which folding Prop for Mk1 Moody 33

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Before anyone says it I am not joing the MOA :)

Anybody have any recommendations on which folding prop for a Mk1 Primrose Moody 33

Cheers
 

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Nope been there done that.

Don’t own a moody and don’t like the fact they don’t like you helping people who haven’t paid…
 

Tranona

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Before anyone says it I am not joing the MOA :)

Anybody have any recommendations on which folding prop for a Mk1 Primrose Moody 33

Cheers
Impossible to say without knowing what engine and gearbox is fitted. Provide that and I can calculate it for you - but if you are investing in a new one best to speak to Darglow Engineering and they will sell you the correct size Flexofold 2 blade. Be aware that not all folding props are the same, and though it is easy to calculate a size based on a standard 2 blade fixed, folders often are different because of the shapes and sizes different makers use, so buying used can be aa bit of a lottery not only finding the correct size, but also the correct diameter and taper.

The Moody 33 MK1 is a difficult boat for propellers as it has a very shallow propshaft angle and a 1.1 reduction resulting in a small propeller, usually 11 or 12" diameter which severely limits the choice of propeller type. However some have been re--engined with longer shaft and P bracket further aft to allow a larger diameter propeller. Normally a boat that size/displacement with a 30hp engine would have a 2:1 reduction and a 15 or 16" propeller.
 
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Snowgoose-1

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After getting the right diameter and pitch right , is there a way of calculating the DAR , the actual area of the blades ? or is it just a compromise to minimise drag when sailing ?

There is often a wide selection of types on power boats, even among the non planing hulls.
 

Tranona

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After getting the right diameter and pitch right , is there a way of calculating the DAR , the actual area of the blades ? or is it just a compromise to minimise drag when sailing ?

There is often a wide selection of types on power boats, even among the non planing hulls.
A typical DAR for a fixed 3 blade prop for a sailing auxiliary would be around 0.45 and a fixed 2 blade 0.25, although some are smaller than this to reduce drag under sail. Generally folding and feathering propellers have a larger DAR because drag under sail is no longer an issue
 

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It's either a 2:1 or a 1:1. I will have my friend and prospective Moody owner check at the weekend.

A bit of googling revealed a few things I had suspected

"The Moody 33 is very restricted in the diameter of the prop. Think the maximum is 13".

Also

"Agree with Robmcg but I wonder if the prop is too big and he's getting turbulence around the hull which reduces efficiency? IIRC on my old Moody 33 the original prop was 2 blade 12" diameter and I changed to 3 blade 13" which made a huge improvement. I could have, just about, got a 14" diameter on her but with virtually no clearance at the hull. Best to talk to one of the prop makers as they're usually very helpful.
For what it's worth I think you will find the Thornycroft T90 is only rated at about 27HP in these boats. Very confusing but in the literature I had the engine was capable of 39HP but only delivered 27HP in that set up.
Hopefully someone with a M33 now will be along soon"

And

"I've done some experimenting with a Mk 2 (T'croft 90 + TMP 1:1) and found the following:
i) 12x8 Radice folding two blade (my current setup) gives adequate motoring performance (max 7 knots), is well matched to engine characteristics, is essential if you want to race; BUT fuel consumption up by 50% compared to 3-blade, progress about 3 knots into F8;
ii) 12x8 fixed two blade not much difference from folder except for the increased drag;
iii)12x6 Lansing 'Equipoise' 3-blade is slightly over pitched but gives hull speed at 2000rpm, 6.5 knots at 1500, is not expensive, can drive the boat hard (too hard if you're not careful) into full gale and big seas; downside is there's quite a lot of prop-walk astern (good once you're used to it) and it's no use if you want to race (handicap compensation isn't adequate).

Don't be taken in by the arguments for folders and feathering props if you're only cruising. The large blade area Lansing prop has the biggest drag of those I've used but it's still only worth about 0.2 to 0.3 of a knot on the sailing performance at 6.5 knots and certainly not the 0.5 to 1 knot you see bandied about."

DO CHECK THAT YOU'VE A REDUCTION BOX. For cruising, and assuming you've the 1:1 box, I'd go for a plain round bladed 12x6 three-blader which probably has less prop-walk than mine and is even cheaper."

These are all really old posts. I tried to find the mentioned Lansing Equipoise prop but found nothing. Radice and Gori still available through silette and really not that pricey new but sadly it's only the 2 blade props that are in the budget

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There is a second hand Kiwi prop on ebay that might be an option. that would give the boat a 3 blade folder and adjustable pitch.
 
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