Folding Props

[sidon]

I am thinking about buying a folding prop for my jeanneau s.o 37. My boat is powered by a Volvo 29hp through a shaft drive and 2 bladed prop. My questions are, How much performance would I lose under engine(I need to know this as allthough I do some racing I still do a lot of cruising). Also which is the best type/manufacturer. I would be really grateful for any info sent in.

 

[Franklin]

I fitted a 3 blade Max Prop to my Sun Odyssey 36. No loss of speed under motor and about 1/2 + knots increase under sail.
Recomend it
Frank

 

[sidon]

Re: Folding Props/Franklin

Thanks for the info Frank. Could you tell me where they are available & cost?

Simon

 

[kgi]

think about the autoprop, Kialoa has one fitted and they rate it quite highly go to the websites and read the endorsements, when i have enough money its what i would like for my boat.......keith

 

[extravert]

I have a Gori 2 bladed folding prop as standard on my X99. There is no problem going forward, but power going in reverse is limited, and initially non existent at low revs. This does not cause too much of a problem, you just have to be aware of it and not come steaming into a blind berth too fast and expect to be able to stop. The problem seems to be that in reverse the blades do not open at low prop speeds unless the boat is already moving backwards. If I rev the engine a bit when using reverse I can feel when the blades open, because there is a slight clonk and then some drive. At low revs, when first going into reverse, it doesn't do a lot at all, alarming until you get used to it, which is very quickly.

I think this slight disadvantage is well worth the advantage of less drag if you are serious about sailing rather than motoring as often as you can.

 

[DanTribe]

I fitted a Darglow JF feathering prop to my Ufo 31 last year and have been pleased with it so far.I discounted folding props because they are notoriously bad in reverse.If money was no object I would probably gone for an Autoprop, but the Darglow JF was a fraction of the cost.
Advantages:~ Approx 3/4 knot speed increase, cleaner wake,much reduced prop walk and better astern control.
Disadvantages:~ Increased maintenance, anodes cost £18( 1 per year),If as in my case the pitch is incorrect the prop has to be returned for re- machining.More expensive props can be re- pitched in situ.
I cant speak for other manufacturers, but I've had excellent service from Darglow.
Dan

 

[DanTribe]

BTW
Sailing Today did a feature on folding/ feathering props in May 2001 issue nr 49. I expect therefore that PBO also did one at about that time.
Dan

 

[billmacfarlane]

I use the Volvo 3 bladed foding prop and have not noticed any problem either ahead or astern except for a slight delay going from astern to forward but I'm so used to it now I don't even notice it.

 

[Franklin]

Re: Folding Props/Franklin

Sorry for delay in replying. I got my Maxprop through Sheppard's mARINA IN Gibraltar. I think it was about GBP 1200 but I would have to check. Try a seach in the web. There is good site in the U.S.A.
If you need more info. feel free to e-mail at franklin@gibnynex.gi
Frank