I'm considering changing my 2-bladed fixed prop to a folding one. A couple questions (Engine: 35BC, tran ratio: 1.79:1) : What size / pitch should I go with? Has anyone had success with a Martec Geartec? or any other preferences? I've been told that when the folding prop opens it sends a heavy vibration up the shaft to the transmission - Any way to buffer that? Thanks.Mike
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Flex-O-Fold
Mike... I have been considering an alternative to my 3 blade fixed. My search would indicate that for price and performance the Flex-O-Fold is a good choice. There are a number of posts in the archives on this site, some specifically relating to the FOF. U can spec out a prop on their web site. Chuck of FOF is very knowledgeable/helpful and keeps records of all the boat models that he has supplied folding props to. He can tell u what other people have had success with. Most posts/articles i have seen are positive, with the negatives in the definite minority. U can have problems if not properly matched to your boat, engine and transmission, however. Some people feel that the added weight can lead to premature bearing wear. Others worry about the added maintenance or that it might not open at a critical time. I would be interested in additional feedback from FOF users.
Mike... I have been considering an alternative to my 3 blade fixed. My search would indicate that for price and performance the Flex-O-Fold is a good choice. There are a number of posts in the archives on this site, some specifically relating to the FOF. U can spec out a prop on their web site. Chuck of FOF is very knowledgeable/helpful and keeps records of all the boat models that he has supplied folding props to. He can tell u what other people have had success with. Most posts/articles i have seen are positive, with the negatives in the definite minority. U can have problems if not properly matched to your boat, engine and transmission, however. Some people feel that the added weight can lead to premature bearing wear. Others worry about the added maintenance or that it might not open at a critical time. I would be interested in additional feedback from FOF users.
Martec Eliptical
I have a Martec Eliptical folding prop on my '82 Cat 38. I switched from a fixed 2 blade because the prop walk with the fixed blade was intollerable. I had experience with the Martec on my previous 30' racer/cruiser and it performed very well. I bought the new Martec through a boat show special. I gave the factory rep all the specs of the boat, motor and transmission and the new prop arrived about 2 weeks later. The performance is far superior to the fixed blade prop in both forward and reverse. The prop walk in reverse is far less and I can motor at 7 kts in calm water. For my application, the bang-for-buck factor is terrific.
I have a Martec Eliptical folding prop on my '82 Cat 38. I switched from a fixed 2 blade because the prop walk with the fixed blade was intollerable. I had experience with the Martec on my previous 30' racer/cruiser and it performed very well. I bought the new Martec through a boat show special. I gave the factory rep all the specs of the boat, motor and transmission and the new prop arrived about 2 weeks later. The performance is far superior to the fixed blade prop in both forward and reverse. The prop walk in reverse is far less and I can motor at 7 kts in calm water. For my application, the bang-for-buck factor is terrific.
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