Flex o fold prop

Stu Jackson · Oct 28, 2014

Are you aware of this group?

http://www.catalina320.com/

They'd know, and help you with pitch and prop diameter, too, I'd bet.

Good luck.

You could also do a search here on that prop. There have been many discussions about the pros & cons of different feathering props, on this and just about any other boating forum.

meb135 · Oct 28, 2014

patrick17440 said:
Has anyone installed a three blade Flex o fold prop on their
Catalina? My boat is a 320 MII with a Yanmar 3ym30, with
a 15" 3 blade. If so, what is your opinion of the prop?
Thanks, Patrick

Patrick17440, go to the flexofold website and fill-in the propeller inquiry form and they will recommend the proper size and type.

Fyi, For my hunter 33 with 3ym30 engine, their first recommendation was a 2 blade 16x13r

Claygr · Nov 3, 2014

We've had a three blade Flexofold on our 1989 Catalina 34 and our 2004 Catalina 387. Works great under both power and sail. Just enough prop walk in reverse. It does require more RPMs than a fixed prop to stop the boat, particularly our 387, which is very heavy. Installation is easy once you get the old prop off. There is no maintenance (although I do clean it annually just because I like it shiny). I suggest you buy it from a U.S. dealer rather than directly from the manufacturer to avoid paying customs charges.

Bronxite · Jan 27, 2016

On your catalina 34, what pitch was your 3 blade 16" flexofold prop?

Claygr · Jan 27, 2016

I believe it was a 15x10 three-blade with the Universal M25XP engine, 23 HP. Flexofold recommended a 15x9 but we went with the larger pitch based on some recommendations with other C34 owners from the owner's group. We were very happy with it. I think other C34 owners with the same engine and transmission were satisfied with the 15x9 as well.

Be careful on putting any weight on what we had on our C34 - the prop recommendation is specific to the prop manufacturer and the engine and transmission of the boat. So, you cannot compare dimensions for different props (i.e., a Flexofold prop versus a Variprop) or for the same props with different boats, engines or transmissions. So, not only is my prop on my C34 not helpful to you as a C320 owner, the pitch recommendation would not be helpful to even another C34 owner with a Mark II boat that had the Universal M35 engine and a different transmission than the Mark I boats.

Bronxite · Jan 27, 2016

Claygr said:
I believe it was a 15x10 three-blade with the Universal M25XP engine, 23 HP. Flexofold recommended a 15x9 but we went with the larger pitch based on some recommendations with other C34 owners from the owner's group. We were very happy with it. I think other C34 owners with the same engine and transmission were satisfied with the 15x9 as well.

Be careful on putting any weight on what we had on our C34 - the prop recommendation is specific to the prop manufacturer and the engine and transmission of the boat. So, you cannot compare dimensions for different props (i.e., a Flexofold prop versus a Variprop) or for the same props with different boats, engines or transmissions. So, not only is my prop on my C34 not helpful to you as a C320 owner, the pitch recommendation would not be helpful to even another C34 owner with a Mark II boat that had the Universal M35 engine and a different transmission than the Mark I boats.

Much Obliged for the feed back.
I'm aware of the differences in engine/gear/Prop form boat to boat.
I have a Hunter 340 with a Ynamar 3GM30F 27 HP, and 1:2.62 gear, asking Flexofold for a 3 blade prop and they recommend a 16 x 11... Just trying to see what other folks have done in a relative manner.

Alansails · Feb 27, 2016

cost of the flex o fold?
The one for the 320?

seadaddler · Feb 27, 2016

I have 16x11 flex of fold on my 2007 H-36 3YM30 since 2007
and love it.
Nick

seadaddler · Feb 27, 2016

Sail magazine had them around $2000

Alansails · Feb 28, 2016

Do you see them giving you good return on your investment?

wufibugs · Feb 28, 2016

When I bought the 2-blade directly from Flexofold a few years ago, it was around $900. I doubt that could be recovered even on a very nicely maintained 30 year old boat. Age, model and location are the big factors; condition and equipment may seal the deal at the upper part of the price range.

Bronxite · Feb 28, 2016

I have a similar boat ( hunter 340) with the Ynmar 3gm30, & a 1:2.62 transmission, they recommend a 16x11, 3 blade prop.
HOWEVER I know Claygr, noted to buy from a US vendor, good idea but----there are none I can find. Only one in Marblehead Mass, and thats bogus because all phone messages and e-mails go direct to the office in Denmark.

If anyone knows of a bonafide Flexofold dealer in the US, please let the posters know.. Thanks.

wufibugs · Feb 28, 2016

Well, maybe it was more than a "few" years. Here is the info I used back then: Dan Tucker, Flexofold North America, 781.631.3190, amsales@flexofold.com

seadaddler · Feb 28, 2016

Try Cruising Solutions and think they offer them on their web site.
Nick

Johnb · Feb 28, 2016

I just tested the number below and got their voice mail - note this is Sunday.

Flexofold North America
T: +1 781 797 0809
F: +1 781 639 2503
Open from 9:00am to 5:00pm (Eastern)

Bronxite · Feb 28, 2016

Johnb said:
I just tested the number below and got their voice mail - note this is Sunday.

Flexofold North America
T: +1 781 797 0809
F: +1 781 639 2503
Open from 9:00am to 5:00pm (Eastern)

Thanks all I will try tomorrow AM both locations.

Claygr · Feb 29, 2016

Dan Tucker used to be with Flexofold but they they closed their U.S. distribution office a couple of years ago. Cruising Solutions is the only company I know of in the U.S. that sells Flexofold.

stuartsw · Apr 29, 2016

I just installed a three-blade Flexofold on my Hunter 36, with a Yanmar 3YM30. The only way I found to order a Flexofold was to order direct from Denmark, beginning with an email quote from them, obtained from filling in a web form. The prop performed well in sea trials, and gave an average 25% increase in knots over its two blade fixed predecessor. In addition, the diver who installed it told me that the Flexofold was his preference over the Max Prop, primarily because it assembles and disassembles simply, and is easier to repair.