Looking to replace original 2 blade prop on the new to me 1988 C34 M25X diesel. So far the reading I have done here points to 15 - 10 prop. I am leaning towards a fixed blade prop as I heard/read issues with folding props not engaging when put in reverse. Curious what the group is using for both fixed and folding as far as brand, size, pitch, size of the blade (sailor thinner or regular larger blade).
Med : The 15" diameter x 10" pitch is for the Sailor (thin blade) style fixed 3 bladed prop. Once you go the a "thicker" 3 bladed fixed prop the pitch is UNKNOWN !!!! :donno:
A thought
NEVER had an issue with my 3 blade 15x10 Flexofold not opening. At full throttle forward it buries my sugar scoop stern a bit.
April 2015 Haulout 6 (I'm up to 8 now).
QuoteCurious what the group is using for both fixed and folding as far as brand, size, pitch, size of the blade
I have a 3 blade Maxiprop. Never had a problem with blades engaging or feathering, it's been trouble free 15 seasons. Motors at near hull speed. I think of it as the best sail change I've made. Disadvantage $$
Jim
Quote from: Stu Jackson on May 20, 2021, 03:18:59 PM
April 2015 Haulout 6 (I'm up to 8 now).
What brand of prop is it? Again, newbie here :)
Quote from: Jim Hardesty on May 20, 2021, 04:12:57 PM
QuoteCurious what the group is using for both fixed and folding as far as brand, size, pitch, size of the blade
I have a 3 blade Maxiprop. Never had a problem with blades engaging or feathering, it's been trouble free 15 seasons. Motors at near hull speed. I think of it as the best sail change I've made. Disadvantage $$
Jim
Is this the one you have? I am assuming 15 diameter and 10 pitch? https://flexofold.com/folding-propellers/5-shaft-propellers/17-3-blade-shaft-folding-propeller/
I have a Flexofold as pictured. Jim has Max Prop.
wrong spelling for maxiprop
https://www.pyiinc.com/max-prop-easy.html
Jim
Quote from: Medved on May 20, 2021, 04:34:44 PM
Quote from: Stu Jackson on May 20, 2021, 03:18:59 PM
April 2015 Haulout 6 (I'm up to 8 now).
What brand of prop is it? Again, newbie here :)
I don't know. The PO, who owned the boat for 12 years when I bought her in 1998, removed (and saved) the OEM 2 blade. Because someone mentioned the thickness of the blades in an earlier reply on this thread, I provided those three views so if anyone wanted to find out, they could.
My understanding is the two choices are Campbell or Michigan Prop. I don't know which one mine is.
I raced with my "three pronged dragging bucket" quite successfully on SF Bay in the early OOs. Of course, there was wind there! Other places with lighter winds would make sense to consider feathering/folding. I don't like moveable stuff I can't get to, but concerns about that issue seem to have been answered by those who have done the research and homework to make the decision.
I have this funny shaped 3 blade. It does a fantastic job burring the whole swim platform at full throttle on my mk1.5. Unfortunately, I dont know anything about it other than its curious shape. Anyone recognize it?
Given the opportunity and funds, I would LOVE a 3 blade maxprop.
****EDIT**** This works much better with the picture attached
Quote from: Noah on May 20, 2021, 05:28:21 PM
I have a Flexofold as pictured. Jim has Max Prop.
Sorry, mixed them up. Noah, any advice on where to buy flexofold these days? I did some googling and did not see much.
Quote from: Medved on May 21, 2021, 03:01:47 AM
Quote from: Noah on May 20, 2021, 05:28:21 PM
I have a Flexofold as pictured. Jim has Max Prop.
Sorry, mixed them up. Noah, any advice on where to buy flexofold these days? I did some googling and did not see much.
Reach out to them directly. Earlier this year I got a quote for a Flexofold 3 blade. They said it would take 3 days to make it and 3 days shipping from Denmark to the East Coast of the US
https://www.cruisingsolutions.com
So, after my 3 blade fixed 51 x 10 prop had a few too many digs, I did my research and just launched with my new Campbell Sailor 3 blade. Very limited early feedback is that I easily motored at 6.5 knots without the engine (1988 21 hp Universal) racing (tach not accurate so not sure of rpms). Brief broad reach sail in 4 knots apparent, genoa only had be moving at 3.2 knots in flat water, never would have happened with the old prop; and stopping was much slower at the mooring with significantly more pronounced prop walk. I'm thrilled with the motoring result and reduced drag in light air and will certainly learn to deal with the mooring /dock approach changes.
Guys : The picture of Stu's 3 bladed looks like the Catalina OEM 3 bladed Sailor Prop (just like mine). The "thickness" is called the cord (leading edge to trailing edge of an airfoil)
The first year I hauled (1989?) I recall that there was a faint "Australia" stamp, but other than the 15x9 there was no name or other marking on my 3 bladed OEM prop!!
A few thoughts
Medved,
Not sure where you are located, but I bought my Flexofold a number of years ago from their Marblehead Ma dealer. That is their US base, or was. Not sure if it is still active. Look up "Flexofold Marblehead" for contact info.
Regards,
Ed
Quote from: Ed Shankle on May 22, 2021, 05:55:59 AM
Medved,
Not sure where you are located, but I bought my Flexofold a number of years ago from their Marblehead Ma dealer. That is their US base, or was. Not sure if it is still active. Look up "Flexofold Marblehead" for contact info.
Regards,
Ed
Found a contact on cruiser forum Hensen Marine. Placed an order today, should get it after Memorial Day.
One reason I like the 3 bladed prop is it gives me an excuse as to why someone sails faster than me, because it cant be my skills! :shock:
The reason I like the folding prop is I need all the help I can get!
I have recently replaced the Martec, 2 bladed folder with the Campbell Sailer fixed 3 blade. I never had good luck with the Martec. The engine needed to run at far too low an idle to enable a decent engagement of the transmission. The prop was extremely noisy during opening and from the feels of things exerted a good deal of strain on the drive train. With Campbell Sailer I can idle between 900 and 1000rpm, the engine is smooth and the shift from forward to reverse is much calmer. This not a damnation of folders, just my experience with one brand.