Volvo prop - should I replace?

[Bertie1972]

I've just removed the prop prior to fitting an Amabassador stripper on a 2007 Volvo saildrive, and discovered this corrosion on the forward end (see pic attached).

Should I replace the prop?

There was very little wastage on the saildrive anode, I suspect it hadn't been doing its job.

Saildrives (and this boat) are new to me, could it have been caused by poor conduction where the anode makes contact with the leg?

 

[Tranona]

That is not uncommon and nothing to do with the anode on the saildrive housing as the prop is electrically isolated by a rubber bush and the delrin washer behind the prop nut. anode wastage is variable - mine on a 120s lasted 5 or 6 years in the Med and on a newer 130 3 or 4 years in UK waters.

The standard prop that you have usually fails when the bush starts to break away from the casting or the hub, but if that looks good then no pressure to replace it. If you do want to replace it suggest you go for a folding or feathering prop, although the fixed props are relatively cheap at around £300.

 

[VicS]

I've just removed the prop prior to fitting an Amabassador stripper on a 2007 Volvo saildrive, and discovered this corrosion on the forward end (see pic attached).

Should I replace the prop?

There was very little wastage on the saildrive anode, I suspect it hadn't been doing its job.

Saildrives (and this boat) are new to me, could it have been caused by poor conduction where the anode makes contact with the leg?

The anode on the saildrive leg protects the leg. As Tranona says it has nothing to do with the prop. Props may be protected ( folding ones usually are) by their own anodes

If the ring anode is not making a good connection with the sail drive it is that which will suffer

 

[Bertie1972]

Thanks both, makes sense.

Tranona, I found an old post of yours in which you mention you had a Flexofold on your Bavaria of similar dimensions to the previous fixed propellor.

Would you recommend that make still?

I'd thought about fitting a folding prop, but was hesitating because of owners reports of some models requiring a particular technique or gunning to ensure reverse fully functions. From your description, it sounds like that wasn't an issue with your Flexofold?

 

[savageseadog]

Corrosion not a big issue but the bonding of the rubber bushing is. I find Flexofold good.

 

[Tranona]

Thanks both, makes sense.

Tranona, I found an old post of yours in which you mention you had a Flexofold on your Bavaria of similar dimensions to the previous fixed propellor.

Would you recommend that make still?

I'd thought about fitting a folding prop, but was hesitating because of owners reports of some models requiring a particular technique or gunning to ensure reverse fully functions. From your description, it sounds like that wasn't an issue with your Flexofold?

Yes. The FlexoFold is an excellent bit of kit. True that some folding props are poor in reverse - usually because they are poor props anyway.

I have had mine first on a Bav 37 from 2001 and now on my new style 33.

Suggest you contact Darglow who sell them and they will calculate the best size for your combination of boat/engine. It may not be the same as the fixed. The fixed on my 33 was 16*13 but the folder is 16*11 and is spot on. They will drill the hole in the boss for the cutter peg for you as well.

 

[ashtead]

If replacing your prop you might need to consider if the ambassador stripper will still fit or if any conversion kit is required We replaced our fixed prop due to the bonding issue mentioned above and recall some change was required. Went for the Volvo version of folder which worked well in reverse as well . Don't know how it compares price wise with flexofold though.

 

[Tranona]

If replacing your prop you might need to consider if the ambassador stripper will still fit or if any conversion kit is required We replaced our fixed prop due to the bonding issue mentioned above and recall some change was required. Went for the Volvo version of folder which worked well in reverse as well . Don't know how it compares price wise with flexofold though.

Just about all aftermarket props can be modified to fit the Stripper, certainly all the popular ones such as FlexoFold, Volvo, Bruntons, Max Prop, Featherstream etc. Prices of Volvo and FlexoFold are comparable, but the former has an historic reputation of eating anodes and related corrosion issues

 

[richardbrennan]

I have had a Volvo folding propeller for many years and it has given good service. However, it does need the anodes changing every six months or so. The modification for the Stripper, which I also have, is to the saildrive anode and not the propeller. Most spares stockists have them already modified, or you can get them from the stripper supplier which I think is Ambassador Marine. The anode on the saildrive lasts at least two years.

 

[Tranona]

The propeller has a hole bored into the face of the boss to take the drive peg. Simple job on a solid boss like yours, but some props need a bit more complicated work. See the installation instructions on www.ropestripper.com