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Post by Geoff on Nov 4, 2007 9:11:25 GMT
I am taking delivery of my new SO 36i in March next year. I am considering replacing the 3 blade fixed prop with a Gori 2 blade folding. Does anyone have any thoughts on this.
Thanks.
Geoff. ;D
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Post by MalcolmP on Nov 4, 2007 15:01:09 GMT
The fixed three blade is good for motoring, but not at all good for sailing - quite similar to dragging a bucket behind you all the time
The various folding and feathering props all have pros and cons, but you should expect much better sailing performance and on some, much reduced "prop walk" which is noticeable on the fixed three blade
Things to consider as well as initial price is how often the prop need to be serviced - I have a 2 blade autoprop that needs at least annual greasing.
2 blade props cannot get as much "bite" as a three blade, this will be most noticeable when pushing into choppy seas and also may well reduce the "breaking" performance when going into astern
The autoprop, likes to have a good burst of power to get bite, say when turning, but all the different props will have variation and may take some while to get accustomed to
Barnacles are bad for all props, but heavy marine growth seems to have an even more pronounced impact on performance, so worth bearing in mind. There are quite a few new prop antifouling systems that you might want to investigate
Malcolm
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Post by Geoff on Nov 5, 2007 7:45:07 GMT
Malcolm Thanks for your response. I am probably going for the 2 blade folding after taking a "straw" poll in the Yacht club yesterday. Of the 25 people asked 20 had 2 blade folding. Thanks.
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Post by unolar on Nov 5, 2007 19:20:00 GMT
Hi Geoff! I have made some inquiries of propeller to my SO 39i. I have got information about the gearbox that indicate that folding propeller is not the best option. (I have a 3 bladed Flexofold to day) The gearbox ratio in reverse make the prop go real slow and the folding prop will have problems to open in reverse. I therefore have ordered a Kiwiprop (a feathering prop). In your situation I would have checked the gear ratio in reverse at your gearbox before ordering the folding propeller. Uno
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Post by cm on Nov 7, 2007 4:54:25 GMT
I have ordered a 39i and will be fitting a Gori 18x14x3 blade folding prop. Gori have assured me it will open on first spin and have heaps of references from happy owners. I understand the 39i has a 30mm dia shaft and a 2.33:1 reduction with a RH rotation. Many people have told me that folding is better than feathering and this Gori has an "overdrive" feature to save fuel. Would be interested to hear from those with a Gori.
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Post by MartyB on Nov 7, 2007 15:02:48 GMT
There is a fellow north of me with the same smaller 29' rig as I have, I seem to recal him switching fro max prop to a gori or something similar, gained an additional .5 knots motoring, and a small amount sailing. Then he is into some high tech racing and going for top boat and was in his class for this current years racing. So every ounce of drag he can reduce, gain motoring etc, he is on it. Then again the speed gain may have been because the new prop was able to be closer speced to the 2gm16 motors rpm range we have too vs the old one.
In the mean time, my max prop works fine.
marty
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Post by Geoff on Nov 8, 2007 12:24:42 GMT
Guys
Thanks for all your replies. I have been asssured by the guys at Gori that I should have no problems. I will let you know what happens, next March.
BRGDS.
Geoff.
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