Folding or feathering prop??

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captainforbes

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I am replacing a fixed prop with either a folding (Volvo or Gori) or feathering (Maxprop). What do folks think of the pro's and cons, and what would you choose?
I have a Dufour 40 with a Volvo 2040 saildrive, and berth in a marina.

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No - don't ask that question .. too late.

Feathering benefits - astern is as good as a fixed prop.
Feathering downside - more "mechanical", blades tend to be flat and so not necessarily optimum shape in ahead.
Folding benefits - marginally less drag than feathering, and less likely to snag something while sailing, typically cheaper than a feathering prop.
Folding downside - astern will be slow to take effect

I use a Gori 2 blade folding - works well for me, but not necessarily the right choice for everyone.

Regards, Jeff.

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Replaced a cheap 2 blade folding with 3 blade twin pitch GORI soem 6 years ago. Have never regretted it although the prop is expensive.

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I have a 3 bladed volvo folding which works well, both astern as well as ahead.
In fact in astern I can get the blades to open at just idling speed (judging by prop wash). It is heavy though, and takes the engine fractionally more time to accelerate upto speed. Not a problem though.


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<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.bruntons-propellers.com/>Brunton's Autoprops</A> get a good write up, v. expensive tho.

cheers,
david

<hr width=100% size=1>Why'd he call me shortie?
Because you're small,...small,...S, M, all.
 
Basically not comparable. Whilst both reduce water drag the resemblence ends there.

The self-pitching props (such as the Autoprop) give you major motor assisted sailing benefits as well as greater drive efficiency in both reverse and forward. This is reflected in the price difference.
Having had the same boat fitted with the Gori and Brunton prop I infinitely prefer the latter. For those who merely motor in and out of a marina berth and want to make their boat more slippery the folding prop is probably a more rational choice, however if you use your boat extensively for cruising the benefits of the self-pitching prop is well worth it.

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