FlexoFold market test

The Yachting Monthly "Ultimate Propeller Test" from May 2009 is still, in my book, one of the best sources for information on folding and feathering propellers.

I recently had a customer holding my feet to the fire over a FlexoFold or Volvo Penta folding propeller.  I reached out to FlexoFold for their input and received an interesting end-user testimonial.

Hello Per,

I finally mounted the propeller today and tested it. I want to share my experience with comparison to Volvo blade so maybe, in the future if someone comes to you with the same questions, you can refer my comparison.

Before I unmount the existing Volvo propeller, I went sailing and here are the results:

Boat: 

Bavaria Cruiser 51

Engine: Volvo Penta D2-75

Volvo Sail Drive.

Weather:

Calm sea 

No waves.

No Current

4 knot truewind from straight ahead.

Both tests were done in 2 hours, same weather, same sea, same spot and same heading.

Consumption is according to Volvo Penta D2-75 engine fuel consumption chart. 

Boat was all cleaned and painted with antifouling 1 month ago. It was very clean during testing.

Speed are measured according to GPS speed from on board chart plotters.

Between RPM changes, I have waited for speed to stabilize like 1 minute or so.

RESULT:

I was wondering how well this blade will do and not optimistic at all because of Volvo has 4 blades, Flexofold has 3.

But regardless, Flexofold has granted me more than 1 knot comparison to Volvo. 

Also comparing the same RPM/Speed, I am more fuel saving now.

With Volvo I need to go to 2500 RPM, burn 9 Lt/Hr and speed 7,5 knt.

With Flexofold I just need 2200 rpm, burn 6 lt/hr and go even faster 7,9knt. !!!

Max speed is also slightly more with Flexofold.

Also the drag that will be generated with Flexofold is obviously less then Volvo when it is folded.

But what is surprising is that there was NO VIBRATION or ENGINE Sound that was there with Volvo. This was also a big plus for Flexofold.

Only downside that I can come up with is my MAX RPM is reduced 300 RPM down to 2700. (If this can be expected as a disadvantage).

It was good to take your suggestion and not to go one Pitch up.

Sorry to write so long but I just wanted to share my experience and happiness with you and once again thank you for your friendly – continuous support and your fast response.

Without this, I wouldn’t probably change the propeller.

Best Regards

Orcun.

I know it's frustrating, the differences in props, styles, and options available can be overwhelming.  I try to keep up with the market, we want you to have the best source of information available.

Fair winds,

Steve