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 Post subject: Three blade Flexofold
PostPosted: 22 Oct 2018 08:11 
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Skipper

Joined: 14 Jul 2012 20:36
Posts: 495
Location: Norfolk, Va
My T37 now has a new Beta 35 with Hurth 2.14-1 gear. I'm currently using a 14 year old, two blade 16"x14" Flexofold prop. It's great prop, but close to being over-pitched. We cruise 6.3kts at 1,900 using, using 0.55gal/hrs. Been talking to FOF about a newer three blade FOF, for less vibration and better backing. They recommended 17x13. Most of our motoring is cruising south each year with a loaded boat. I'm a little worried it's too much prop. I'm thinking going 16x13. Thoughts?

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 Post subject: Re: Three blade Flexofold
PostPosted: 22 Oct 2018 14:12 
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Skipper

Joined: 21 Jan 2010 12:57
Posts: 168
Well, if there is adequate clearance between the blade tips and the hull for the 17" diameter prop, that's what I'd go with. I've got a Kiwi three blade, and I believe that it's 18" diameter. The kiwi allows you to adjust the pitch to get the correct amount of prop for your particular situation. I've always heard that more diameter and less pitch is better.


 
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 Post subject: Re: Three blade Flexofold
PostPosted: 25 Oct 2018 13:50 
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Skipper

Joined: 29 Dec 2006 09:38
Posts: 656
I have had a 17 inch three blade feathering AutoStream (sold by Martec) for 15 years and a lot of miles and think it is great in all respects. I hit a 1” poly line that sheared the bolts on my coupling and destroyed my cutless bearing but did nothing to the prop. It is very beefy. And being easily externally adjustable is really important to get the pitch right. Added about .5kt of sailing speed to the boat over dragging the two blade. Seems like you are right to be concerned about over pitching. 13X17 seems like a lot of pitch. I can tell you that every boat is a bit different in terms of the combination of weight, hull shaped and engine torque/rpm. Adjustable pitch is really important to get it right.


 
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