Flex-o-Fold Prop

[tangaroa]

I have specified a three-bladed folding prop for our new Hanse 342 (spring delivery). The model available on Hanse's options list is a Flex-o-Fold manufactured/distributed by CJR Props

Does anyone have any experience of this prop? In particular, I'd be interested how it might compare with say, a Brunton Autoprop.

Many thanks in advance

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[snowleopard]

i have a pair of 2-blade flex-o-folds. they perform extremely well and put the power down very effectively to the extent that i wouldn't bother with the 3-blade version if i were changing now.

they give me 11 knots flat out and in reverse can stop the boat in her own length from that speed. response when manoevering is as near instant as makes no difference.

i had to rule out brunton and maxprop as they can self-pitch at high speed and bump-start the engine! they are also around twice the price. i am told the brunton works very well when motor-sailing, giving lower revs.

when feathered, a folding prop gives around 5% of the resistance of a fixed prop, the brunton about 15%.

both will auto-rotate when sailing if left in neutral, a folder rotates in the ahead direction, the brunton in reverse!

both types need a fair amount of space behind the hub so may be unsuitable if used in a rudder cut-out. the maxprop doesn't have this problem.

the maxprop can have its pitch adjusted if it's too high or low.

hope that helps

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[BlueChip]

I have used one of these for 5 seasons on a 37' Westerly and have been highly delighted with it.
It provides huge thrust forward and astern and opens with no clunk or other noise, we get about 6.5 knots at 2200 revs
Servicing is easy, the only niggle I have is that the prop anode is expensive at about £25. I made a mould from the last one I bought and I will cast my own zinc anode this winter.


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[tangaroa]

Perhaps I ought to have mentioned that I've plumped for the 30Hp Yanmar engine as well.

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[ChrisE]

You also need an anode with the Brunton which is about the same price. I've had a Brunton for a season now and I'm impressed, I'll never have Chris's problem with bump starting the engine though!

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[waterboy]

Hi Tangeroa
I have a Flex-O-Fold 3 blade and I am hugely pleased. I asked CJR to repitch from the fixed 3 blade 11 x 20 previously fitted to a 12.3 x 20. My Ben 411 has a 56 hp Yanmar and the new setting works well. I sail her in lighter breezes (F2) where formerly, she just would'nt move at all and under motor, I cruise happily at 7.2 knots using a fairly economical 2,500 revs or at 3,000 which I used for a fast crossing to suit SWMBO and SPROG, I did Cherbourg pontoon to Hamble Spit in 9.5 hours roughly at 8.5 knots. Value for money good so far.
Regards

<hr width=100% size=1>I never make the same mistake twice. I always make new ones.