Quietlife Vs. Centaflex Vs. R&D

[KenMcCulloch]

Since we have to take the old one off and it is probably 30 years old we are considering a new flexible coupling to join gearbox to propshaft. The original looks a bit like a Centaflex. Centaflex and Quietlife are basically similar but there's quite a difference in price, I wonder what one gets for half as much again by buying a Centaflex? Are these rather fancy and expensive devices really worth it when a half coupling and an R&D plastic thingy are so much cheaper?

 

[doug748]

You may not be aware of this exchange of views:
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=289109&highlight=centaflex+coupling
This concerns a Quietlife unit, but, as it looks pretty identical to the Centaflex, that may not be here nor there.
I have had no problems with a Centaflex myself. I bought it because it will tolerate a bit of engine misalignment, but mainly because of the, rather nice, collet type propshaft connection.
If I were on a tight budget I would go with the standard issue.

 

[ianj99]

You may not be aware of this exchange of views:
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=289109&highlight=centaflex+coupling
This concerns a Quietlife unit, but, as it looks pretty identical to the Centaflex, that may not be here nor there.
I have had no problems with a Centaflex myself. I bought it because it will tolerate a bit of engine misalignment, but mainly because of the, rather nice, collet type propshaft connection.
If I were on a tight budget I would go with the standard issue.

As the OP of the above thread, its true that Quietlife are indeed Centaflex.

I would not recommed the largest 1.5" shaft size due to the concerns listed in the above thread.

The replacement coupling has now been fitted and given a short sea trial (also to test the newly fitted Kiwi Prop) and has lasted thus far and hopefully will not let me down next season.

Ian