Looking to rid my boat of the fixed three blade propeller. Its a 1993 Hunter 40.5 with Michigan Dyna Jet prop 18R12. Anyone have a suggestion on which route to follow, Folding or feathering? Manufacturer and size? Thanks.
Folding or feathering???
- Thread starter footerdog
- Start date
My 2cents - get a feathering it will give much better reverse than a folding - especially for your boat size.
I just replaced my fixed prop with a feathering unit. Awesome performance increase under sail. Reverse is fine. It's a 15" MaxProp.
There are more threads on this subject than you can shake a stick at. Do a few searches and you will get an unlimited number of opinions.
I replaced fixed on my 38 with a Maxprop feathering based on recommendation from Marc at Racine Riverside where I bought the boat.
Extremely happy with performance
I replaced fixed on my 38 with a Maxprop feathering based on recommendation from Marc at Racine Riverside where I bought the boat.
Extremely happy with performance
This will probably turn out to be a vote for whatever prop you have.
In that spirit I recommend the AutoStream feathering prop. All stainless steel, fully adjustable for forward and reverse pitch under water, and can lube under water also.
Mine is a 18" and about a 12" pitch (forward). The sailing performance gain in light air is very noticeable, less so in heavy air. Backup performance is unbelievable- it is almost like having brakes!
When I bought mine in 2000, it was $1000 less than MaxProp.
In that spirit I recommend the AutoStream feathering prop. All stainless steel, fully adjustable for forward and reverse pitch under water, and can lube under water also.
Mine is a 18" and about a 12" pitch (forward). The sailing performance gain in light air is very noticeable, less so in heavy air. Backup performance is unbelievable- it is almost like having brakes!
When I bought mine in 2000, it was $1000 less than MaxProp.
My Solution
Clearly, the stock prop was a problem, especially with a shoal keel and big rudder trying to compensate. The turbulence over the rudder killed pointing and the light air performance lacked. What I did is to first explore a KIWI prop. It sounded terrific but I was on the end of the recommended power range which made me uncomfortable. I wound up buying a two blade geared Slipstream folding prop from Martek who distributes them and makes their own. I found backing to be unchanged except for a bit less prop walk, but requiring more throttle. The sailing difference is wonderful. And, you don't have to listen to the prop spin in neutral. A feathering (Autostream, the same as Slipstream) or many others might give you reduced vibration and stronger backing for about a grand more. Your money, your call. Whatever you decide, you will be happy you made the change! Here's a link: http://martec-props.com/
Clearly, the stock prop was a problem, especially with a shoal keel and big rudder trying to compensate. The turbulence over the rudder killed pointing and the light air performance lacked. What I did is to first explore a KIWI prop. It sounded terrific but I was on the end of the recommended power range which made me uncomfortable. I wound up buying a two blade geared Slipstream folding prop from Martek who distributes them and makes their own. I found backing to be unchanged except for a bit less prop walk, but requiring more throttle. The sailing difference is wonderful. And, you don't have to listen to the prop spin in neutral. A feathering (Autostream, the same as Slipstream) or many others might give you reduced vibration and stronger backing for about a grand more. Your money, your call. Whatever you decide, you will be happy you made the change! Here's a link: http://martec-props.com/
You are so right on that. The dozens of previous threads bear that out.
Maybe the better answer in not which brand of prob but rather choice between feathering or folding. I think most would say feathering wouldn't you?
I've heard horror stories about a folder that didn't unfold when the skipper was attempting to go into reverse and stop the boat.
Thanks everyone. I have heard horror stories as well about folding props not opening at a crucial time. Feathering it is.
On my 40.4
It is perfectly suited for the boat. You won't regret it.
I went with the 3 blade Max prop.
It is perfectly suited for the boat. You won't regret it.
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I have a 3 blade flexofold on my H466 and love it. I went with the fof after reading the studies in an English Yachting magazine. It had the lowest drag of any prop due to its folding property. Reverse was equivalent to a fixed three blade.
As far as horror stories go a friend of mine had a max prop on his H460 and it cost him $1500 to have it rebuilt due to galvanic corrosion damage. Several years later when a diver told him it was again damaged (an erroneous report as it turned out) he replaced it with a 3 blade fof. Since he had several years with a fixed 3 blade, 3 blade max prop and the 3 blade fof he told me his favorite was the fof.
I guess too the fof prop, when folded, has less of a tendency to snag objects than a prop that is simply feathered.
That recommendation, the thorough study, and much lower initial price swayed me to the fof.
I don't know why some folks put such an emphasis on backing power but the max prop certainly wins hands down there.
Max prop makes and excellent product and their owners love them. I think my fof is excellent as well.
Let us know what you buy and what results you realize.
As far as horror stories go a friend of mine had a max prop on his H460 and it cost him $1500 to have it rebuilt due to galvanic corrosion damage. Several years later when a diver told him it was again damaged (an erroneous report as it turned out) he replaced it with a 3 blade fof. Since he had several years with a fixed 3 blade, 3 blade max prop and the 3 blade fof he told me his favorite was the fof.
I guess too the fof prop, when folded, has less of a tendency to snag objects than a prop that is simply feathered.
That recommendation, the thorough study, and much lower initial price swayed me to the fof.
I don't know why some folks put such an emphasis on backing power but the max prop certainly wins hands down there.
Max prop makes and excellent product and their owners love them. I think my fof is excellent as well.
Let us know what you buy and what results you realize.
Flex o fold
Have had Flex o FOld since 2008 and love it's 3 blade performance
Reverse is great light sailing is great and smooth motoring and
Easy maintance no problems at all.
Nick
Have had Flex o FOld since 2008 and love it's 3 blade performance
Reverse is great light sailing is great and smooth motoring and
Easy maintance no problems at all.
Nick
Had a MaxProp on my last boat and a Flex-O-Fold on my current one. I would take the FOF before the MaxProp without a doubt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!