Flex-O-Fold prop

[Ken13559]

As I changed out the Kiwiprop for a flex-o-fold a yard worker suggest to me to get spare plastic dampers as these do breaks or deteriorates with time. These dampers, 2 piece for 2 blade prop is mounted just ahead of the prop on the hub. Has anyone found a need to replace these? I checked FOF site for spare parts and this damper part wasn't listed.

 

[Rick D]

Not the same, but maybe similar. I have a folding Slipstream and it has nylon bump stops and a nylon thrust bushing. I replace them every haul (3-4 years). I could perhaps skip one, but why? They are a small part of the haul out expense and I risk damaging the prop if I don't. I put on about 300 motoring miles in that time.

 

[Jackdaw]

We have two flex-folds and have never changed them on either prop. The manual does not even recommend they be replaced at any interval or even show them as a spare part, which means they are a life-of-the-prop part. But I do look at them at haul out.

 

[Mikem]

I have a three blade FOF and concur with Jackdaw.

 

[seadaddler]

I have 3 blade Flex O Fold since 2008 and during haul out for new bottom job about every 3 years here in Florida do take the blades off and just do real good cleaning but never change anything.
Nick

 

[Ken13559]

So thus far, we've yet had a damaged damper nylon piece on folding prop. Good to know.
Thank you.

 

[Don Lucas]

I have a 3 blade FOF, didn't even know those plastic pieces could be replaced

 

[seadaddler]

I have had my flex o fold on my boat since 2008 and looks like new and I don't think
the plastic stop ever needs replacing unless damaged by maybe some thing hitting the prop
while motoring and than maybe more than the plastic needing replacing.
Every few years when I do a bottom job I take the blades off and give everything a good cleaning with a wire brush on a drill and have never seen any wear and tare on the plastic stops.
I just make sure I change the Zinc when needed and also have a Zinc on my shaft and so far have not had any problems with my prop and still looking good.
Nick