-Prop states that the three-blade holds boat speed up to 30% better than the two-blade against heavy wind and seas.
  • Two blades: the lowest drag under sail, in the two-blade collection (12 to 18 in).
  • Four blades: the four-blade collection carries the same Easy range with a fourth blade.
How Pitch Adjustment Works

If your engine reaches too much or too little rpm at full throttle, you move the pitch to a lower or higher setting. Max-Prop says this can be done in the water, without taking the propeller apart. That is the practical difference from a fixed propeller, where a pitch change means a haul-out and a workshop.

Performance Figures Max-Prop Quotes
  • In forward, 96% of the efficiency of a fixed-blade propeller of the same diameter and pitch; the 4% loss can usually be eliminated by matching the pitch to the boat and engine.
  • Under sail, about 15% more sailing speed than with a fixed propeller, with the largest difference in light air.
  • In reverse, 80% more power than a comparable fixed-blade propeller, with the same leading edge and the same thrust in both directions.

These are Max-Prop's own figures from the product listings; your result depends on the boat, the engine and how well the pitch is set.

Keeping It Running

The Max-Prop anodes collection and the maintenance and spares collection carry the zinc anodes, screw kits, combo boxes, Zerc fittings, grease (Lubriplate #130-AA) and the grease kit, listed by hub diameter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right Max-Prop Easy size?
Start with your shaft diameter, then pick the blade diameter and pitch for your engine and boat. Each listing gives the shaft range and the blade diameter. The stainless-steel Easy is listed for 24 to 55 ft cruisers of medium displacement.

Can I change the pitch without hauling the boat out?
Yes, according to the listing. Raise or lower the pitch until the engine reaches its rated rpm at full throttle; the propeller does not have to be disassembled, and the adjustment can be made in the water.

Is a three-blade better than a two-blade?
It depends on how you sail. The three-blade adds forward power and runs smoother, with slightly more drag under sail than the two-blade, per the listings. If motoring into a head sea matters more to you than the last bit of sailing speed, it is the stronger choice.

Does a Max-Prop work well in reverse?
Max-Prop says the blades use the same leading edge in forward and in reverse, giving the same thrust in both directions and 80% more reverse power than a comparable fixed-blade propeller.

Is there a version for a SailDrive?
Yes. The collection has six Easy 3-blade SailDrive models, with 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 in blades. Check your SailDrive model against the listing before ordering.