Saildrive Propeller Guidance
Whilst Beta Marine has had many years of experience learning which propeller normally goes with which engine, we can only give you general guidance, propellers are a complex subject with many variables that can affect a vessels performance and if optimum theoretical hull speed is required a propeller specialist should be consulted.
Our standard range of propellers for the SeaProp 60 are:
- 2 Blade – Folding
- 2 Blade – Fixed
- 3 Blade – Fixed
Propeller Dimensions
Propellers are measured in two dimensions:
- The actual diameter (X) and
- The pitch – the blade is set at an angle, if you followed this angle through one revolution and measured the distance travelled between the starting and finishing point you will have moved forward through the measurement called the pitch.
There are often physical limitations/restrictions imposed on the propeller. This would frequently be the diameter due to the space limitations between the position of the propeller shaft and the underside of the hull (Y). This can be compensated for by changing the pitch but there are limitations to what can be achieved.
Y = the minimum clearance between the tip of the propeller and the underside of the hull and should be 10% (or greater) than the propellers overall diameter (X).
The following chart is an approximation of the required propellers and does not represent a bespoke Beta Marine recommendation.
A general guidance for propeller (left hand or right hand) dimensions in inches for SeaProp 60 2.15:1 reduction.
| Saildrive | Beta 14SD | Beta 16SD | Beta 20SD | Beta 25SD | Beta 30SD |
2 Blade Folding
(Bronze) | 14" x 8" | 14" x 9" | 15" x 9" | 16" x 9" | 16" x 10" |
3 Blade Fixed
(Aluminum) | 13" x 8" | 13" x 9" | 14" x 9" | 15" x 9" | 15" x 10" |
| | | | | |
| Saildrive | Beta 35SD | Beta 38SD | Beta 45TSD | Beta 43SD | Beta 50SD |
2 Blade Folding
(Bronze) | 16" x 11" | 17" x 10" | 18" x 13" | 18" x 14" | 18" x 16" |
3 Blade Fixed
(Aluminum) | 15" x 11" | 16" x 10" | 17" x 13" | 18" x 13" | 18" x 14" |
| | | | | |
| Saildrive | Beta 60SD | | | | |
2 Blade Folding
(Bronze) | - | | | | |
3 Blade Fixed
(Aluminum) | 18" x 16" | | | | |
A dedicated propeller calculation that is unique to your vessels configuration is highly recommended.
For further information please contact/visit:
To get a better understanding of the benefits and compromises of each propeller type please read or download the articles listed below or contact a propeller specialist.
