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

[rcooley at twcny.rr.com]

---- 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
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> > 
> 
>