Play in Flex-O-Fold blades-hub after 2 400 hours, normal?

[skippeer]

I am planning to procure a new Flex-O-Fold propeller sitting on my VP D2-55 with a shaft after 2 400 hours.

I am pleased with the speed so I will order the same 3 blade prop again.

How many hours could be expected?

 

[earlybird]

The play shown in your video doesn't look excessive. Given the cost of a replacement 3-bladed Flex-o-Fold, I'd first have a look at the pivot pins and perhaps just replace them. Spares should be readily available.

 

[Tranona]

Do you know if it is in the pivot pins or the blade? Talk to Darglow who will check it over for you and refurbish if necessary.

Sorry, just seen you are not in UK. Speak to FleoFold direct or their distributor in Sweden.

 

[skippeer]

The challenge is that the boat is in France and I am 2000 km north.
The good news from you is that I might can have it repaired.
I will ask the manufacture in DK for second opinion.

Maybe I buy a new and bring the old to a prop specialist to be used as future spare part or to sell as used.

thx for your input

 

[Tranona]

You can replace the pins and blades for about half the price of a new prop. Unlikely there is any wear in the hub or the gears.

 

[skippeer]

I have been in contact with Flex-O-Fold manufacture in Denmark regarding:

• can it be repaired
• which size of a new FOF 3 blade prop for shaft mount
• prop puller
• cons and pros with new calculated size compared with existing

Email response only contained calculated size and price:

• 18x14-3R
• €2,655.00 incl VAT and delivery

My original prop size is 20-13-3R and my question about it's condition did I not got any answer on from the sales person @ FOF.

Called a local prop mechanic company for guidance after sharing the YT video.
His reply was that prop can not be repaired but can be used until it stop to fold out the 3 blades.
We discussed theoretical design vs practical test so my plan is to use the old prop another season and a calm day (no wind/no waves) run speed test with different RPMs and write down the speed .

After this season will I use the speed test protocol in procurement discussion with prop company.

 

[seumask]

If you have not already done so I stongly suggest you talk to Darglow engineering. They are agents for Flexofold and also service propellers. I suspect they will be able to ream and bush your prop taking it back to is origonal spec. They can do this for more complex feathering max props as had been done on my boat.
Home

 

[skippeer]

Hi @seumask

The boat with prop is in La Rochelle area and I live in Sweden so your suggestion is less practical,
thanks any way