Folding propeller advice

[SimonMackenzie]

When the boat came out of the water, the 2 bladed floding prop (on a saildrive) was stuck open. After cleaning off with powerwasher now folds again. Great excuse for why we were so slow but two questions:
1. In terms of preparation for next season, is there anything specific to do?
2. Is there any way of knowing if it has folded when sailing (without swimming) and related to that should I be putting it in gear- I just leave in neutral?

 

[TigaWave]

If its an older Volvo prop be aware that the stainless grub screws onto the stainless pivot pins can come loose and they will throw a blade off. Clean and lubricate all moving parts but make sure the pivot pins are secure, some had recesses drilled in the pins to take the grub screws I discovered ours hadn't after it had chucked a blade off. ArLadite on all threads will secure the screws, when you need to remove them just apply some heat and the epoxy softens.

In gear forces the blade to fold, and then there is no turning load on the gearbox.

 

[boatmike]

Many folders dont shut properly unless you stop them rotating Simon. Put the engine in gear and this should do it. Underwater grease the gears and mechanism when re-assembling and use loctite on the threads (not araldite)
The majority have a tendancy to stick if left on a mooring for a long time without use. Using them, and putting the engine in gear to make sure they shut under sail usually keeps them free.

 

[savageseadog]

You'll probably find the teeth are corroded. Try pushing the blades against each other while folding. If the teeth of the blades don't mesh closely they will jam.

 

[Ric]

[ QUOTE ]

2. Is there any way of knowing if it has folded when sailing (without swimming) and related to that should I be putting it in gear- I just leave in neutral?

[/ QUOTE ]

Racing boats ofen have a little plexiglass window above the prop so that they can check that the prop has folded. What they do if it hasn't folded is another story.. Apart from fitting a window, you can usually feel if it folded by putting your hand on the propshaft (which is locked obviously) while sailing. If you can feel vibration, then probably the prop is not folded.

 

[JAYEL]

Simon ; clean the gears with a light sand paper, make sure the blades open and close freely and grease liberally with a good quality waterproof grease. Put the blades in the vertical position and they should close under their own weight. When the gears are selected there should be a distinct clonk as the blades spin out and reach their maximum travel up against the boss.

 

[SimonMackenzie]

Thanks for the helpful advice. It is very stiff so a good clean and grease is in order and put in gear next season (forward/reverse or does it not matter?)

 

[Stork_III]

Volvo Penta recommend, in the manual for saildrive, to put in reverse.