Folding Propeller B49

[kawabonga]

Does anyone have information/experience relating to folding propellers for a new model B49 (2007) with 110 hp Yanmar? I want to change from the stock fixed prop (21" x 13") to a folding type.

[hilbelink1]

Have a 3 blade MaxProp on 2009 B49. Great under power. Pronounced prop walk to port at slow speeds. Helpful in some docking maneuvers (assuming you're too proud to use bow thruster). When under sail, throttle needs to be placed into reverse to feather blades. Feel a definite kick in hull speed when feathered. Had a MaxProp on previous boat too.

[MJBrown]

We had an Autoprop on a 36' Beneteau and really liked the way it performed. In spite of what many folks claimed about no prop walk we had just the opposite. I actually preferrred the effect as I used it when approaching the slip, docks, etc. With any folding prop you have to keep them clean of barnacles, etc or they have a tendency to cause some vibration in the drive train. It provided strong power in all RPM ranges. I also believe it gave me somewhere in the range of 3/4 to 1 kt of extra speed while under sail. The nice part is it self pitches and there's no adjustments to make to it. One downside is the size of the zinc. It's a nose cone type and for the Cheasapeake Bay, too small. You'll need to add a shaft zinc to help protect the prop. It also needs to be greased whenever you haul the boat. Greasing it is easy to do and only takes a few minutes. Good luck with your choice.

[negrini]

Not a 49, but wanted to share my recent experience. I installed a Kiwi-prop and I'm very happy so far. Tested under several situations and got 2 pros: 1- cut 200rpm for the same speed up to 7.5Knots (shrinking after that) but went to plenty of WOT at 3.000rpm, no smoke, no oveload. 2- amazing rear push and no walk (I always supposed a fixed would be beter, but compared to that cheap thing Beneteau delivers .....) I did several manouvering on my berth, inside marina, among moorings, and feel tremendous control. Drawbacks ? So far, only the zinc had to be shaped to fit the prop nose, and will demand some attention to certify it will not get loose as it goes away, otherwise could interfere to the blades movement. We didn't have a chance to test under sail yet, but we're excited and big expctations will reveal in a couple of weeks. Manufacturer have pre-set sizes for standard Benes, so no need to test best config. For the price, I decided to give it a try ....