Volvo Folding Prop.

[Waypoint]

Advice needed.....

I am thinking of exchanging the fixed propeller on my Bavaria 38 saildrive for a Volvo folding prop.

Does anyone have any experience with the Volvo 3 blade folding propeller and is the diffence in sailing speed worth the investment?

Many thanks for your input.
Waypoint

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[brians]

Volvo have carried out a detailed study with graphs etc. Suggest you obtain a copy from your VP dealer.

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[malcp]

I have a Volvo 3 blade folding prop and am generally very pleased with it (used on Starlight35). It provides good performance astern as well as ahead. In fact the usual complaint about folding props and poor reverse performance is not an issue with this prop, IMHO.

Cannot give any figures for speed increase compared to fixed prop as boat has always had the folding prop, but I would think you would get at least 0.5 kts improvement, maybe even as high as 1kt. It depends on what fixed prop you comparing it with, ie 2 or 3 blades.

The Volvo prop is fairly heavy and you may find it takes a little more time for the engine to accelerate it up to speed. Not a problem though. My gearbox engages with a hefty clonk, which may also be a result of the heavy prop.

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[Barry777]

A couple of friends of mine have both had folding props fitted to their boats - one a Moody 40 with saildrive and the other a Westerly Oceanranger with shaft drive. Both say that the performance is better, under engine and sail. More revs are needed to get things moving initially, especially in reverse, but prop wash is negligible.

Neither Moody's or Westerly's are "speed machines" so every little helps!

I'm thinking of getting one for my Moody 38 and spoke to the Volvo people at the LIBS. I got a lot of bumpf which has various graphs etc. to show the advantages. As it turned out the guy I was speaking to is the "Volvo man" in the boatyard at the marina my boat is moored.

Haven't got round to taking it any further forward yet....waiting for the special offers on lift out charges which normally kick in around the middle of April. The price i was quoted at LIBs was good and i shall be looking for the same through the boatyard, plus fitting of course

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[chrisb]

i have this on my 411. very impressed sailling. takes a while to bite in reverse with a great deal of prop walk. makes tight marinas a little daunting untill used to it.Spoke with volvo who accepted the walk. i think if you make decent passges or race its great but i wouldnot bother for pottering round the bay

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[waterboy]

I put a 3 blade folding prop from CJR on my Ben 411. The original 3 blade fixed was a 11" x 20". The new prop is repitched to 12.3" x 20 and what a difference. I saw 9.5 under sail on Saturday and can cruise (economy mode @ 2,500 rpm) at 7.5 knots. Well worth doing.

<hr width=100% size=1>I never make the same mistake twice. I always make new ones.

 

[ashanta]

Just fitted one on my T31. Looking forward to the Easter weekend to try it out. I will pass my comments on once I have some comparison to make.

Regards.

Peter.

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[oldestgit]

Hi Optimist...

Hope you have better luck with Volvo than I had.

Took them over 10 days to answer 5 (repeat) emails about this same subject and after a nasty direct to Sweden .... Funny old thing Watford h/o phoned within the hour but 10 days late...

Now try and get one.. The hubs and blades are separate packs and the 15" x 10 L/H ones I require for a 120 saildrive are on considerable back orders (130+ in the queue)... and of course V.P in their wisdom decide in the peak season they will shut down the basic ordering computer for a week or so for upgrade... The phrase couldn't organise a Piss up in a brewery comes to mind...

Now looking at Brunton and Gori as I need it back in the water in 2 weeks.

But good luck anyway

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[AIDY]

Hi Peter.

Yup I was told the same thing yesterday by Volvo. We are waiting for 18 x 13, 3 blade folding for our 120 saildrive.

Was told that they could get one within 7 to 10 days, but turns out they only have the blade kit for us at present and are awaiting the hub on back order (1-2 weeks). Great.....

Like you we are on a tight deadline as our boat goes back in the water at Easter.

You obviously believe that you will not get your prop in time, did Volvo give you a back order date longer than ours ?

Like you we may have to look at different options, if we want a folding prop this season.

Happy Sailing





<hr width=100% size=1>/forums/images/icons/wink.gif <font color=blue> Regards Aidy </font color=blue>

 

[Aeolus_IV]

The Gori prop is a very good piece of kit - the standard 2-blade floding one I had transformed the boat, I have no hesitation in recommending them if you're considering a folding prop.

Jeff.

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[Will_M]

Oldestgit,

You'll find the order system is only shut from midday Friday and back on Tuesday so really only out of action for the later half of Friday & Monday... Not really a week.

<Took them over 10 days to answer 5 (repeat) emails> Hello, this is the busiest time of the year!!!!!!

<The phrase couldn't organise a Piss up in a brewery comes to mind...> Thats abit critical isn't it!!

Of course its sold in two parts, hub + blades.. The particular size you want is on back-order, not that surprising for this time of year really, just goes to show how popular they are don't you think.


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[oldestgit]

Hi Will:

Thanks for your comments....sounds like you work for or market for Volvo.....

Regarding the computers off line... 4 dealers from Southampton around and up to Norfolk all had the same story.... If you know better well!!!!

Regarding the time to answer emails 10 days !!!.... normally in business especially if you want an order you respond the same day even if its just a courtesy job to say you will be back with answers... Volvo....Nothing at all…... Busiest time of the year????. Only if you keep the Customers and of course their orders!!!!!!

Your 4th point We all know the prop is sold in 2 parts and not only the particular size I want is on back order.... all the 120 Hubs for all sizes are on back order as for the blades well just see the other comments ... similar story. Regarding popular ... they could be if they were available .... Bet Brunton & Gori love it.

Finally your 3rd point on my view of "couldn’t organise etc.." Critical it may be Honest it definitely is.

....... None intended and I am sure None taken...

Have fun....Me.


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