Mahe 36: Sail Drives and Props

[Eric66]

This spring I plan to replace my fixed props with folding/feathering ones.

I like the KIWIPROPS. I prefer feathering props. These ones are very light but also maybe very fragile. Does anyone have any feedback on this brand?

My 2 main goals when under sail are: 1) getting rid of the vibrations
2) improving the boatspeed.

Can anybody sum up the pros and cons for folding/feathering props?
Is it really worth it considering the expence?

2 additional infos:
1) I have VOLVO PENTA D1-20 engines
2) my boat is on charter and so maybe it would be wiser to keep my old 2 blade fixed props!

Any comments/experience welcome.

Eric.

[Pete7]

Eric,

The Flex-o-fold website has a copy of the YM review on most of the folding props which you might want to read.

Folding Propellers - Flexofold

Whilst the blades look like plastic, I suspect they are up to the task. The other thought is if you do hit something solid, the blade will break rather than the sail drive gearbox. Replacing a blade will be a lot cheaper.

Sadly we dryout on springs in mud so no good for us, hence had to put the Kiwiprop back on the shelf

Pete

[MKB53]

Hi Eric

I fitted a pair of Autostream feathering props from Seahawk 2 years ago and have been very happy with them (Seahawk.com.au).

Better performance ahead and astern and a noticable improvement under sail.

I prefer feathering as folding props are generally poor going astern and relatively expensive. I have seen pictures of severely worn hinges on folding props as well.

I went for the Autostream after researching as many user comments as I could find on the net. The suppliers were also very helpful and knowledgable. There were some aspects of the Kiwi prop that put me off but I can't remember what they were.

The Autostream are "ugly" with protruding lugs and flat blades but work well. I also liked the fact that they are stainless steel.

Cheers
Martin

[Jef & Marin, Netherlands]

Stainless steel looks nice, but I thought copper (and bronze) have anti-fouling properties; barnacles don't like copper......

[ggray]

Originally Posted by Jef & Marin, Netherlands

Stainless steel looks nice, but I thought copper (and bronze) have anti-fouling properties; barnacles don't like copper......

They seem to like my bronze props plenty.

[longislandsail]

You might want to try Volvo themselves. Now they have there own folding props for the D1 20. I have them on my boat, they were part of the boat show special. I like the alot they are Bronze. Work well in foward and reverse Have nice zincs all around the prop shaft. My hull is 93 so they have been around since 2008 models.
Al

[Eric66]

Thanks for your comments.

Thank you Pete for the link to the YM review. Very helpful!
Martin, have a look to this site, maybe you'll remember why you choose the Autostream. Kiwi is average.

Still investigating, I noticed a feathering prop EWOL E3 which is a French manufacture. It is very nice but sadly I have no feedback and I can imagine you never heard of it in your countries ...

Cheers.
Eric.

[longislandsail]

I know we have all talked about our transmisions and the oil or fluid in it. I changed mine two weeks ago and brown oil came out I guess 15/40. The boat is a 2008 Mahe hull 93 and this was the first time the fluid was changed. I have to believe that Volvo felt that 15/40 oil was better than trans. fluid to use. The oil looked almost new with little metal filings on the bolt. Just wanted to let all of you what I found on my boat. I will replace the oil with oil.

Al

[jean1146]

I just went to 15W40 on our boat in preparetion for our Bahamas trip.I hope it is not going to cause me problems.It was doing fine with Transmission fluid....

[vayacondios]

With regards to Oil grade recommendations for the sail drives.

According to recent Volvo Penta Service bulletin, (April 2011) , "Volvo Penta has decided to pay for oil changes in 150S Drives with serial numbers below 51501023156.
(see entire text attached)

Rozzie

[Jef & Marin, Netherlands]

Rozzie,
Do you also have such a service bulletin for the 130S saildrive as is used in my Mahe? (D1-20 engine with 130S saildrive)?
Thanks

[Edmund]

Some of us discussed the choice of props for the D1-30 option as I was ordering my boat. I wanted to order heavier props than the 17x12 supplied by FP, but FP refused:

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...tml#post441059


Through the winter, I've been in contact with Volvo Penta Norway. They first told me that Volvo actually does not have any good tool for calculating props for a sail catamaran! So I gave them the data for one hull/one engine and asked them to tell me what prop they would recommend for this a setup, as a monohull. Not suprisingly, the answer was: 18x13, giving close to 1 knot higher speed.....
Price for two new blade sets: App 3100 EUR.

Annoying. Very annoying.

So I will have two sets of 17x12 Volvo folding props for sale (180hours) . Don't quite know when yet, but let me know if anyone is interested...

[Cotemar]

Edmund,

Document all your before and after speeds and RPM's.

Their may be a lot of Volvo Penta D1-30 owners that would be interested if it all works out good.
Keep an eye on the exhaust for any black smoke (unburned fuel), which would be my concern.

If you really do get 1 knot more speed on one engine and all the other vitals look good I also would be interested in a 18 diameter x 13pitch prop upgrade.

I agree, it will be pricy ($3100 EUR = $4,414.53 USD) and most owners would not do it from the factory because of the voided warranty, but once you are out of warranty, why not.

Will be interesting. Please keep us posted

Mark

[vayacondios]

Jeff/Miss Poes
Sorry I only came across the one for the 30hp engines. Doesn't mean there isn't one! Maybe online.

Rozzie

[Cotemar]

Rozzie,

I think what Jef/Miss Poes was referring to is that all Mahe's (both 20 & 30hp) have 130s Saildrives and Jef wanted to know if you found a recent Volvo Penta Service bulletin that shows that they are paying for the 130s oil change.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...tml#post688706

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...tml#post599691

Mark