Kiwi prop thoughts

[Rafflesover]

We are considering fitting a folding kiwi prop to our beneteau 31. Would appreciate any comments from anyone who has changed from a factory fitted fixed prop to this type. Many thanks

 

[fredrussell]

I have one. They’re good; there are better props but not at that price point. They need greasing at least once a season and more likely twice a season, which is an out of the water job. Customer support from their sole uk supplier (forgot the name) is excellent. Would I buy another? Yes. Would I buy another if money was no option - perhaps not, but only because of the greasing requirement. One nice feature of feathering props is the enormous stopping power they provide when you knock engine into reverse. Very useful to this crap sailor.

 

[Rafflesover]

I have one. They’re good; there are better props but not at that price point. They need greasing at least once a season and more likely twice a season, which is an out of the water job. Customer support from their sole uk supplier (forgot the name) is excellent. Would I buy another? Yes. Would I buy another if money was no option - perhaps not, but only because of the greasing requirement. One nice feature of feathering props is the enormous stopping power they provide when you knock engine into reverse. Very useful to this crap sailor.

Sounds good. Are they expensive to have serviced do you know?

 

[yotter]

Vetra Marine are the UK agents, I have had one for 12 years and it was fitted to the boat around 2009. I sent it back for refurbishment last winter which was a very reasonable cost. We do about 70 engine hours each season and the prop gets greased every year at haul out. An advantage is pretty well zero electrolytic corrosion due the stainless and composite blades. Very happy, but I may be concerned if doing hundreds of hours between lubrication.

 

[yotter]

Sounds good. Are they expensive to have serviced do you know?

Servicing is really just greasing. I sent mine back for refurb since a nylon washer was worn and the hub seemed to have some play. I cannot recall the cost about £500 but that included 3 new blades which were probably not needed, perhaps £70 each. I can check the invoice later.

 

[yotter]

Servicing is really just greasing. I sent mine back for refurb since a nylon washer was worn and the hub seemed to have some play. I cannot recall the cost about £500 but that included 3 new blades which were probably not needed, perhaps £70 each. I can check the invoice later.

£170.90 plus VAT for check/service/repair plus £15 for new spring and about £10 for the washer, not bad after over 12 years use! The blades were extra although the originals were in good nick, just wanted the improved profile of the new ones (£65 each).

 

[Tranona]

On that boat a Flexofold 2 blade folder would be a good choice and not much more expensive. Have a look here Folding and feathering propeller test where it was one of the best performers in the tests on a similar Beneteau to yours.

The Kiwi has its good point, but 3 blades are not necessary on a small engine like yours and some people find the very coarse pitch in reverse annoying.

 

[Rafflesover]

Vetra Marine are the UK agents, I have had one for 12 years and it was fitted to the boat around 2009. I sent it back for refurbishment last winter which was a very reasonable cost. We do about 70 engine hours each season and the prop gets greased every year at haul out. An advantage is pretty well zero electrolytic corrosion due the stainless and composite blades. Very happy, but I may be concerned if doing hundreds of hours between lubrication.

Thank you for all your help. Yes, will be taken out of sea each year once season is over so lubrication should not be a problem

 

[yoda]

we fitted one last winter and have been very happy with it.

 

[Laysula]

We've had one for the last eight years. Bavaria 350 with a yanmar 3gm30f engine. Big improvement over the original fixed two blade prop both in sailing and in motoring. Really like the instant grip in reverse. Our comes out every two years and not had any problems with that. I usually take the prop home and service it in the workshop,
Vecta marine are very helpful and will set it up for your boat when you buy one.

 

[CPD]

First 345 had one fitted 15 years (?) ago. Greasing is part of annual servicing and it is easy.