Martec folding prop

[Jared1048]

So I believe I hit something and bent my prop and need a new one (hopefully the shaft is strong enough to NOT bend?)

Anyone have experience with these? I'd just be getting the "regular" one and not the feathering type.

I've been reading a lot about them and it seams i'd be giving up some forward thrust for sailing performance. Reversing would also suffer a little from what I've read which is ok considering I'm only using it maybe 5% of the time.

Thanks!
-Jared

 

[Clark]

Make sure you get the geared folder. I had a Martec folding prop on our boat for about 4 years and the vibration got to be an issue. Loved the sailing performance. I replaced it with a Campbell Sailor and really enjoy the smoothness. The Martec prop had worn around the pins so that was the major reason it vibrated. They can be refurbished though . .

 

[Jared1048]

Make sure you get the geared folder. I had a Martec folding prop on our boat for about 4 years and the vibration got to be an issue. Loved the sailing performance. I replaced it with a Campbell Sailor and really enjoy the smoothness. The Martec prop had worn around the pins so that was the major reason it vibrated. They can be refurbished though . .

Been reading about the Campbell Sailor and it looks like "MainSail" likes it the best also which is making me really think wrether or not I want a folding prop.

Being in the Puget Sound we get some areas where the current really rips and a few times I was wanting more HP push through. This has only happened maybe twice so i shouldnt make my decision on the lowest common denominator but.

If the folding prop needs to be refurbisheded every 500 hours that would be a real pain. What kind of vibration was it? when you were sailing you could hear it rattling around?

Thanks!
-Jared

 

[Clark]

I never felt like I suffered in forward but reverse did require more throttle than other setups. The vibration was while under power. It developed to where it was concerning (teeth rattling) above ~2500 rpm. Never had any issues while under sail; it always folded properly.

 

[Jared1048]

I really can't justify the cost of a feathering prop and don't want to sacrifice any reliability anywhere in the mechanical propulsion. I've settled on the Cambell prop.

Thanks
Jared