[C320-list] Flex O Fold prop specs

[Jerry Clayton]

They may have changed over the years but when I asked FOF about their 
exchange policy if their suggested pitch was wrong they told me that they 
would exchange the prop for a different pitch, but would not cover any 
expenses associated with it, such as haul out or labor.
I know the Kiwi and other feathering props have adjustable pitches, but my 
understanding is the only way to change pitch on FOF is a blade change.

Jerry
#988

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Kirk McCullough" <kirk.mccullough at telus.net>
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Sent: Monday, May 11, 2009 5:34 PM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Flex O Fold prop specs


> You can easily adjust the pitch yourself, best to have the boat on the 
> hard.
> It's just a turn on the adjustment screws.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
> [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Jerry 
> Clayton
> Sent: 09 May 2009 09:27
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Flex O Fold prop specs
>
>
> Randy,
>
> Thank you for your input, with my fixed 3 blade my max rpm under load is
> 3400 per uncalibrated boat tach.
> Thanks for taking the time to respond, I'm hoping to get a response on a 
> 15
> X 10 also for comparison.
> When you run full throttle (3200 rpm) are you getting any black exhaust
> smoke or is your engine running "clean"?
>
> Jerry
> #988
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Charles Greenwell" <CGreenwell at sparusa.com>
> To: <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
> Sent: Friday, May 08, 2009 9:10 AM
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Flex O Fold prop specs
>
>
> Hi Jerry,
>
>
>
> I am the Charles you referred to. I have the FOF 3 bladed folding prop.
> Same engine and transmission ratio as you. It is a 15x9.  I've had it
> installed for 3 years now. Chuck Angle told me that I was the first 320
> to install the prop.  Not sure if true or not.
>
>
>
> With a clean bottom on flat water , the max engine RPM for me is 3200.
> This gives me a hull speed of 7 knots.  This RPM goes down a little with
> rough seas and dirty bottoms. BTW... this is not a calibrated tach
> reading but with my fixed prop, I could get to 3600 RPM easily  in all
> conditions.
>
>
>
> I have a little vibration at about 2200 RPMs.  I have never figured it
> out.  Last year I thought about putting a SS shaft in to see if it made
> a difference however, I never got around to it.  My thinking was that
> the bronze shaft may be flexing a little since the prop is a bit heavier
> than the old 3 bladed fixed. It was not a high priority item since I
> discovered that in reverse, there is no vibration and I could get the
> RPMs up to 3600 easily.  Instead I contacted Chuck Angle and asked for
> his idea's thinking that the prop may be over pitched a little.  I even
> invited him out for a ride to see for himself.
>
>
>
> Sailing and reverse performance is on par with other folding props.
> There is very little prop walk however, it does take a little time for
> the boat to stop and go backwards.  It is much better than the fixed
> prop but not as good as the Max Prop or Autoprop.
>
>
>
> FOF props are OEM equipment on many boats now, including some Catalinas.
> Looking back on my decision to purchase this prop,   it was strictly
> financial ($1500 vs $2400) and if I were to do it again, I would
> probably bite the bullet and purchase the Max Prop.  I am not saying
> anything bad about FOF but for a little more money I could have had
> better reverse performance, the ability to adjust the pitch fine tuning
> it for my boat, and a little less aggravation since there were many
> 320's already equipped with it.
>
>
>
> Just my 2 cents.
>
>
>
> Charles "Randy"
>
> Le Bijou #719
>
>
>
>
>