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Post by optimystic on Aug 15, 2014 1:05:38 GMT
I'm planning on changing out the standard three blades fixed prop on our SO379 and would appreciate real world feedback from the forum on brands and what is most beneficial I'm leaning toward the Gori two blade.
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Post by hoppy on Aug 15, 2014 4:41:12 GMT
I have a 3 blade flexofold on my SO40
I never tried the fixed prop so I can't compare. I'm happy with the forward speed, 7knts is no problem and 8 is achievable for short bursts (at revs I don't want to maintain). Reverse works well and it stops the boat quickly whether I'm going forward or in reverse.
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Post by ianpowolny on Aug 15, 2014 8:44:06 GMT
Have you read the Yachting Monthly test report in their May 2009 issue. I have a copy on my iPad if you can't find it. Gori did not come out too well.
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Post by optimystic on Aug 15, 2014 16:07:53 GMT
The test report is steering me to the flex a fold two blade. The boat I race on has the gori two blade and it has performed well which is why it is the front runner. Any input is appreciated. The primary use is cruising.
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Post by MartyB on Aug 16, 2014 3:54:54 GMT
If you cruise, have some current or steeper waves to motor thru at times, you may want to think really hard about a triple blade vs a double. You get a bit more water bite in adverse conditions. If my 2 blade max prop went out, and needed a new Folder/feathering prop, a triple would be on my list vs a 2 blade one. I am only 28' on deck, 30 overall! we get a lot of short steep waves and current here in the salish sea area of Washington and SW British Columbia, so a triple would help a bit in the worst of conditions.
marty
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scherbhe
New Member
SO36i Scherb
Posts: 4
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Post by scherbhe on Aug 16, 2014 12:14:31 GMT
I have a 3 blade flexofold on my SO40 I never tried the fixed prop so I can't compare. I'm happy with the forward speed, 7knts is no problem and 8 is achievable for short bursts (at revs I don't want to maintain). Reverse works well and it stops the boat quickly whether I'm going forward or in reverse. |
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scherbhe
New Member
SO36i Scherb
Posts: 4
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Post by scherbhe on Aug 16, 2014 12:21:24 GMT
I have a 3 blade flexofold on my SO40 I never tried the fixed prop so I can't compare. I'm happy with the forward speed, 7knts is no problem and 8 is achievable for short bursts (at revs I don't want to maintain). Reverse works well and it stops the boat quickly whether I'm going forward or in reverse. I have the same prop since 4 years under my 36i. On a former boat I'd the Gori without Problems. But I think that the 3-blade flexofold is some better when going back and if you have to stop quickly. |
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Post by JEF on Aug 18, 2014 10:04:16 GMT
Hi we have a SO379 fitted with a 3 blade AUTOPROP self pitching feathering prop
Cruising performance ..
- Improved cruising speed at 400 rpm less giving a better fuel return and performance in various sea conditions motoring / motor sailing
- Improved sailing speed +0.70kt
- Same pitch astern as forward so very good stopping astern
- Stripper rope cutter fitted no problem
Result very pleased overall to date taking into consideration the all round performance.
I am aware that Jeanneau recommend Flex O Fold ... being a folder this would have been my first chose based on sailing performance reports published to date however in my case cost was the final decider and the fact I do more cruising than racing about.
Hope this helps
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Post by aussieodyssey on Aug 18, 2014 19:30:49 GMT
Hi We have a Autostream 3 blade feathering prop on our 45.2 it works well. AutostreamGreg |
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Post by sitara on Aug 18, 2014 22:10:13 GMT
I fitted a 3-blade Autostream to my 36i - huge difference in sailing performance over the fixed the blade - everything was much smoother as well as faster. I still need to tweak the pitch setting to optimise cruise speed when motoring. My fixed blade prop (factory fitted) was possibly a bit big as the engine would only rev out to 3200 rpm. My mechanic was not happy with this so it was one of the reasons for the change. Now I can rev out to 3600 under load.
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Post by optimystic on Aug 19, 2014 15:59:46 GMT
It looks like from all the great comments I should look again at a three blade prop. There is a huge cost difference between two and three blades. I'll also look again at the auto prop. Other than each manufacturer is there a good web site that sells props at a discount? I'm in Seattle so if there are local deals it would be much appreciated.
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Post by Tafika II on Aug 19, 2014 16:30:21 GMT
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stack
Junior Member
Posts: 24
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Post by stack on Aug 20, 2014 13:24:41 GMT
I have a SO37 with a Volvo 40HP 3 blade Gori prop and could not be more pleased. When changed it added a Kn to our sailing speed, and under power works very well in forward and reverse. Good luck with your choice. If I had to make a choice, I would look at 3 blade over the 2 blade type.
Joe
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Post by optimystic on Aug 22, 2014 4:40:40 GMT
I am now down to two choices. The gori three blade and the flexifold three blade. Both manufacturers have been very helpful supplying data. I like the overdrive feature but it is more expensive and I can't find owners opinions of the feature. It's compelling to run at lower rpm but to offset the price difference we would need to sail many many miles. The gori is about $900 more.
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Post by sitara on Aug 22, 2014 6:32:54 GMT
Both are very good props, I looked closely at the Gori before buying the Autostream. In my situation I have to back out of my marina pen. This would leave the Gori prop in the overdrive position when forward was selected. I would have to remember to put the engine into neutral to get the blades to close and then into forward to get them to open at the normal pitch setting, thats assuming autorotation does not keep the blades open. I decided it was a bit of added complexity I did not need.
