HC38 Traditional What's your Prop size?

[seabound]

Maybe a tad premature but I'm in the process of purchasing a HC38T that has drivetrain issues. The engine is a Perkins M50 with very low hours, coupled to a HBW125-2 trans, with 2.14:1 forward Ratio and 1.86:1 reverse ratio. There are several issues I need to work out first before deciding on a prop. One, the engine max's out at 2000 rpm, should be 3000 rpm, but with further checking during the survey, it's not getting full throttle. Second, the PO installed a LH prop, 18X17, and now the Hurth/ZF transmission is running in reverse to go forward. I've gotten mixed replies on this, but an email from ZF today said don't do this, it needs a RH prop or it will kill the trans. To complicate things, even if I get the engine to max throttle to test what rpm, the reverse side of the box is a different gear ratio by 9%. So are any of you running a similar combination, or even something close in horsepower, (50) and gear ratio? I can't find any info on even what the correct prop diameter is, much less pitch. What diameter of prop did they come with from the factory. Any help on the matter would be appreciated.

[seabound]

Vic prop says 18x10, Michigan says 20x12. That's quite a difference.

[seabound]

Finally found some information and I hope it will help others. These vessels originally came with a 3:1 gear and either 20x14 or 22x14 propellers according the a factory brochure. With my setup, 50hp diesel, 2.14:1 gear, several sources recommend a 20x10 RH prop. If I continue with the purchase of this vessel, that's what I will install. I will post my results as prop calculations are far from an exact science.

[charles]

Mine is a 21 x 12 max-prop on a 70hp Chrysler/Nissan. Just had prop and prop shaft replaced from a 3 blade 21inch fixed. Will let you know when we get to Papeete how it worked.

Charlie & Juls
sv Seagate
38T