Folding and feathering props

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mike

Gori, Maxprop, Auto prop, Martec. I would like to here about experiances with each. Reliability? maintainance? performance? I understand the Auto prop does not require modification to the shaft. I am going to equip my Catalina 36 with one of these.
 
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Bill O'Donovan

Max-Prop

Requires no modificatio to shaft and works great, especially in reverse and always in reverse after running aground.
 
Mar 13, 2004
95
Hunter 356 Port Huron, MI
I like my Gori...

I got a Gori for a case of beer, and the parts required from Gori to rebuild it. They were easy to deal with, and the parts came as promised. It fit right on the shaft with no modifications or problems. It makes a BIG difference in performance in light air and in speed after manuvers. Steve
 
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Claude Labrecque

Do not forget Flex-O-fold

I have been contemplating buying a folding / feathering prop for our Hunter 35.5. At the Annapolis and the Fort Lauderdale boat show, I had many conversations with most prop manufacturers. I was looking for 4 things; Forward thrust, reverse thrust, drag and price. The flex-o-fold 3 blades in 16 X 12 is my choice. Look at the independant test results done by 2 different labs and their OEM list of clients: X-Yachts, Dehler, Elan, Malo, Najad, Swan, J-Boats, Morris, Grand Soleil . I have nothing to do with this company but think their product certainly is worth a good look. Also, pricing is 45% below Max-Prop for same application. Good sailing
 
C

Claude

Also check the archives

Also Mike, This has been discussed in the related link . You will find there more information.
 
Feb 9, 2004
311
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Max experience on C36

Hi Mike - As you know, the two spendy & popular options are the Autoprop and Max Prop. There has been much discussion over the relative merits of each, and people get defensive about their choice, since they need to justify the expense. My deduction is that the Autoprop is better for motor sailing but the Max prop is better for overall sailing speed (less drag). There are other less costly alernatives, like the Campbell, Gori, Flexofold, etc, etc, so it depends on budget and whether you intend to do more cruising (read motoring in most cases) or pure sailing - I don't have any experience with those. I replaced a satisfactory 3 blade (15x9) on my Catalina 36 with a Max and am pleased with the result. It's hard to measure the sailing increase in speed, but I'd say it's at least 1/2 knot. Motoring at hull speed is no problem and backwards thrust is much imroved (the only drawback is the initial torque is delayed as the prop needs to feather the opposite direction when shifting). People spend a LOT of money on new sails and bottoms to go a little faster, and the prop choice benefits sailing speed every time I turn off the motor. Just my 2 cents, Trevor
 
M

mike

props

Trevor, Thanks for the honest,objective report on props. Mike
 
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