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

[Jerry Clayton]

Thanks to all who responded, it looks like all three props are good 
products, so you probably can't go wrong buying any of them. Since the boat 
is in the water year round I'm not sure if greasing the Kiwi would be a 
pain.
Again thanks for the valuable comments.

Jerry Clayton
#988


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <rcooley at twcny.rr.com>
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Cc: "Jerry Clayton" <jsea at prodigy.net>
Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 10:48 AM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Fw: Gori vs Flex-o-fold vs Kiwi props


>
> ---- Jerry Clayton <jsea at prodigy.net> wrote:
>> What size / pitch Kiwi did you buy?
>> I think it was a 15 x 9.  The Kiwi dealership has the spec for the 
>> catalina C320.  I went with his recommendation.  It took 3 days for it to 
>> arrive, after I ordered it.
>>
>> ----- 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
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>> >
>>
>>
>