[C320-list] Fw: Gori vs Flex-o-fold vs Kiwi props

[Jerry Clayton]

What size / pitch Kiwi did you buy?


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <rcooley at twcny.rr.com>
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 3:10 AM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Gori vs Flex-o-fold vs Kiwi props


>I installed a Kiwi last spring.  I replaced the original 2-blade prop.  In 
>4' seas I can achieve hull speed at 2800 rpms.  The greatest advantage is 
>increased sailing speed, due to less drag.  Stopping power in reverse is 
>unreal.  At 5 knots, I can stop in less than 2 boat lengths.  Prop walk is 
>reduced in reverse due to decreased time to get the boat in motion. 
>Initial reverse, the boat walks approx 1/8 of a turn, then starts in 
>reverse.  Once started I can feather the throttle and have the same control 
>as in forward.  We  back into the slip everytime.  The prop can easily be 
>installed by the owner.  It took me approx 10 minutes to install.  I could 
>not justify the cost difference between the Kiwi and other props.  I'm 
>happy with my choice.
> ---- Jeff Hare <catalina at thehares.com> wrote:
>> Whether the Gori is worth $425 more to you than the FOF probably depends 
>> on
>> how you use your boat.
>>
>> It's hard to imagine that there could be any sailing performance 
>> difference
>> between the two.  But if you frequently find yourself motor sailing in 
>> light
>> air to get somewhere, then the Gori has some big benefits.  Being able to
>> switch it into overdrive (more aggressive pitch) lets me motorsail at 
>> near
>> hull speed in ~7kts of wind (as long as it isn't too far aft) at only 
>> about
>> 1800-2000 RPM (yanmar).
>>
>> Our engine is a *lot* quieter at 1800-2000 rpm which makes motoring a 
>> little
>> less annoying.  We could never motor sail this fast with our fixed prop
>> without revving the engine much closer to 3000.
>>
>> -Jeff
>>
>> PS: Since Adam W. hasn't even noticed he *has* an engine in his boat yet,
>> the extra coin wouldn't be worth it to him.  :)
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
>> [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Jerry 
>> Clayton
>> Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 1:37 PM
>> To: C320-List
>> Subject: [C320-list] Gori vs Flex-o-fold vs Kiwi props
>>
>>     I will be having the bottom painted soon and am considering having a
>> folding prop installed at the same time.
>>     I am considering the Gori and Flex-o-fold 3 blade folders and 
>> possiblily
>> the Kiwi feathering props.  I have heard many good reports on Gori but 
>> very
>> little comments on FOF.  Kiwi had a nice review from Practical Sailor.
>>     Does anyone have a FOF or Kiwi prop on their 320?  Are you happy with
>> your choice?
>>     Last time I check prices were
>> $1300 Kiwi
>> $1925 FOF
>> $2350 Gori
>> just wondering if the Gori is worth the extra $425 more than the FOF?
>>      I currently have a 3 blade fixed so I guess anything would be an
>> improvement.
>>     Also are there any maintainance issues on these props other than 
>> zincs?
>>     I have researched the archieves but would appreciate any fresh 
>> comments
>> on FOF and Kiwi now that you have had them longer.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Jerry Clayton
>> #988
>>
>>
>>
>>
>