Varifold vs. Flexoprop

[Heraclitus]

I'm thinking of replacing the 2-bladed folding prop in my 31foot yacht with a more modern 2-bladed folding prop. Any views on either of the above?
Thanks

 

[bignick]

Do you mean flex-o-fold?
Looking at doing the same myself, though I currently have a fixed prop, so I'm very interested in the replies.
People will no doubt point you towards the YM test, which you can find on the flexofold website. Surprisingly enough, considering flexofold are keen to publish the results, their prop came out on top. From what I've read both these two are good candidates, though I'd also like to look at the slipstream one too, simply because of the fact that its stainless and should last and last...

 

[Heraclitus]

varifold vs flex-o-fold

Thanks bignick. I did mean flex-o-fold

 

[samwise]

Darglow offer a good range of folders and feathering props. Nice people too. We bought a Featherstream three blade feathering prop from them that has been excellent. Good price as well.

 

[BlueSkyNick]

This subject comes up quite often - YM did a comparison article which Flexofold have on their website here http://www.flexofold.com/

Based on this and earlier threads, I have just ordered a Flex-o-Fold from Darglow. Only a small outfit but pleasant and easy to deal with.



(BTW, I was BIGNICK on here from 2003 until about 2007!)

 

[rob2]

I hope Darglow are still as consciencious as last time I contacted them. I wanted to buy a Flex-o-Fold to replace the original folder of Darglow manufacture. I gave them the number on the original and they looked it up - thus we had all the shaft details to machine the hub of the new one! The original prop was supplied in 1987!

I've been very happy with the new prop and the heavier blades than the original bite much quicker in reverse.

Rob.

 

[Twister_Ken]

I have a Flexofold - fitted as standard to Arcona. Apparently the yard tested several different makes of folder, and found Flexofold the best.

 

[bignick]

I have a Flexofold - fitted as standard to Arcona. Apparently the yard tested several different makes of folder, and found Flexofold the best.

Good to know. I've been umming and ahhing for ages now between the Flexofold, Varifold and Slipstream. The Varifold looks similar to the Flexofold racing version, and the Slipstream just looks very different - much less blade area from the pics, though I'm still quite keen on the stainless....

They all look well engineered, so I guess the flex-o-fold it is then. As an added bonus Darglow are nearby so hopefully they can come and advise / fit it.

 

[davidwf]

Flex-0-fold will deal direct, when I last looked at buying a prop they were cheaper than sourcing it through the UK.

 

[Sans Bateau]

Another vote for Flexofold, as others have said, lovely family company, easy to deal with. As far as I am aware Darglow only sell direct.

 

[PCUK]

I changed to a three blade Volvo folder and the difference between that and a two blade flex-o-fold was staggering. Chalk and cheese in fact with a huge amount of bite even in reverse compared with the two blade.

 

[cmedsailor]

I changed to a three blade Volvo folder and the difference between that and a two blade flex-o-fold was staggering. Chalk and cheese in fact with a huge amount of bite even in reverse compared with the two blade.

I was about to ask if there's much (or any) difference in performance between the flex-o-fold and a volvo folder, but to be fair we need to compare 3 blades on both.
I believe the shape of blades looks quite similar.

PS: Dealers, manufactures etc is another issue. I am only interested in the performance of the two.

 

[Twister_Ken]

I was about to ask if there's much (or any) difference in performance between the flex-o-fold and a volvo folder, but to be fair we need to compare 3 blades on both.
I believe the shape of blades looks quite similar.

PS: Dealers, manufactures etc is another issue. I am only interested in the performance of the two.

To be fair, I should say that my Flexofold is a 2-blader. 3 blades are also available.