Folding props

[Ceejay]

YM May 2009 test report

Just had a read, some eye watering price tags right enough. I'll leave this idea on the back burner for now
CJ

 

[Seajet]

Tranona,

in a perfect world maybe we'll get to try each others' boats handling one day.

With the A22 association, I sometimes hear of 9hp engines left in the well all season; I weep thinking about the drag & corrosion, always say it's like flying a Spitfire with the wheels down.

I once saw an A22 with such an engine and a large dinghy in stern davits; I was tight on tide time, or I'd have shot him for the sake of the gene pool...

 

[Ceejay]

Seajet

I hope that gun that you carry is licensed to you and kept in a secure gun cabinet when not in use

 

[Tranona]

Just had a read, some eye watering price tags right enough. I'll leave this idea on the back boiler for now
CJ

Despite that they sell like hot cakes. There is something about boats that makes people want to spend money - perhaps because they do not have the money to buy a newer or bigger boat, so buy more toys.

Having said that the benefits can be real, just working out whether they are worth the money is the problem - but each individual has his/her own view on that.

 

[Sans Bateau]

Galadriel,

I always think relying on a big burst of astern power on arrival is always going to end in tears one day; the prop falling off, cables parting etc !

However as I think I know where you keep your boat, slightly radical moves may be required and you're hardly a novice.

The berth I keep the boat on faces SW, I have to turn hard to port to get into the berth, there is plenty of room, but if I'm not careful and keep a little way on the bow could blow off. What I was trying to relate to though was this fear that a folding prop is slow to respond, it is in fact just a case of knowing and learning about how it will respond. I was once reversing a Bav 36 with a fixed 3 blader into a stern too berth in the SoF and gave the throttle due treatment rather than stuff the stern into the quay, but the boat stopped short by about 3 mtrs, the bow now exposed to a cross wind blew off and a right old mess developed! Only did that once.

I have only ever got into a pickle once entering my own berth. On that occasion I had 21knts of wind op my chuff. The spray hood making an effective spiniker! Since then I have bought a bow fender.

I'm not sure about the prop falling off, I suppose its possible, but I may have noticed that well before the berth, and I cannot for the life of me see what cables you might be referring to.

 

[cliff]

Before jumping in have a look at these feathering props

I would prefer a 3 blade feathering on my boat (as on my Eventide), but Featherstreams are not available for saildrives and the others are way out of my price range. The FlexoFold is, however a good compromise as it performs just like the fixed under motor but has that little edge under sail.

Do check out my link above -

SHAFT AND SAILDRIVE MODELS
Saildrive models has these additional features
Fail safe cushion hub manufacturers unique cushion hub absorbs theshocks, but it is not required to transmit drive. It cannot fail and leave you without drive
Standard SAE16/32 splines suits most Volvo, Yanmar, Buhk, Sonic and Selva saildrive units
Improved shaft nut locking system Autostream saildrive propellers use aspecial shaft nut and locking screw allowing you to securely lock wire themtogether. This combined with improved spline / shaft fit ensures yoursaildrive propeller will stay secure

Feathering props for saildrives

 

[Cardo]

Plenty of interesting stuff on here.
Our prop is a big old bugger. Well, it's not particularly old, I think it might have been new when the new engine was put in a couple years ago now.
The boat is no slim racer, she's a beamy old girl with a long, thin, triangular keel when it's all the way down.

Still, I'm wondering whether a three bladed folder or feathering prop may still be worth it. I might have to have a gander at the various stalls at the SBS this September.

 

[Tranona]

Do check out my link above -

Feathering props for saildrives

I specifically said that the Featherstream is not available for saildrives. Does not mean there are not other feathering props that will fit saildrives - there are several.