Flexofold propeller for saildrive?

[haydude]

I was proposed a flexofold as an option to replace a problematic Volvo Penta folding (vibration and anode depletion in three months).

Is there any flexofold owner who could report his experience with this propeller on a saildrive?

Any issue with anodes or vibration?

There was a folding prop test on one of the yachting magazines a while ago, does anybody remember which one was useless in reverse?

 

[Sans Bateau]

I replaced an old VP folder with a Flexofold two years ago on a VP saildrive. I use the anode which attaches to the saildrive behind the prop, depletion is not a problem. The prop is great and reverse is no problem. If you do a search of the forum you will find much on folders, the Flexofold is well supported.

If you are suffering anode depletion, and you are in a marina plugged into the mains, then fitting a galvanic isolator will help reduce the rate of depletion.

 

[haydude]

I replaced an old VP folder with a Flexofold two years ago on a VP saildrive. I use the anode which attaches to the saildrive behind the prop, depletion is not a problem. The prop is great and reverse is no problem. If you do a search of the forum you will find much on folders, the Flexofold is well supported.

If you are suffering anode depletion, and you are in a marina plugged into the mains, then fitting a galvanic isolator will help reduce the rate of depletion.

Thank you for your feedback, the anode problem is linked only to the VP prop metal composition, nothing else.

Does the flexofold have an anode? It is concerning that you say you use the saildrive anode because the prop is supposed to be electrically isolated from the saildrive, therefore it CANNOT rely upon the saildrive's anode. VP specifically say that props MUST be isolated from the shaft or you will slowly destroy the saildrive leg.

 

[Sans Bateau]

There is no anode on the prop.

 

[Tranona]

The Flexofold 2 blade does not have an anode (nor seem to need it) but the 3 blade does, presumably because of a different metal mix in the more complex folding mechanism.

You will find performance claims on their website. I have the 2 blade and performance is virtually identical to the fixed Volvo 2 blade. Like any other folder, slight delay in reverse but quick rev boost and performs as well as fixed. Reports of the 3 blade are positive in comparison with fixed 3 bladers.

 

[haydude]

Thank you. I believe that the size of my boat (42ft) and the limit on the diametre imposed by the saildrive requires a 3 bladed propeller.

I would like to hear experience from those with a 3 blade prop with anode.

How often do you have to replace the anode?

 

[billmacfarlane]

I changed to a Flexofold 3 blade on a 120S Saildrive this season. Performance is very good with no vibration and the engine(Volvo 28hp) sounds smoother. As other people said it does have an anode. I also fitted a galvanic isolator. There was a problem with my old Volvo prop eating(devouring!!!) anodes but I won't know until I come out this year what state the anode is in.

 

[Dar*Dar]

Flexofold propeller

We have 3-blade Flexofold propellers on our 51' catamaran. They replaced the MaxProps that were on them. We much preferr the Flexofolds and get more speed out of them vs. the MaxProps. Replacing the anodes depends on where you've been, but we tend to replace them each season.