New propellor

[oneillclan]

The propellor fell off my Elan impression 384 yestetday. Has a volvo penta d2 40 F and a saildrive. Should you go for a folding prop ? Previously had a standard 3 bladed prop. Probably need to install in the water. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Gerrit Coetzee]

Well, I am right on subject:

Had a 3 blade folding propeller. Volvo Penta 130S D2-40.

They are heavy (some 40Lbs) and expensive ($1300 range) and I decided to switch to aluminium light weight 2 blade fixed propellers.

My 16:18 ratio prop was deemed underpowered by the Volvo technician.
I find the reverse power is less, affects manoeuvring and the drag is there when I sail.

Thus, I am going back to the folding 3 blade propeller of which I could service and manage the one, but I need to buy another.

Ewol propeller came afore. They are feathering, stainless steel alloy, claim to be smoother, less drag, more power forward, same power in reverse , but they are vastly more expensive than my current brass ones, at $2600 ea

Yet they have one more advantage: They supply ropecutters/linecutters fitting only for Ewol propellers.
(I am searching far and wide and rope cutters for saildrives are as expensive as folding propellers). Their ropecutters are like $350 ea.

I saw video of 4:58 underwater fitting of Ewol propeller - so that is an easy fit (certainly it was a trained diver, but nevertheless).

I need to make decision within the week, to stick with the brass propeller, get another type/brand, or break the bank with the two Ewol ones.
(If I do go with Ewol or other brand, I have a brass 3 blade folding propeller for sale for $1k.)

I am in need of advice and suggestions too please.