OMC saildrive folding prop

[garysisson]

Hi all: I have been looking for a folding prop for my OMC saildrive without success. Anyone have one for sale or know of something that would work? Have been racing and am interested in that exrra 1/2 knot. Gary

 

[caguy]

Hi all: I have been looking for a folding prop for my OMC saildrive without success. Anyone have one for sale or know of something that would work? Have been racing and am interested in that exrra 1/2 knot. Gary

Gary what kind of motor do you have on your saildrive? I also have an OMC saildrive with a 15hp 2 stroke Zephyr motor and am looking to replace it.

 

[garysisson]

Frank: I have the OMC Zepher as well. It runs real well, however, I had it rebuilt when I first bought the boat. Problem was water in the cylinders due to a bad head. OK now. Just would like to obtain a folding prop for it. Gary

 

[caguy]

Thanks Gary, I was hoping that you had a different type of motor that fit that sail drive since mine is toast and the Zypher motors are difficult to find.

 

[Sunbird22358]

Well, the old OMC ZEPHYR is just a "de-tuned" Evinrude/Johnson 35HP outboard powerhead... you might find a used 35 HP outboard and use that powerhead? Nor ideal I guess, but worth considering especially if you found a low-hours one from the 1980's.

The prop used to be available from OMC (now Bombardier) worth checking with a local Evinrude Dealer to see if they had a left-over one hidden in the stockroom (Part#389961) The folding propeller will reduce drag but will also reduce turbulance in the rudder according to one former O'DAY 25 owner (1978 model). His boat originally had the 3-blade prop when he bought her and the prop apparently disrupted water flow over the rudder, despite the distance between the saildrive and the rudder.