Hi fellow sailors, I am looking to re- prop to a feathering propeller and was looking at the Kiwi Feathering Propeller and was wondering if anyone has had any experience with them or know anyone who has. I was also looking at the Flex-o- Fold. I would like to thank anyone in advance for the help. Larry Jordan S/V Valor, C&C 35 mk. III,
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Flex-O-Fold
Last year was my fifth season with my Flex-O-Fold(15x12). It is an extremely solid design and I have not had a single issue. My boat is underpowered(37', 20hp, 18000#) but still makes excellent speed, 6.5 knots in conditions less than 3-footers. It is a two-blade and I care less about motoring than sailing. If I planned to do a lot of cruising I would opt for the three-blade. Backing with the two-blade is only marginally better than the original. A real benefit of folding versus feathering becomes obvious when you encounter those unmarked fishing nets.! Because it folds back against itself there must be room between the end of shaft and rudder. Because the shaft is well recessed in the hub I only needed about five inches of clearance. And I had more than twelve.
Last year was my fifth season with my Flex-O-Fold(15x12). It is an extremely solid design and I have not had a single issue. My boat is underpowered(37', 20hp, 18000#) but still makes excellent speed, 6.5 knots in conditions less than 3-footers. It is a two-blade and I care less about motoring than sailing. If I planned to do a lot of cruising I would opt for the three-blade. Backing with the two-blade is only marginally better than the original. A real benefit of folding versus feathering becomes obvious when you encounter those unmarked fishing nets.! Because it folds back against itself there must be room between the end of shaft and rudder. Because the shaft is well recessed in the hub I only needed about five inches of clearance. And I had more than twelve.
Good Feedback on both units!
Larry, I have been through this exercise recently, and it seems that everyone likes best the one they have on their boat! From the feeback that I received, I came away with the following generalizations: 1. Get a three blade prop. Two blade units often vibrate and appear to lack reverse performance. 2. Geared folders tend to perform better than non-geared units. 3. You can spend about as much as you want on a prop. 4. Most folders will reduce drag and increase speed under sail, and a few actually improve motoring performance. 5. The critical factor in the decision is whether you are ready to spend big bucks to go a 1/2 knot or so faster under sail. 6. Maintenance is higher on folding and feathering props when compared to fixed props. 7. I received good comments about Max-Prop, Kiwi, Flexi-Fold. I recently got quotes on a few. Prices ranged from $3,000 down to about $1,100. Of particular interest to me (probably because of price)were Kiwi at $1,250 and Slipstream at $1,105.00. I might also mention that I heard great things about the Campbell Sailor. This is a fixed pitch 3-blade prop of unique design that improves motoring performance, reduces drag, almost eliminates prop walk and improves performance in reverse. It is also easy on the pocket book at bit under $600. If you are not a racer and on a budget as I am, this may be a really good compromise. Hope this helps, Jon McClain PS: These prices are for B321 with 3GM30 Yanmar.
Larry, I have been through this exercise recently, and it seems that everyone likes best the one they have on their boat! From the feeback that I received, I came away with the following generalizations: 1. Get a three blade prop. Two blade units often vibrate and appear to lack reverse performance. 2. Geared folders tend to perform better than non-geared units. 3. You can spend about as much as you want on a prop. 4. Most folders will reduce drag and increase speed under sail, and a few actually improve motoring performance. 5. The critical factor in the decision is whether you are ready to spend big bucks to go a 1/2 knot or so faster under sail. 6. Maintenance is higher on folding and feathering props when compared to fixed props. 7. I received good comments about Max-Prop, Kiwi, Flexi-Fold. I recently got quotes on a few. Prices ranged from $3,000 down to about $1,100. Of particular interest to me (probably because of price)were Kiwi at $1,250 and Slipstream at $1,105.00. I might also mention that I heard great things about the Campbell Sailor. This is a fixed pitch 3-blade prop of unique design that improves motoring performance, reduces drag, almost eliminates prop walk and improves performance in reverse. It is also easy on the pocket book at bit under $600. If you are not a racer and on a budget as I am, this may be a really good compromise. Hope this helps, Jon McClain PS: These prices are for B321 with 3GM30 Yanmar.
Max Prop
Larry, There has been a lot of activity on this site during the past few weeks on this subject. Check the archives. For my part, I just installed a Max Prop. I encourage you to go the the link below for my take on the subject. Best wishes, John Richard s/v Jack's Place
Larry, There has been a lot of activity on this site during the past few weeks on this subject. Check the archives. For my part, I just installed a Max Prop. I encourage you to go the the link below for my take on the subject. Best wishes, John Richard s/v Jack's Place
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