Folding propellor feeling its age

[Seal_surfer]

My Superseal's sailing performance has benefited from a Darglow 2 blade folder for the past 20 years or more. However, I becoming aware of regular light knocking and rumbles at low load and have found obvious play around the pivots and other contact points. Cutless bearing is snug, so it must be the prop I think. Has anyone experience of these being rebuilt (perhaps bushing the bores in the blades and building up the wear areas with Bronze brasing)? The mesh gears appear serviceable and Bronze is still in fine condition.

I might have to consider replacement, but it appears that Darglow no longer market thir own product and now distribute Flex-O-fold. These don't appear to go down to my tiny (11" x 8" I think) prop, and no clearance below hull for larger, it seems. Anyone know of other small prop folder I should consider? BTW, sailing performance takes priority over motoring ability in my case.

 

[GrahamC]

Try http://www.sillette.co.uk/first.htm they have 11 inch folding props on their list,
Regards
Graham

 

[alldownwind]

I had a similar problem on a 2-blade folder, sent it to Lake Engineering at Poole who drilled out the holes slightly larger and fitted new pins. Worked fine for me, but then there was plenty of metal to play with. I seem to remember the cost was very reasonable too.

 

[malcp]

Yes, I've also had this problem to cope with this year on my 8 year old (700hour) Volvo 3 blade folding prop. I investigated getting the pin holes drilled out and bushed, but the cost was a goodly proportion of a new prop and would have only addressed part of the wear in any case. I guess it depends on the design of the prop as to how easy / cheap it is to machine. In the end I bought a new (Gori) prop.

 

[Seal_surfer]

Well, I've now got some good options to try come laying up time. I will probably explore trying bore out for bigger pins as I do have friendly machinists usually willing to help. Its reassuring to hear its not a totally daft idea to try overhaul. If that isn't totally satisfactory, then I'll try Sillette and possibly others for a quote.

Thanks for excellent advice, as usaul.

Phil.

 

[charles_reed]

Give

Les Hill of Lake Engineering a ring on 01202 621631.

They usually only do work for the trade, but I guess Les won't be able to resist one in the eye for Darglow.