Folding Prop

[TwinRudders]

Hi,

Can anyone suggest a friendly and helpful supplier for a folding prop.

I want to replace the 15" fixed 3 blader on my Beneteau First 285 with a 2 bladed folding one. First supplier I rang made it sound like I would have to undertake an engineering degree before attempting this task....?

Engine is Volvo Penta 2002 18hp. Shaft diameter is 25mm

Thanks,

 

[ashanta]

I have a 2002 VP. there has been many posts on this subject so I would advise you to do a search on the subject. From my point of view, I changed my twin blade fixed prop for the Volvo 3 blade folding prop. I chose this for the following reasons. Firstly it was cheaper than Bruntons, Gori etc. It was Volvo's own and therefore I was happy to fit it to a Volvo sail drive. The reports of improved performance were good and have subsequent to fitting proved correct.
I would recommend that you investigate the 3 blade vs the 2 blade. If you want any further information on my change please PM me.

Regards.

Peter.

 

[30boat]

There's nothing complicated about fitting a folding prop in place of a fixed one.I even had to fit my spare folding prop once, with the boat still in the water, when the old one worked itself loose(it was my fault ,forgot the split pin at the nut)and was lost.
Check that the hub is not too long or else it will touch the P bracket,but it shouldn't be a problem.

 

[boatmike]

For a 2 blade folding prop I believe the Bruntons Varifold to be the best. Most 2 bladers are inefficient because they rely on the weight of the blade to open, especially in reverse. The Varifold also employs the torque of the shaft and therefore has a blade efficiency similar to a fixed prop with better blade shape.
This will cost you about £450 at a guess for the size you will need. Gori, for a conventional one is not too bad and might be cheaper but not as efficient. Sold by Sillette. Ashanta is correct that the Volvo 3 blader is OK too but there is a bit more drag with it than with a 2 blader when folded. There are a number of feathering props on the market. Darglow do a nice one but it will probably set you back about £800/£900 and the ultimate is Bruntons Autoprop that changes pitch as required by conditions and feathers when not in use. One of those however will probably set you back about £1400 at a guess though for a 3 blader! I have just bitten the bullet at the boat show and ordered a 2 blade Autoprop for my wing engine to replace the 2 blade standard folding prop that is sold by Volvo but this is off a saildrive and as its only a 10 HP will be too small and wont be any good to you as it has a splined hub. This is costing about £900 for a 14" (ouch!). If you really want maximum prop efficiency with minimal drag when sailing the Autoprop is favourite but unfortunately not cheap. For a good solution at low cost I would look at the Varifold. Don't worry about doing the fitting yourself with any of them. Piece of cake!

 

[stevebirch2002]

Hi

Try First Propulsion at Shamrock Quay in Southampton. Ask for Paul. Down to earth and very reasonable.

 

[TwinRudders]

OK thanks everyone - I'm getting a quote from Bruntons. Do you have a number for "First Propulsion" as I can't see them online anywhere?

Thanks again.

 

[Stemar]

Sent PM. Click on the flashing icon next to User Options at the top to read it.

 

[hylass]

I also have a Burton since three years now.. and I'm fully satisfied

 

[alahol2]

I've tried several times to get a quote from Bruntons via e-mail without success. It may be worth phoning if you can get a number.

 

[TwinRudders]

You have a Burton or Brunton? If it's a Brunton 2 bladed varifold - how do you find the performance? Did it compare favourably to a fixed. I know everyone says that they aren't very good in reverse - how bad is it?!!

Cost for a 2 bladed varifold 15" Diameter 10" pitch is £399 + vat. Seems to be one of the most competitive I've found so far.

Thanks for your help.

J

 

[alahol2]

The cheapest quote I've had so far is from Sillette-Sonic for an Eliche Radice 2 blade folder at £329 inc vat and delivery. It doesn't look as nicely engineered as the Brunton. I previously had an older style 2 blade, the stopping power definitely isn't as good as a fixed prop but, as long as you expect it, it doesn't prove to be a problem. You just go slower when entering a dead end. It may be when you wan't to reverse off the mud that you would notice the difference...