I'm buying a Cavalier 28 with a slightly rattly folding prop. I'm looking forward to some cruising and a bit of friendly racing.

The current prop is not a big problem but , at some point in the not too distant future (probably the next haul out), I'll need to replace it. On Saturday, I went for a test-sail and discussed it with the current owner and his mate, who previously owned a different Cav28. So, I'm thinking through the pros and cons.

I also called a marine engineer and Austral Props in Sydney. The engineer cautioned that repairing the current prop could cost as much as a new one. Austral Props warned me about buying the cheaper folding props (e.g. Gori), because they will not last as long. Also, Austral advised that a good 2-blade 16 inch folding prop would be about $1850 in Bronze and $2220 in Stainless Steel. The Stainless Steel prop will be more durable than the bronze prop.

Fixed prop
Pro - cheaper, less to go wrong, good in reverse, balances the engine better (according to the owner's mate)
Con - You'll lose half a knot

Feathering prop (didn't come up in conversation, but worth a mention)
Pro - As good in reverse as a fixed prop, small loss in speed but much less than half a knot (probably not noticeable)
Con - Most expensive option, complex moving parts (more to go wrong)

Folding prop
Pro - Best for speed
Con - Some complex moving parts, but simpler than feathering prop.

(PS My interpretations of performance come from www.yachtingmonthly.com/gear/folding-and-feathering-propeller-test-29807)

On my old Adams 28 l had a bronze twin folding prop which was ratty when l bought it seven years ago and the tub was sold with the same prop last year, and it is still running fine.

Sailing off one's mooring or sailing out an anchor saves a lot of prop and whacking it from forward into reverse, as many lunatics do, would kill a new prop sooner than later.

So, do not rush out and spend a fortune until it is absolutely necessary!
(Buy an ounce of gold instead, you won't regret it in a year or so! )

Ramona said..

Achernar said..
I'm buying a Cavalier 28 with a slightly rattly folding prop. I'm looking forward to some cruising and a bit of friendly racing.

The current prop is not a big problem but , at some point in the not too distant future (probably the next haul out), I'll need to replace it.

Just keep it clean. They all rattle. If you have a yacht use a feathering or a folder. If you have a motor boat use a fixed.

agree completely

Nothing wrong with Gori props. Glen at porters recommends them and there is no better recommendation than his.
I have a 2 bladed folding 15X10 Gori on my boat and it is perfect for cruising.

Have you checked the easy things first? Coupling bolts tight. Engine mounts. Could be the p bracket bearing is flogged out. Prop could be loose on the taper.

not rattly folding but .........the first prop i had was an old old auto stream 2 blade feather-er and it did rattle when not in the water , but when in use all good .....

My folding prop is fine in reverse. The S&S won't steer in reverse due to the hull shape (prop wash doesn't hit the rudder) but it stops and goes astern very well.