Martec Geared Folding Prop

[rtcooke]

I have just replaced my original martec folding prop with the Martec geared prop. I am wondering if it may have been installed incorrectly, reverse is almost non-existent and can''t even be used to slow the boat down.
Has anyone had this problem? Can it be corrected or should I just put the reconditioned one back on.

[Jeff_H]

If the pitch and diameter is correct and the prop is opening all of the way the geared propos should work as well as your older ''flopper'' type. The geared props are better than the ''floppers'' because you are more likely to have both blades close. The ''floppers'' really needed the hinge pin vertical to guarentee that one blade would not flop open. That said, the geared props have more friction closing and so it is a good idea to take the boat up to a reasonable speed, and then kill the engine in gear. That is more likely to force the blades shut.

As to your reversing problem, it may also be a matter of blades not opening all of the way. If I have any doubt that the blades have opened all of the way (I have a Gori geared folding prop) I give a quick burst of reverse and then power up in reverse slowly so as not to ''spin'' the prop.

Good luck
Jeff