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Strygaldwir · 14-03-2009, 06:59

It seems like it price/efficiency/longevity are most compelling. I was somewhat amazed (don't know why, it is a boat after all) by the cost of folding and feathering propellers! So much so I just had my 3 blade fixed props re pitched. But, since I am doing more sailing and less motoring now, I am reconsidering. When the cost is x2 it even gets more compelling.

Moby Dick · 15-03-2009, 04:49

Feathering props are also compromised - typically thick edges to get the weight needed to centriguge the blades out for ANY thrust in reverse, and a flattened shape to reduce drag when folded.

I have found the difference between thrust/revs/consumption of a three blade Kiwi little different to a three blade fixed, and much better than a two blade fixed

MD

Esprit Marine · 16-03-2009, 00:48

Marinheiro, I concur with what you say. Pity that the test report was not redone with a second batch of correctly selected propellers for all manufacturers. Also data on shaft torque and fuel consumption should have been measured to have a full picture.

Kiwi props might offer a cheaper alternative to metallic folding or feathering propellers, but purchasers have to be aware that they might end up paying the saving in fuel consumption if they motor quite often.

markpj23 · 16-03-2009, 06:37

We just re-propped with 3-blade Flex-O-Fold 16x11 pitch units. Replaced H5 AutoProps that the P.O. had seriously neglected.

Acceleration is good, engine RPMs are up about 200 and now reach 3200 rated speed (Volvo MD2030Cs pushing 120 Sail Drives). I lost about 1/2 a knot speed at top RPM. 12 pitch blades would likely erase this.

Backing performance is excellent - I honestly do not notice a difference from the AutoProps I replaced. Motoring to weather is also good, but not quite as good as with the AutoProps.

So overall I spent less than half the cost of replacing the AutoProps, lost 1/2 knot, got into a "better" engine RPM scenario and have no difference in backing power.

Just wanted to share my experience. I have no affiliation with either of the vendors.

dpollitt · 21-03-2009, 10:39

Wonder if anyone can help me.

Have two flexofold 2 blades props on my catamaran. Have two Volvo md2030 c engines with saildrives. One of the zincs on the sail drive is almost eaten through.

Is it possible to change this zinc without taking the boat out of the water? Does the Flexofold prop pull off in one piece allowing this volvo collar zinc to be slid on the shaft?

Many thanks
david pollitt

mikereed100 · 21-03-2009, 10:51

David,

I'll have to defer to others concerning your question, but have a few of my own. How do your props perform? What size engines? Cruising speed? Most people opt for 3 blades, do you find that 2 blades are adequate for motoring into a seaway? More noise/vibration?

Thanks,
Mike

dpollitt · 21-03-2009, 10:58

Im new to these props and have little to compare but I am positive on all your questions.....seem to work very well......cruising speed on flat water is 8-9 knots- volvo 30 hp engines

thanks for writing
david

lampe · 24-03-2009, 11:54

Update:

Boat is in the water again.( by the way it was snowing today)
Tested the new Flex-o-Fold today. GREAT, what a difference to the Volvo propeller !

If this section is still online at the end of the saison i will report.

hugosalt · 24-03-2009, 19:52

David, I have a FOF prop on my Yanmar saildrive.
Assuming the FOF hub on both Volvo and Yanmar saildrives are the same.
(I used to have a Volvo prop on my Yanmar saildrive, so should be the
same.
You remove the blades first then the hub.
There are issues with reapplying locktight to the bolts threads.
Call Chuck Angle of FOF he may recommend new bolts treated with
locktight upon reinstalation.
You will most likely need a tab washer(to keep hub on) when reinstalling.
I believe Volvo makes 2 piece zincs, which can be installed
without pulling the prop (I use the Yanmar equivelent)
But that won't help you until you can remove the current zinc
which should be changed sooner than later.

markpj23 · 25-03-2009, 06:59

I believe the Volvo 2-piece zincs are only for the Model 130 sail drives. The 120s / 110s use a one-piece design.

hugosalt · 25-03-2009, 12:13

Thanks Mark. I have a Yanmar saildrive, didn't know some Volvo saildrives still
only take one piece zincs.
I am going on my third year with my FOF prop and
pleased with all aspects of performance sailing and motoring.
Impressed with robust build and no maintenance.
Over the years I've heard of saildrive props being lost or becoming loose,
I suspect...just theory...that the cause could be impact from being put
into gear while rpm's just a little to high/or because of nylon piece that
protects saildrives gears when folding props open to hard, as well as
improper install....In any case just a heads up...follow instructions
check yard work. I put Boat life chaulk on the nut, just in case it
decided to back off slowly from vibrations or possibilities above
and try to check prop every time I take a swim or dive.

Paul_Carroll · 30-07-2009, 17:20

there is a used Autoprop H5-460 available in Annapolis Craigslist for $2500 AutoProp H5-460 prop

redcobra · 30-07-2009, 19:07

My $0.02
I just went from a fixed 2 blade to a MaxProp 3 blade. Wow! what a difference in forward and sailing, and I CAN REVERSE INTO THE SLIP.
Went hard aground last week in mud (disgraced again). Went into reverse and powered off. Could not have done that before.