My last question cleared up the decision between fixed and folding. Now which folding propeller to go with? I know that Flexofold is one as well as Gori. Any experiences with any brand would be appreciated.
Rebecca Bray
“Tessa” Nonsuch 30C #11
Watch Hill
I have a 3-bladed Gori. I am happy with it, but I’m not sure that carries any value since I have nothing to compare with. The boat had a 2-bladed Flex-o-fold when I bought it, but it was so worn and vibrated so bad that I wouldn’t let the broker rev. the engine much above 1000RPM for fear of serious drivetrain damage. I mean, the grab bar on the binnacle vibrated 4 or 5 inches! So I had the prop changed immediately.
The Gori is not the cheapest solution, but it does have a very good reputation. This also means you’d want to pay special attention to the zinc on the prop.
The Gori has “overdrive". Sounds like a gimmick, but it is not. It’s fussy getting into OD, but once there you can maintain cruising speed at lower RPMs. This is not terribly useful just going in/out of the marina, but would be very nice if you plan on doing a lot of motoring.
It seems to reverse just fine. It does exhibit prop walk, but again I have nothing to compare it to. I find the weathervaning to be a much bigger problem than the prop walk. In fact I think that’s really the only complaint I have about the whole boat! And it comes with the mast placement, so it’s just the compromise we have to make. Most single engine boats exhibit some amount of prop walk and I think it’s more useful to learn and adapt to it than to fight it.
I should add that ”Tessa” has a sail drive with a new Yanmar 3YM30AE engine.
Rebecca
“Tessa” N30C #11
Watch Hill RI
I think you are going to want to include the make and model of the saildrive. That is where the propeller shaft specification will be found.
My understanding is that because of the shaft angle of a saildrive, you will experience little to no prop walk no matter what propeller you install.
If you are budget conscious, a Kiwiprop will get you most of what you are looking for, in reduced drag while sailing, at less cost. Google for contact person in California.
Ward Woodruff
N33 #8 Margery
Niantic Bay, CT