Folding Propeller Oct 2020

[keaislandsailor]

Hello,

Can someone please share some experiences with folding prop manufacturers? Looking to install one right away on Irwin 52 with new Yanmar 4JH80. Also, wondering which ones have recently moved up and down the ladder with quality and service.

Thanks,

Neil

[Drinky Crow]

Someone must have an opinion! Fold or feather, what's hot and what's not?!

[Toccata]

46' Savage Oceanic 75Hp Yanmar
I can't speak highly enough of FlexOFold
Easy to deal with. Correct settings right out of the box. Works as described with excellent thrust in both directions. Smooth/vibration free.
I previously used an Autostream on a 40' racing yacht. I found their published technique for feathering the prop to be problematic and a bit hit and miss

[RoadRacer]

^^ Another vote for Flex-O-Fold....great product and robust design.

[skipmac]

A third recommendation for Flexofold. Just bought one. Ordered it from Denmark and had it in four days. I can't get shipments from the other side of the state that fast.

Customer service was helpful and responsive.

Did a lot of online research and Flexofold had high marks on all testing. Before the final decision communicated with two forum members that have had Flexofolds for some time and both loved them.

The only other option I seriously considered was the Autostream feathering prop but they don't make one to fit my prop shaft so Flexofold it was.

[Smokeys Kitchen]

Our boat came with a Maxprop. We like it very much so far. It didn't completely eliminate the prop walk, but it has significant thrust in reverse - making it very useful in the marina for docking situations. We had it rebuilt when we got the boat 4 years ago and it has been fine since.

[skipmac]

One point perhaps worth mentioning. Assume the OP understands the difference between folding and feathering props?

Folding props the blades actually fold back into a streamlined shape. Feathering props the prop blade stays extended but rotates so the edge of the blade is facing forward.

[fstbttms]

Originally Posted by Smokeys Kitchen

Our boat came with a Maxprop.

You do not have a folding prop.

[Smokeys Kitchen]

Skipmac and Fstbttms - thanks for the correction. Yes I do have a feathering prop and not a folding one - my fault. I mis-interpreted the original question from the OP; thought they wanted to know about any folding or feathering props - even though it wasn't stated in the original post.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Smokeys Kitchen

Skipmac and Fstbttms - thanks for the correction. Yes I do have a feathering prop and not a folding one - my fault. I mis-interpreted the original question from the OP; thought they wanted to know about any folding or feathering props - even though it wasn't stated in the original post.

But to be fair, a lot of boaters refer to all varieties of non fixed blade props generically as folding props and we aren't certain at this point if the OP did so.

So until we here confirmation we aren't sure if he prefers folding or feathering or either.

[Yellowtulip]

I have a Volvo 3-blade folding prop. I've had it for two seasons. Its performance is much better than the previous 2-bladed fixed prop both in forward and reverse and of course there's an appreciable gain in sailing ability. The only downside (if it can be called that) is that the prop walk is considerably stronger.

[longjonsilver]

Nothing like "impartial" testing by a boating mag.

Here it is:
https://www.yachtingmonthly.com/gear...ler-test-29807

http://www.hughes38.com/wp-content/u...onthly_low.pdf

Read it. Critique the methodology if you like. Better than opinions on a chat forum, altho they are valuable as well.

jon

[AiniA]

I am also on the Flexofold fan wagon. Bought one after reading the YM article. Best bang for the buck as it was much cheaper than something like a MaxProp which I had on a previous boat and really liked. The only problem I have noted with the FOF is that it is too efficient when you are motoring in tight quarters at idle speed. You go faster than you might want so you end up having to shift to neutral quite often.

[longjonsilver]

Originally Posted by AiniA

it is too efficient

[wingssail]

I've used Martec folding propellers on my boat for 34 years of continuous use and the one which was on it when I bought the boat was there already for six years.

I'm on my third Martec now. They can be completely rebuilt when needed, in most countries. I carry a spare.

They are rugged, simple, and inexpensive. Problems include reduced power in reverse (but totally adequate) and when they start to get worn sometimes only one blade opens.