Replace propeller

[bensolomon]

Good evening. I have a two blade folding prop that came with the boat. I am considering replacing for a few reasons. The rhythmic vibration of the two blades is annoying, and this is a 30 year old prop. Out of curiosity, how often, if ever, do people replace props?

I want to replace with 3 blade flexofold. Boat is a 1990 hunter legend.

Thank you,

Ben

[JPA Cate]

Ben, it may just need re-bushing. This boat came with a Gori 2 blade folder, and we replaced the bushings on it. However, we weren't careful to specify the proper alloy for the bushings, and they quickly eroded. A tough lesson. It shouldn't have worked out the way it did. But, bad stuff happens.

However, we are quite happy with our 3 blade Flex-o-Fold.

Ann

[bensolomon]

Ann,

Thank your reply. I hope all is well with you and your family.

Thanks, again,
Ben

[JPA Cate]

Thanks for the good wishes, Ben, and good luck with the prop.

Ann

[AiniA]

Originally Posted by bensolomon

Good evening. I have a two blade folding prop that came with the boat. I am considering replacing for a few reasons. The rhythmic vibration of the two blades is annoying, and this is a 30 year old prop. Out of curiosity, how often, if ever, do people replace props?

I want to replace with 3 blade flexofold. Boat is a 1990 hunter legend.

Thank you,

Ben

The rhythmic vibration could come from other sources, and more likely, than the prop. Be sure to check everything from the transmission backwards. Certainly a cutless bearing could be the problem. We have a three blade FlexOFold and it has been a treat. The people in Denmark are most helpful.

[Jim Cate]

Ben, another thing to check is the tip clearance of your current prop. If this gap is too small it can impart vibration to the whole boat. I think the mechanisms include pressure waves from the prop tips vortices interacting with the hull and changes in the shaft loading as the tips pass the near point of the hull or other appendages.

This can be especially true with a two cylinder engine... dunno what yours is.

Jim

[A la carte]

Vibration could be from prop wear. As JP Cate mentioned, it might just need re-bushing... much less than buying a new prop. Some (all?) of the folding props need greasing and will eventually wear even then. If you don't grease or use the wrong grease, they can wear quickly.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by bensolomon

Good evening. I have a two blade folding prop that came with the boat. I am considering replacing for a few reasons. The rhythmic vibration of the two blades is annoying, and this is a 30 year old prop. Out of curiosity, how often, if ever, do people replace props?

I want to replace with 3 blade flexofold. Boat is a 1990 hunter legend.

Thank you,

Ben

Do yourself a favor and go with a feathering prop.

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

Do yourself a favor and go with a feathering prop.

I have had both in the past. My opinion: do yourself a favor and go with a Flex-O-Fold three blade.

Jim