Folding Propeller: response time when changing to reverse

[Sealong]

Hello and merry Christmas
I am considering fitting a Flexofold, 2-bladed folding propeller to a Volvo Penta 2030 with saildrive, installed in a 33-foot Najad.
I am aware of the benefits and have read the comprehensive review published in Yachting Monthly.
However, I have some concern about the response time when changing from forward to reverse, as frequently happens when mooring up on a marina berth.
So, can anyone offer some tales of first-hand experience ?

 

[Tranona]

Hello and merry Christmas
I am considering fitting a Flexofold, 2-bladed folding propeller to a Volvo Penta 2030 with saildrive, installed in a 33-foot Najad.
I am aware of the benefits and have read the comprehensive review published in Yachting Monthly.
However, I have some concern about the response time when changing from forward to reverse, as frequently happens when mooring up on a marina berth.
So, can anyone offer some tales of first-hand experience ?

Yes Had one for 10 years on 2 Bavarias same engine/drive as yours . You won't notice any lag at all. Talk to Darglow Engineering for the correct size - probably a 16*11 Excellent choice.

 

[searocket]

We had a 2 blade Flexofold on our Dehler 29 - Yanmar saildrive.
There was a bit of a delay before reverse kicked in. I approached the marina berth in neutral. Once you knew what to expect it was quite easy to handle.

 

[johnalison]

I have a 2-blade Volvo folding prop on my HR 34, which is very similar to your Naiad. I wouldn’t say that the response time itself is noticeable, but you probably have to give it a bit more wellie to achieve the same effect, which soon becomes a natural habit. I don’t think that in over twenty years it has ever seemed a problem, and vastly outweighed by the improvement in sailing performance and feel.

 

[Sandy]

I have a Brunton's two bladed Varifold fitted to a VP 2002 on a Gib'Sea 96. 10.10 metres or 33 feet in old money.

There is no difference between the old fixed two bladed prop and the Varifold. Apart from the extra ½ knot and no sound of the prop turning once you hit four point five knots through the water.

 

[garymalmgren]

Forward- Neutral - Reverse. There is a lag in any gear change operation and a reason for it.

NOT Forward- Reverse,

gary

 

[Tranona]

Forward- Neutral - Reverse. There is a lag in any gear change operation and a reason for it.

NOT Forward- Reverse,

gary

The OP is asking about any delay arising from the blades of a folding propeller opening when reverse is engaged, not the delay between changing gear. As others have noted this is either imperceptible or easily avoided.

 

[CPD]

3 bladed kiwi for 12 years - no problem in changing forward/reverse - you very quickly learn

 

[Refueler]

I have a big fixed blade prop on one boat ..... and a folding 2 blader on my larger boat ...

I do not approach or maneuver differently between the two ....

 

[Skylark]

3 blade Flexofold on Yanmar SD50 sail drive fitted to Oceanis 41.

Very powerful prop, both forward and astern. Imperceptible lag when normal close quarter manoeuvring.

Fitted it 2 months after buying boat new in 2013. Highly recommended.

 

[Sealong]

The OP is asking about any delay arising from the blades of a folding propeller opening when reverse is engaged, not the delay between changing gear. As others have noted this is either imperceptible or easily avoided.

Yes quite.
Thanks to all for the useful comments. My boat is coming out of the water in February, so I am very likely to go ahead and fit the Flexofold propeller and also a Darglow, Hydro-Axe, rope-cutter.