For what it’s worth, I bought a Flex-o-Fold prop two or three years ago to
replace my old Martec folding prop and am generally satisfied. My main issue
with the Martec was its propensity to “half open” going into forward gear,
which shakes the boat. The way to deal with it was to take it out of forward
gear, go into reverse, increase the speed, lower the speed, then go back into
forward. This gets really old after a while.
My Flex-o-Fold does not present the Martec issue, although sometimes I can feel
the prop turning after the engine is shut off. Putting the engine in reverse
shortly before shutting down corrects this.
I agree that the bedside manner of the Flex-o-Fold reps could use improvement.
I had a few questions before I purchased the prop, and the responses I got were
matter of fact and somewhat condescending. It was almost like they were
offended because I dared to ask how they selected the prop for my boat.
Perhaps it’s a cultural thing.
From: Francois Rivard via CnC-List
Sent: Thursday, September 19, 2019 9:23 AM
To: captnga...@gmail.com ; cnc-list@cnc-list.com
Cc: Francois Rivard
Subject: Stus-List The Low drag Prop saga is over!
Hi Gary,
You're right the 34+, 34/36, 34 R's came with a variety of engines and
transmissions. They had me submit both my engine serial # and a picture of the
transmission placard. (Yanmar 3GM30F / Kanzaki 2.6:1 Ratio) and they said:
"Your engine is the most popular out there, we know what we're doing"
They didn't. Max RPM was a struggling and smoking 3000-3100. Yanmar says it
should be 3,400 continuous / 3,600 1 hour rating. That + on my boat: the
vibrations sounded / looked destructive.
I had a lot of time to research all that and this over-pitching thing is a
commonly done to make their product look more efficient. The "Voile" French
Magazine did a low drag prop test and they stated that a few manufacturers had
sent over pitched props / Flex o fold was the worst offender. The comment was
that the Flex o Fold was very fuel efficient but: "Be careful with the
throttle, the prop is dangerously over-pitched, you could damage your engine".
Live and learn..
Francois
1990 34+ "Take Five"
Lake Lanier, GA
-----------------------------------
Hi Francois,
I had the same problem. It turned out my 37+ was delivered with 2
different transmission ratios, and the previous owner had ordered the prop
for the wrong ratio. I wonder if the 34+ is available with 2 different
transmission ratios. Once they sent me the correct prop she was fine.
Agreed, they weren't the most friendly to deal with.
Gary
S/V Kaylarah
'90 C&C 37+
East Greenwich, RI, USA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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_______________________________________________
Thanks everyone for supporting this list with your contributions. Each and
every one is greatly appreciated. If you want to support the list - use PayPal
to send contribution -- https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
