Flexofold 2 blade vs 3 blade?

[Blue Eyes]

Its boat show time and I will be looking at folding props to replace the shaft mounted fixed 2 blade prop (17RH11) on my Pearson 36-2. I've been in touch with Flexofold and they have given me both 2 (16x12R) and 3 (16x11-3R) blade options. They say the 3 blade will be better in a head sea, have better stopping power and less vibration - but it is twice the price. My fixed 2 blade works well enough in a head sea. So, has anyone had experience with the 2 blade Flexofold on a similar size boat that can comment on how it performs in a head sea, if there are stopping or reverse issues and if it has noticable vibration? Are there any other issues I should consider?

 

[Ed Schenck]

I have had both the 2-blade and now the 3-blade Flex-O-Fold props. Difficult to compare because the two was with my 20hp and the three with my new 30hp. But my boat displaces over 18000# and the 2-blade folder was a huge improvement over the fixed 2-blade. Too bad he doesn't have a pair of demo props to try. I can tell you that 2-blade took me through a lot of tough old square Erie waves.

 

[Blue Eyes]

Thanks for that input - that is helpful. My father lives and keeps his boat on Catawba Island so I know what you mean by the square waves. Have you noticed if the 3 blade runs appreciably smoother than the 2 blade did?

 

[seadaddler]

3 Blade

I have only had the 3 blade on my 07 H-36 and very haappy with it and I stern in into my slip and she will stop on a dime and will also always push through the heavy waves also no problem,I think the 2 blade is the racing prop.
Nick

 

[Ed Schenck]

Same problem regarding "smoothness" Blue. Never had a two-blade on the 30hp. Compared to a two on the old 2QM20 is like comparing your F-150 to a Lexus. I can tell you that it is really pretty though.