Max-prop versus Foldable

[Bleck]

I have a Beneteau 393 Oceanis with a 3 blades Foldable from Volvo. On reverse it is very difficult to maneuver. In that the blades will not open to the maximum diameter, the reverse power is very poor
Same friends recommend buying a 3 blade max-prop.
There is somebody with any experience concerning those 2 type of propellers.

TKS for your opinion

Regards

C. Bleck
Portugal

[btrayfors]

MaxProps are extremely robust. I have had a 3-blade model for the past 17 years fitted to my 42' sloop. It has EXCELLENT power and control in reverse. In forward, it's just about the same as the 3-blade fixed prop I replaced.

My vote, based on my own experience and that of hundreds (thousands?) of others is to go with a MaxProp. They are costly, but you can fit it and forget it.

Bill

[colemj]

I can't comment on the Max prop, but it sounds like something is wrong with your folding prop. We have the same Volvo 3-blade props on our boat, but they open fully in reverse and we have a lot of power. Is something inhibiting their opening? Ii seems that if they won't open fully in reverse, they shouldn't be opening fully in forward either.

Mark

[David M]

I bet if you Googled a comparison of the two, somebody, somewhere has already done a comparison.

[S/V Elusive]

I agree with Btrayfors - I've got a maxi on my 43' Endeavour Ketch - As long as I have fuel, I have great control in either direction.

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by Bleck

In that the blades will not open to the maximum diameter, the reverse power is very poor

Why are the blades not opening fully? Maybe paying a diver to do an inspection (including watching the prop while you shift from foward to reverse) would be helpful.

[Tropic Cat]

Here's the MIT propeller study which compares the Max Prop performance to competitors and fixed propellers.

MIT Propeller Study

Hope this helps

[David M]

Interesting study. Its old (1994) but the physics have not changed.

[Ex-Calif]

We have a smaller boat (27 feet) that had a 10ho Volvo, saildrive and original folding prop. We replaceed the folding prop with a max prop and it was undeniably the best thing we have ever done to the boat.

The folding prop has to work in forward and it has to rely on centrifugal forces in reverse. Bottom line is that it is a compromise.

We used to get 3.5 knots in forward and marginal performance in reverse. Around here we sometimes can get 1.5 knots current during flood tides.

Now we get 5.5-6 kts in forward and reversing is like throwing out an anchor. Reverse performance is almost as good as forward.

Do it - You won't regret it.

[Tropic Cat]

Originally Posted by Tropic Cat

Here's the MIT propeller study which compares the Max Prop performance to competitors and fixed propellers.[/URL] ...

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Propeller Drag under sail, Article