Maxprop problem

[donquijote]

I have a Maxprop folding prop on a Beneteau 50. A problem has existed from some time after I got the boat in 2004. It may have come to light in the Med where mooring is mostly stern to wall and lazyline to bow.
When there is way astern and forward is selected to act as brake, the propellor will not autorotate into the forward position and allow an immediate stop. Eventually when way astern slows right down or stops when I hit the wall, forward will select and the prop behaves well. You can imagine how dangerous this is especially for someone unfamiliar.
I have had the prop serviced, the correct grease used and I have checked for a gearbox glitch.
Before I refit a fixed prop, has anyone heard of this problem. The British suppliers of Maxprop have not.

 

[BrokerBen]

I am sure you have tried everything...

Howeve I have a 2 bladed folder and even just after strip and service it needs some real throttle to get it working quickly, otherwise there is a serious time delay in thrust during changes of direction...

Just my experience.

Ben

 

[Gerry]

when I change gear, particularly from reverse I give a big blast on the throttle to ensure that the prop kicks in hard. We changed the pitch last time the boat was out of the water too, made it more efficient at lower speeds and that has made the whole thing far more responsive when doing things like docking!

 

[gardenshed]

from what you say, I'd suggest:

check that the blades are in the correct way around (see the installation manual that you can download on line)
make sure that there isn't too much grease in the hub
make sure that the blades are correctly matched to the hub, i.e. number 1 is in position 1, number 2 in position 2 and number 3 in position 3.

When out of the water and with the gearbox in neutral spin the prop from forward to reverse and check that the mechanism moves freely and without any sticking

If all else fails, send it back to Maxprop's UK agent who apparently do an excellent re-build/service