prop selection

[sam]

Who has changed from the standard three blade prop to a folding or adjustable pitch type? Brand recommendation?

Sam

LONGHAWK, B43 Hull #9

[Mark and Karen]

Hi Sam

We have the standard three blade prop which does pack a punch as well as loads of prop wash - mostly in the opposite direction for us leaving and returning (stern to) our berth.

Had a chat with our dealer and they recommend the 'kiwi' folding prop which gives the punch without the wash giving greater control fore and aft. You can also tune the pitch to your engine power.

On our list for next year

Mark

[Robert & Sandy]

Hi Sam,

Our 43 was optioned up from new with a three blade Gori folding prop.

It works very well and has the added advantage of an "overdrive option" for motoring in quiet conditions or smooth seas offshore.

The procedure is relatively easy but hard to explain: I would suggest you visit the Gori site and view a video.

Compared to the three blade prop on friends 43 we seem to have slightly superior speed in forward  with a strong reverse which admittedly requires more revs for similiar stopping power.

In overdrive engine revs at, say 6.5 to 7 knots reduce by almost 350 to 400 with normal pitch peak revs around 3200rpm.

On our previous  Beneteau 393 we had an Australian made stainless steel Auto-Stream three blade feathering propellor. It was a  strong and beautifully made unit with easy feathering  and a robust instant reverse,

All in all the change from the fixed three blade "bucket" (whilst sailing) is profound and worth the cost.

Bilgolabands

 

 

 

[stephen grainger]

Hi Sam

I have attached a prop review. Hope it opens.

 I have just purchased the flexofold 3 blade folding but am yet to have it fitted.

Stephen

[Mark and Karen]

Do let us all know - we probably all have different requirements from day sail, cruising and blue water.

[Donizetti]

Hi, I'm in the process of buying the exact same propeller. Suggestion from Flexofold is 3-blades 18x14-3R.

Hope to hear from you very soon on concerns like reverse, sailing, motoring and general docking manoeuvres.

B40 4JH4AE, 54hp, 30mm shaft

[foster]

Hello,

I am investigating this field.

The models that have attracted most attention would be on the paper : MAXPROP ECOWIND Four blade and SS EWOL.

Has anyone have direct experience on a B40/B43 ?

This is for next year.

Denis

 

[Gavin White]

HI

We put an Auto Stream on our 43 and I am happy with it.  Looking quickly at the review, which is great by the way, it comes out pretty well.  Anyone who I have talked to with a Gori, raves about the overdrive function.  The lower the drag the better I say.  Good luck

Cheers

Gavin

[Jeff Jakus]

I have ordered a Martec Mark III folding prop for our 2011 B40 (hull #189) - should receive it tomorrow and then I will be able to comment on performance.

My issue was in getting the proper information from Beneteau so the correct prop could be fabricated. I was told by our Beneteau dealer and also by the Beneteau Service Department in SC that our boat had a 2.61:1 reduction gear. WRONG! When actually squeezing into the engine compartment opening and reading the plaque on the transmission, the correct reduction ratio is 2.36:1.

Lesson learned - check it once and then check it again. Ordering a prop with the wrong information can really provide poor performance.

Martec is a great company and can be reached at [phone].

[Michael Boyle]

Hi Sam,

We have  fitted a Kiwi three blaed feathering prop this spring. Surprised at how samll it looked compared to the standard fixed three bladed that was on but so far it has performed well. Not had an opportunity yet to properly compare with the old blade as the log has been playing up (or not working) have now got that fixed-- a software update. But it appears to perform well particularly in reverse as it automatically has full pitch which really bites and stops well with good control. At 54hp on the 43 I suspect the prop is operating at its limit an if they made a 20inch rather than a 18.5 compared with the fixe one at 19 inch it would probably be better with a slightly less pitch. It also has made a significant difference to windward perfromance in light airs probably 1/2 to 3/4 of a knot. Quieter as well, cheaper than all the others and easy to fit. Pleased so far.

 

Michael

[Mark and Karen]

How have you got on with the prop? still happy?

[Mark and Karen]

Also, have you serviced it? I read on the site that there is an annual service kit.

thanks

Mark

[Paul O' Kirwan]

A couple of 40's here have the Kiwi prop and the 50 next to me has just fitted one from http://www.bruntons-propellers.com/

He is getting an extra knot of speed under sail and about .5 Knot under power.