[C320-list] New prop shaft and ?

[wdoc1 at aol.com]

 When we purchased our boat in 2018 we replaced the cutlass bearing and the bent bronze shaft with a stainless one. In 2022, after researching various props (see links below), we replaced the fixed three-blade with a Flex-O-Fold. Super-happy with improved performance under sail and power (forward and reverse). Best regards, Bill Diversion, #714

Folding and feathering propeller test - Yachting Monthly
 https://www.yachtingmonthly.com › gear › folding-and...Mar 24, 2015 — Which is the best folding or feathering propeller for you? Emrhys Barrell compares 15 props in a test of speed, thrust, drag, stopping speed ...   
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The ultimate propeller test - gallery - Yachting Monthly
 https://www.yachtingmonthly.com › archive › the-ultim...   
   
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The ultimate propeller test - gallery - Yachting Monthly
   
Folding, feathering and fixed props
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    On Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 08:56:45 AM EDT, Jeff Smith via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:   

 We have a max prop bought by the PO. We like the fact that it feathers, the
blades reverse direction when you go in reverse (more drive in reverse),
and adjustable pitch. The downside is that you must grease it occasionally
(I do this when I haul to paint the bottom) and there is a slight delay
when you go into reverse, as the blades spin 180 degrees. Also, because the
pitch is adjustable, you must be careful if you disassemble (you know
exactly how I know this - I was off slightly and under propped the boat).

Good luck,
Jeff

On Mon, Jul 15, 2024 at 7:42 PM Troy Dunn via C320-list <
c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:

> The flexfold question got me thinking about my path forward with Hull #514.
>  The bronze shaft is now 26 years old and although I replaced the cutless
> a couple years or so ago there is still just the slightest amount of play
> in the fit when the boat is on the hard and everything is dried out.
> Perhaps the shaft is on borrowed time.    I think it may be time next
> winter to replace the shaft and engine mounts. So the question is, do I
> keep the original 3 blade fixed prop or….add to my expenses and look at
> folding options.  We don’t race but I will admit I find the noise of the
> shaft spinning as we are zipping along at hull speed under sail…annoying.
>  If I stumbled into a gently used perfect fit situation I’d probably jump
> on it.  Prop walk doesn’t really bother me.  I’ve figured out how to turn
> that into an advantage in almost all situations.    So beyond the annoying
> noise under sail.  What other things happen with a folding prop that make
> you say go for it?  What are the downsides…besides the obvious cost?
>
> Regards
>
> Troy Dunn
> Wonky Dog
> Hull #514
>