| Author | Message | ||
     Mike Bergmann Unregistered guest Rating: N/A |
I have just installed a 15 x 9 Varifold prop (geared folder) replacing my old Martec 14 x 10. The boat is not in the water yet, so I can't report on performance. One warning for anyone changing props: Check the clearance between the prop hub and the aft side of the strut. You need at least 1/4 inch (1/2 is better) so that water can flow through the cutlass bearing. You also need some clearance because the engine mounts will flex under full power and the entire drive train will displace forward due to prop thrust. If you are buying a new prop, try to measure the distance between the forward end of the hub and the seating surface for the prop nut. If the new one is longer than the old one, you may have to do what I did: when I installed the new prop, I had 1/16 inch between the prop and the strut. Varifold confirmed that this was not enough. I ended up buying and installing a "Drive-Saver" which adds 1" to the length of the shaft. Everything is fine, but the "Drive-Saver" is not cheap. I will let everyone know how the new prop performs. The blades are wider than on the Martec, and I expect much better performance in chop and in reverse. |
