The best propeller option for 39i Performance

[moneypennyr26]

I’m a new owner of a 2010 39i performance and when under motor Im disappointed with the boats performance when reverse gear is engaged (compared to previous boats at have owned). It takes a large amount of engine revs to stop the boat so I’m looking for a recommendation of a prop which may perform better. I still want a folding/feathering prop for optimum sailing performance. All suggestions welcomed.

[element]

This sounds familiar: jeanneau.proboards.com/thread/9461/performance-flexofold-prop-reverse-39i?page=1 

We eventually decided to go for a new prop, the Volvo folding prop. Similar to the one we had on our previous boat (Etap 34s) as we were very happy with that. That’s actually what made us decide fot this prop, as all tests show that every prop has its pros and its cons.

Unfortunately, due to some problems with the hoisting system at our marina, it has not yet been installed. We hope to finally do so early spring.

And welcome to this forum and congrats with the 39iP.
it is a fantastic boat and you will find a lot of information about this boat on this forum.

[bereboot]

After encountering the same problem, i installed a maxprop. Last season was a de light.

[Don Reaves]

I have a Kiwiprop on my SO35. It's reverse performance is very good, and being a feathering prop, it doesn't drag like a fixed prop while sailing. The forward performance isn't the best of breed, but it's fine for my purposes.

Best of all, it's about half the cost of most other folding and feathering props.

[MalcolmP]

We have had the Bruntons autoprop since new. It is far from a cheap option, but really love its performance in both forward and astern. It is the only fully self-pitching propeller and reconfigures when shifting from ahead to astern to give the same blade area.

We have a special discount for Jeanneau Owners with the Bruntons agent Bell Marine. 

www.jeanneau-owners.com/discounts.html

[jdl01]

The flexofold prop series are the offered option from Jeanneau and I am pleased to report good performance on our so379. I tried a feathering prop [variprop] but found I got a better upper speed range with the flexofold. Reversing is not as good, but I thought speed was worth the tradeoff.

[moneypennyr26]

Thank you all for your replies, I’ve also just joined this owners forum so it’s great to have access to your relevant feedback and opinions.

[zaphod]

I put a Flex-o-Fold on our 39i and I am very happy with it. They are one of the top rated folding props on the market.

[element]

I have read the excellent reviews of the Flexofolds. Also upper end brands like x-yachts are installing these.
But ours gives much less trust in reverse than we used to with the Volvo prop at our previous boat.
Even at full revs it takes considerable time to stop the boat. As filmed with my GoPro, the prop does not fold open fully in reverse.

[bereboot]

Part of the problem is that the gearbox rate in reverse is less than in forward. With the maxprop easy you can have different settings forward vs backwards.
You can adjust the pitch yourself.
It is even adjustable under water it seems (never had to try this).
Of course we can not try each brand of propeller. Friend of mine was equally very pleased with his Gory prop.

[rene]

We had a Kiwiprop installed on our 36i in 2010 and are very pleased with the performance ever since, both ahead and astern. The blades are non-metallic but so far so good we have never needed to replace one. The cost of a Kiwiprop is very affordable.