I've never needed a sell on fixed vs a folding or feathering prop, for sailing performance.
But since I do have a 10 hour motoring trip, at times with a lot of wind and steep chop that I make a couple of times a year, prop peformance is also important.
I'm trying to find out advantages or disadvantages of different makes and configurations. I'll be getting a 15" 3 blade. The makes I've found, and there may be others are:
Folding- Gori at $1800 Flex-o- Fold at $1275 --- What makes a Gori $525 better?
Feathering - Max prop- about $2400 Autoprop- $2375 ---- Is there an advantage of one over the other? And why is a feathering so much more expensive?
I've read in other messages that people like their flex o folds just fine. Any comparison advice?
Thanks,
Rick Niles
C34 Gentle Storm #1294
Planet Catalina, now Catalina Owners.com has a forum that has experts discuss various subjects. PYI recently moderated a forum on props. Haven't read all the responses, but some of your questions might be answered. http://www.sailboatowners.com/forums/menu.tpl?fno=32 (http://www.sailboatowners.com/forums/menu.tpl?fno=32)
Rick, I feel your pain. I am in the same position, which prop to go with? I am considering the Flexofold v. Martec both three blades. But how do you make a choice? I think I have read every single post here and at catalinaowners.com until my eyes bled, and I am still no closer to a decision then when I started. I guess price is going to be the key and I will have to live with the choice. Good luck, if I find a poll where people have voted their props, I will let you know. BTW how did you get a hold of Flexofold? I have submitted two forms from their site with no response? This has me leaning towards Martec.
Like you, my eyes are starting to bleed. I'm not sure how I got to felxofold, but I got a reply from Chuck Angle - CANGLE@WELLSYACHTS.COM. They sell them. I'm leaning in that direction.
Rick,
I am currently researching the fixed/feathering angle as well, it is exhaustive. I guess it can be effected by the type of engine you have as well. However performance yachts in Annapolis list the max prop 15" for $1908, quite a bit less than your source. The hype on flexofold is really impressive, Chuck Angle just sent me a short blurb that it is 10% more efficient in forward and 40% more in reverse.
Mark Cassidy
Hi Rick
Last year I installed a flex o fold on Escape hull #1501 from Chuck. He is affialiated with Wells Yacht, Marblehead. The place we purchased the boat new.
The model we chose is a flex o fold 2 blade 16x11.
We race the boat around the buoys and have found a big difference, especially in light air. The boat backs very well and handles in forward better than it did with the factory 2 blade. I would recommend this prop highly.
I bought a Flex-o-fold from Chuck Angle with our new C34 last year; three bladed. I couldn't be more satisfied.
Peter
Rick,
I am going with the flexofold 3bld. Chad at flexofold immediately sized up the prop and sent me their one page flyer. About a week later Chuck got back to me with the same info. Still now word from Martec. With the good reviews from above and two contacts at flexofold, plust the price difference I have a good feeling. Good luck. Thanks everybody for your thoughts.