Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Steam => Topic started by: benjaml1 on February 23, 2010, 10:46:32 pm

Title: Propeller recommendations...
Post by: benjaml1 on February 23, 2010, 10:46:32 pm
Hull type: Wide beam ( Orion moldings "Fifie") Open working boat 1/6 scale
Engine: Stuart Turner "Sun" 3/4" x3/4" single acting twin. Max RPM guestimation 2000rpm
Displacement: Approx 50 pounds

Any recommendations on propeller size/pitch ? I want a scale presence on the water...

Ta in advance...  :-))
Title: Re: Propeller recommendations...
Post by: kno3 on February 26, 2010, 10:13:10 am
I don't know, but did you try asking the people at Propshop?
Title: Re: Propeller recommendations...
Post by: benjaml1 on February 26, 2010, 10:16:50 am
I don't know, but did you try asking the people at Propshop?

Thank you for that, I am going to but thought I would ask the experienced forum first....  :-))
Title: Re: Propeller recommendations...
Post by: kno3 on February 27, 2010, 11:46:18 am
Looks like the experienced forum is either on vacation or clueless  :embarrassed:
Title: Re: Propeller recommendations...
Post by: benjaml1 on February 27, 2010, 02:29:20 pm
Looks like the experienced forum is either on vacation or clueless  :embarrassed:

116 views & one reply... ;)

Naaa.... This is a tough one. I can work out the pitch as the boat is a displacement hull with a lot of drag requiring a higher slip in the calculation. Diameter ? Well I could go for scale of 1/6th but just wondering what everyone else was using really... 3 blade, 4 blade etc...

Thank you kno3....  :-))
Title: Re: Propeller recommendations...
Post by: kno3 on February 27, 2010, 02:56:02 pm
If it's a slow revving engine, then use a prop with 4 blades. I'd go first with what looks good to you, evaluate the performance and then change the prop if needed.
Title: Re: Propeller recommendations...
Post by: benjaml1 on February 27, 2010, 02:58:19 pm
Thanks for that...  :-))
Title: Re: Propeller recommendations...
Post by: steamboatmodel on February 28, 2010, 03:05:02 am
I remember someone saying one inch of prop for every 1/4" of cylinder dia. I normally ether fit a prop to the scale of the boat or the largest one that will fit.
Regards,
Gerald.
Title: Re: Propeller recommendations...
Post by: benjaml1 on February 28, 2010, 10:39:04 am
I remember someone saying one inch of prop for every 1/4" of cylinder dia. I normally ether fit a prop to the scale of the boat or the largest one that will fit.
Regards,
Gerald.

That would make sense, thanks for that Gerald...  :-))
Title: Re: Propeller recommendations...
Post by: BarryM on February 28, 2010, 01:14:51 pm
Benj,

I have an old MB article on sizing of steam plant props that may help. PM me with your email address and I will forward it.

Barry M
Title: Re: Propeller recommendations...
Post by: benjaml1 on February 28, 2010, 01:24:31 pm
Thanks Barry, PM on the way...  :-))
Title: Re: Propeller recommendations...
Post by: SteamboatPhil on February 28, 2010, 06:49:39 pm
On mine I used a 4" dia x 10pitch 2 bladed, but then I was running a high speed flash plant. My second had a 3" dia x 6" pitch 3 bladed which pushed a 5ft long boat along at more than a brisk walking place. The prop was similar to the Stuarts props they did years ago. Sadly I can't remember where I got it from (it was more than a couple of years ago  :embarrassed:) You could try something around that size to start off with, and as kno3 has suggested try a couple of others (try with a few cheap plastic ones--that always helps the budget  O0)
Title: Re: Propeller recommendations...
Post by: benjaml1 on February 28, 2010, 09:07:43 pm
Good advice on the plastic ones, never thought of that...  :-))