For a Hunter 420, does anyone have information on what type of folding prop should be used if at all, manufacturer, cost, pros, cons...etc Thanks Mahalo
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P 42 answer
I know, it is a different boat. But close. We have a 17 x 15 flex-o-fold on our 1997 P42 with the 62 HP turbo Yanmar. Great. Fast under sail and power. If I had it to do over again, might look into the three blade folding props that are available now. Weren't out back in 97. Check them out at the boat shows.
I know, it is a different boat. But close. We have a 17 x 15 flex-o-fold on our 1997 P42 with the 62 HP turbo Yanmar. Great. Fast under sail and power. If I had it to do over again, might look into the three blade folding props that are available now. Weren't out back in 97. Check them out at the boat shows.
H 420 Prop
Are you certain a floding prop is what you want? The Max-Prop feathering prop is outstanding for a cruiser--love it. It reduces drag, points higher when beating and has more power in reverse around the docks than any other type of prop. Agree with BBC that boatshows are a good place to learn about the options.
Are you certain a floding prop is what you want? The Max-Prop feathering prop is outstanding for a cruiser--love it. It reduces drag, points higher when beating and has more power in reverse around the docks than any other type of prop. Agree with BBC that boatshows are a good place to learn about the options.
prop
I have a 19 inch autoprop on my 410. PS rated it the best all around cruising prop in some lab test at MIT years ago. there's been some clearance problems in fitting it on some models, but I didn't have a problem. the other problem is the costs, since it built in the UK, you take a hit with the value of the dollar vs pound. Bryce S/V Spellbinder H410
I have a 19 inch autoprop on my 410. PS rated it the best all around cruising prop in some lab test at MIT years ago. there's been some clearance problems in fitting it on some models, but I didn't have a problem. the other problem is the costs, since it built in the UK, you take a hit with the value of the dollar vs pound. Bryce S/V Spellbinder H410
Problem with feathering props
The feathering prop has "flat" blades instead of hydrodynamic blades, meaning there is no curve in the feathering prop blades like the fixed props have. Hydrodynamics means you need less surface area of blade to produce the same thrust as a flat blade. In other words, the feathering props must be bigger than folding to produce the same thrust as a folding hydrodynamic prop. And when the folding is folded, it has much less drag than a feathering prop. The feathering people always talk about how great they are in reverse. But I want to go forward. And go forward fast. I only go in reverse twice a day: Leaving the dock and returning to the dock. The folding does everything I need in reverse for those purposes. No concerns there at all, and we have used it for 10 years now.
The feathering prop has "flat" blades instead of hydrodynamic blades, meaning there is no curve in the feathering prop blades like the fixed props have. Hydrodynamics means you need less surface area of blade to produce the same thrust as a flat blade. In other words, the feathering props must be bigger than folding to produce the same thrust as a folding hydrodynamic prop. And when the folding is folded, it has much less drag than a feathering prop. The feathering people always talk about how great they are in reverse. But I want to go forward. And go forward fast. I only go in reverse twice a day: Leaving the dock and returning to the dock. The folding does everything I need in reverse for those purposes. No concerns there at all, and we have used it for 10 years now.
Not all flat blades
Folding prop blades are generally flat blades, feathering props are not flat. They have the same pitch in fwd and reverse. The whole blade turns around, so that is one reason for the price of these props. Hence the outstanding performance when you back up.You can go at speed into a slip to beat wind and current and then stop the boat very quickly. I have had J-Props for the last 9 yrs. I am more that satisfied with this prop. You can even change the pitch while boat is in the water, just a quick dive under.
Folding prop blades are generally flat blades, feathering props are not flat. They have the same pitch in fwd and reverse. The whole blade turns around, so that is one reason for the price of these props. Hence the outstanding performance when you back up.You can go at speed into a slip to beat wind and current and then stop the boat very quickly. I have had J-Props for the last 9 yrs. I am more that satisfied with this prop. You can even change the pitch while boat is in the water, just a quick dive under.
Slipstream Geared Folding Prop
See the link. I installed a slipstream geared stainless folding prop and am very satisfied with it. I was expecting a reduction in reverse thrust, but it just didn't happen. Just have to use a few more revs, but backs just as well as the fixed. About a grand less than a feathering prop and very efficient with cupped blades. Rick D.
See the link. I installed a slipstream geared stainless folding prop and am very satisfied with it. I was expecting a reduction in reverse thrust, but it just didn't happen. Just have to use a few more revs, but backs just as well as the fixed. About a grand less than a feathering prop and very efficient with cupped blades. Rick D.
autoprop is great!
I'll second the autoprop! we have one on our 356 and it greatly increased our performance under sail and power. the autoprop has properly curved blades for efficiency and, since they flip over when you go into reverse, the leading edge is still leading in reverse, unlike other props. It also automatically adjusts it's pitch to optimize performance under load. yse, it's pricey, but I think it's performance is worth it-and you only need to buy one.
I'll second the autoprop! we have one on our 356 and it greatly increased our performance under sail and power. the autoprop has properly curved blades for efficiency and, since they flip over when you go into reverse, the leading edge is still leading in reverse, unlike other props. It also automatically adjusts it's pitch to optimize performance under load. yse, it's pricey, but I think it's performance is worth it-and you only need to buy one.
didn't like mine
I had an autoprop on my 410 for about ten minutes. Replaced it with a flex-o-fold that cost a thousand bucks less and performed two thousand bucks better. Liked the flex-o-fold so much I had one installed on my 46.
I had an autoprop on my 410 for about ten minutes. Replaced it with a flex-o-fold that cost a thousand bucks less and performed two thousand bucks better. Liked the flex-o-fold so much I had one installed on my 46.
John, What's better about them besides the price?
They are on my favorites list for future consideration. I'm listening,,,,,
They are on my favorites list for future consideration. I'm listening,,,,,
Fred,
Less vibration than an autoprop. More bite than a feathering prop. Less likely to foul than a Gori. Able to be installed in-water. Doesn't "clunk" on opening like most folding props. Backs straighter than a fixed prop. The flex-o-fold is clearly a cruising--as opposed to racing--prop. SLIGHTLY more drag when sailing, but significantly more power when motoring. And it costs less than anything in its class. My only negative critique is that the zincs are not readily available in most chandlers. I have to order mine from the US distributor.
Less vibration than an autoprop. More bite than a feathering prop. Less likely to foul than a Gori. Able to be installed in-water. Doesn't "clunk" on opening like most folding props. Backs straighter than a fixed prop. The flex-o-fold is clearly a cruising--as opposed to racing--prop. SLIGHTLY more drag when sailing, but significantly more power when motoring. And it costs less than anything in its class. My only negative critique is that the zincs are not readily available in most chandlers. I have to order mine from the US distributor.
Thanks John, but,,
I'll bet it wasn't less likely to foul than my Gori. A blade fell off of it. Nothing to foul.
I'll bet it wasn't less likely to foul than my Gori. A blade fell off of it. Nothing to foul.
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