Folding Props

[Alan Levine]

Does anyone have experience with a folding prop. I am consiering replaced the factory 2-blade prop with a new folding of feathering prop, as I race in the PHRF circuit. Is it worth the expense?

 

[Charlie]

Prop Drag

Alan,If all that your interested in is the drag factor when racing, you might want to consider my method when racing. while the boat is on the hard, turn the prop so that it lines up with your keel. In this position I have found that the drag is less. Once the prop is lined up go below and with some white paint, mark the shaft. Now before you start the race, go below and turn the shaft until the mark is in the right place and your ready to go. Works for me!!charlie

 

[patrick e. boole]

prop

i have one and the only draw back is the response time from when you change forward to reverse. a bit of a delay. you can count on a knot or better of speed from one.

 

[Steve Magennis]

In Short, Yes!

If you race, you need a folding or a feathering prop. Although the 2 blade is less drag than the three bladed sea anchor that came on my boat, it is noticible. The option of lining the prop up with the strut helps a lot, but if you are serious, not enough. On my previous boat ( a cal 27 with a 2 blade fixed prop), I discovered that the boat was faster if I allowed the prop to spin. It was a bit unnerving to hear that noise, but it was faster.I bought a 2 blade Martec for my current boat (a C-30T) which I both cruise and race on Lake Michigan. The only down side that I have noticed is an inability to power into a 6' chop with 20+ MPH headwinds ... my speed at full throttle was 1.5 mph! As I usually sail, this one limitation is minor. As for stopping the boat using reverse, it is necessary to "goose" the throttle to get the blades to open. Not a problem, but if you are gentle, they might not open until you are several feet into your pier!I've looked at other brands of folding props, and don't have much to choose between them. The Gori is geared and may be more reliable in opening ... but it is more expensive than the Martec. The CDI is less expensive, but has more drag. You pay your money and take your choice.Good luck.Steve