And bigger question is have you ever used them? I've dinged a prop or two but have always had the 5 blade 42" props fixed. I'm trying to decide if it continues to makes sense to keep these 3 blades Stowed away on the bow or just loose the weight? Thoughts?
Keep them. I was sure glad I had them in the Bahamas 2 years ago. You hope you never have to use them but when you do you will be glad you have them.
Keep them only this year we had to change props .The ICW got us .only a ding but enough to cause a vibration and slow me down,
Yes we carry them bolted to a dedicated rack under a stern cabin bunk . Never used them . We also have spare bolts / nuts and the spanner’s . I think availability is an issue in the Med — if they are out of stock ,could be months before they do another casting / run .
Yes and no. We have spares for all boats, but don't carry them with us most of the time as we can expedite them to wherever we are when they're needed. So far have never needed one. So, they all sit garaged and ready to be shipped.
I carry spare props, also, pumps, starters, alternators, injectors and so on. The old 3 blades that were replaced with 4 blade are my spares. I nose around remote rocky places in Alaska. Replacements would have to be air freighted in and could take some time if not sitting on the shelf. The props can be changed in the water. And I get to continue my trip. The old props aren't ideal, but they move the boat. They make good ballast.
The world sailor David Faulkner once told me that the spares that you do carry define the problems you won't have. I've carried a LOT of spares, since then.
We're coastal and island cruisers. I like having them on board and the Hatteras has plenty of room in the generator compartment. One goes bad, replacement is as quick as the nearest professional diver. Having someone go get them and air freight them to an obscure location, say in Bahamas or Windwards sound like a lot of wasted hassle, time and money.