I am considering putting a folding prop on my 1997 First 36s7. Has anyone done this? Did it improve performance noticeably? Is there one that is significantly better than others? I am just beginning the process and don't know where to start.
I'm betting that every single Beneteau First boat built since 2000 has come from the factory with a flexofold 2 or 3 blade folder. I have two boats with them, and sailed on dozens. They perform great under sail and power, require ZERO maintenance, and always open. Recommended.I am considering putting a folding prop on my 1997 First 36s7. Has anyone done this? Did it improve performance noticeably? Is there one that is significantly better than others? I am just beginning the process and don't know where to start.
Third'ed. We went from a fixed 3 blade to Flexofold 3 blade and picked up at least half a knot at low wind speeds, maybe close to a full knot. Also we picked up some speed in high winds, when the fixed prop's turbulence caused rudder stall.Ditto!
When we switched to the FOF our motoring speed and RPMs stayed basically the same, or maybe went up 0.1 knots. I've read reports from others saying they had a bigger speed improvement. Our fuel consumption is basically the same as well. Power when motoring in reverse is certainly less with the FOF, but that just means I dock with 1200 RPMs instead of idle.Everyone always compares performance under sail. Can anyone share their experiences under motor with a 3-blade fixed versus 3-blade flexofold?