Happy choosing!
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Post by MartyB on Aug 23, 2014 1:47:06 GMT
Being as you are in Seattle. in Lynnwood at the south end of Paine Field is the US distributor of Maxx Props. They sometimes have used or rebuilt props along with new ones. Could be worth the local ph call to ask about what they have, recommend etc.
I also I believe admitted earlier to having a max prop. But if I changed it out, I would probably go with a different brand. Not because of the poor design etc etc. They are a bit on the heavy side, so use a bit more fuel than a lighter prop.
And YES< being as you are in the Salish Sea, a three blade is IMHO the better blade to deal with some of the currents and short choppy waves we get around here. A three blade does give you more bite overall assuming the same diam and pitch.
Marty
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Post by hoppy on Aug 23, 2014 8:18:54 GMT
I also I believe admitted earlier to having a max prop. But if I changed it out, I would probably go with a different brand. Not because of the poor design etc etc. They are a bit on the heavy side, so use a bit more fuel than a lighter prop. I found another reason for you to not go max prop on the yanmarhelp site Caution: Do not install a 'Maxprop' on a sailing vessel that can exceed 18 knots under sail. The prop may auto-unfeather and damage the engine.  |
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Post by windward54 on Aug 23, 2014 13:41:54 GMT
I have owned both the Max Prop and the AutoStream. On my last boat, after looking around I bought the Autostream. Great prop and I was really pleased with it. When I bought current boat, it came with the Max Prop. I figured if I didn't like it, I could always replace it later. Of the two, I would give the edge to the Autostream. However, when I was looking at props, the Autostream was more expensive and the cone zincs were not as readily available. But I have to say, I'm happy with the Max Prop and I'm not planning replacing it.
A friend opted for the Gori. After being on my boat, he was wishing he bought the Autostream.
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Post by MartyB on Aug 23, 2014 15:43:47 GMT
I have owned both the Max Prop and the AutoStream. On my last boat, after looking around I bought the Autostream. Great prop and I was really pleased with it. When I bought current boat, it came with the Max Prop. I figured if I didn't like it, I could always replace it later. Of the two, I would give the edge to the Autostream. However, when I was looking at props, the Autostream was more expensive and the cone zincs were not as readily available. But I have to say, I'm happy with the Max Prop and I'm not planning replacing it. A friend opted for the Gori. After being on my boat, he was wishing he bought the Autostream. Part way there! Have hit 11.1 knots! Surfing and a 40 knot gust from the rear. That was a hoot of a run. Will have to work on that and see if the warning is true.........anyone think a 6ksb can hit 18 knots?!?!?!? I've heard of an so49iP that did or came close on a trip from here to Oz....... Reality is, probably all of the more recent designed folder/feathering props will do as well or better overall than a fixed prop. Especially if it is a fixed 3 blade as the OP has. Marty |
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Post by optimystic on Aug 23, 2014 16:35:00 GMT
I have priced the max prop and it is highly recommended for our Salish sea area. The gori is now off the list. There was recent feedback on seaweed fouling. As nice as the folding overdrive might be it sounds like its not 100% reliable. Not due to quality but driver error or fouling. The flexofold is still high on the list. I'm using the yachting monthly review as a guide. If anyone knows of more recent reviews please post. Perhaps some designs have been tweaked. The max prop is very expensive. Is it worth the cost difference?
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Post by hoppy on Aug 24, 2014 12:44:58 GMT
Part way there! Have hit 11.1 knots! Surfing and a 40 knot gust from the rear. That was a hoot of a run. Will have to work on that and see if the warning is true.........anyone think a 6ksb can hit 18 knots?!?!?!? I've heard of an so49iP that did or came close on a trip from here to Oz....... Reality is, probably all of the more recent designed folder/feathering props will do as well or better overall than a fixed prop. Especially if it is a fixed 3 blade as the OP has. Marty I am yet to hit 10  My best chance to cause problems with a Maxprop  |
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Post by MartyB on Aug 24, 2014 14:40:28 GMT
Hoppy,
Rumour has it, there is a spot or two like that in the world. On somewhere in the north and south atlantic, The northern atlantic is supposed to be east of FLorida but before you get to bermuda.....maybe if you are near that area, you can go see if you find it and report back any findings.
THere is also supposed to be a place that that east ans south of Japan?!?!?!?! in the pacific....that is not as well know as the Atlantic drop off spot.
marty
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Post by optimystic on Aug 25, 2014 15:43:15 GMT
Where is the best website to look at for Autostream pricing. I have not been able to get responses from the manufacturer. Not a good sign.
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Post by rene460 on Aug 26, 2014 10:18:05 GMT
Hi optimystic, The Autostream manufacturer is Seahawk, try www.Seahawk.com.au. They are located in London Rd Bayswater, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia. If you can't find anything on the website, try a quick phone call to +613 9761 1633 or email to their contact address, info@ seahawk.com.au. I found them helpful and am very pleased with my propellor. rene460 |
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jimairey
New Member
SO 36.2 TELSTAR
Posts: 9
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Post by jimairey on Aug 26, 2014 18:06:29 GMT
This year I replaced the standard 2-blade fixed prop (SO 36.2 Yanmar 3GM30F) with a 3-blade Flexofold. Results:- 6 Knot cruising at 300rpm less: no vibration through the wheel when motoring: no gearbox rumble when sailing: reduced prop-walk to port: less power in reverse but easily compensated for with more revs:
I settled on the 3-blade to minimise vibration and I'm really happy with my choice! Jim
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