Anyone using a flexofold 2 blade feathering prop

curriernh · **Joined:** 14 Jul 2011 07:14 **Posts:** 60

My trip home from Boothbay was not as fast as I thought it should be under sail so I'm looking towards a much smoother bottom (currently lots of chips and scrapes covered with bottom paint) and a folding or feathering propeller.

Does anyone have the Flexofold 2 blade 16 x 11 feathering prop installed? Any other recommendations here that won't break the bank?

Tortuga's Lie · **Joined:** 27 Oct 2006 10:32 **Posts:** 827

I'm curious about that one as well! Or at least the folding two blade. It seems that the performance is pretty decent, maybe not as stellar as a Maxiprop, but for about $900 (boat show price), it certainly is less painful on the wallet Wink

I have an old Martec folding that is about worn out plus it does not have the geared opening, so one blade can stay closed causing vibration (severe).

curriernh · **Joined:** 14 Jul 2011 07:14 **Posts:** 60

I'll hold out for the Annapolis show to get the boat show price but think based on what I'm reading that I will give it a try. Right now I have a two blade 16 x 11 fixed prop and the Westerbeke 33 which seems more than adequate for my keel/cb model

Solare · **Posted:** 17 Aug 2011 08:44

I might be interested as well, it would be great if we could get a group discount at the show.

curriernh · **Joined:** 14 Jul 2011 07:14 **Posts:** 60

10% discount on an order of 3 props if interested. I'm ready to commit now if I can get two others.

I'll be ordering the 17 x 11 RH folding propeller, $1225 list, $1102.50 with the discount plus whatever shipping is.

Tortuga's Lie · **Joined:** 27 Oct 2006 10:32 **Posts:** 827

I believe mine needs a 16 X 12 R.H.

T37Chef · **Posted:** 17 Aug 2011 18:30

FWIW, my next prop will most likely be the Campbell Sailor by West by North.

http://www.westbynorth.com/

I currently have the Autostream by the same company and I'm very pleased with it, was on the boat when we purchased it.

Velera · **Joined:** 29 Dec 2006 09:38 **Posts:** 656

I am not following your comment about going to a Campbell Sailor--isn't that a fixed blade and the AutoStream (which I have and am similarly impressed with) is a feathering prop? My feathering prop gave me .4kt increase in sailing speed over the stock two blade.

I would suggest to the others who are thinking about props to get the biggest diameter (and perhaps less pitch) you can for efficiency. On my boat that was a 17 inch. Not sure if that would be true on all T 37s.

Ray

T37Chef · **Posted:** 18 Aug 2011 18:31

Velera...what I am trying to say is, I dont care for folding/feathering props, they just seem to be a accident waiting to happen. The Autostream is fine for now, if it ever needs to be replaced or we go offshore I will swap it for the Campbell Sailor though. I would feel more comfortable with a fixed prop. The CS has a very low drag, especially for a fixed 3 bladed prop. Here is a great thread discussing the CS to some other fixed props: http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f13 ... 32868.html

I really just wanted to offer something else to consider. Toast

Tortuga's Lie · **Joined:** 27 Oct 2006 10:32 **Posts:** 827

Chef,
I concur with your concerns about the maintenance required of the feathering props, that's why I like the idea of the geared folding prop from Flex-o-fold. As I said earlier, I have a Martec folding prop that came with Tortuga's Lie when we bought her 16 years ago and it is not geared and it's worn out....opens well beyond where it should. I know I could have it re-worked, but I don't think the expense is worth it. I will keep it as a spare.

Tartan37.com

Anyone using a flexofold 2 blade feathering prop

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