Flexofold
Printed From: myHanse.com
Category: Hints & Tips
Forum Name: 400
Forum Description: 400 Hints, Tips and News
URL: https://www.myhanse.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8442
Printed Date: 27 March 2026 at 03:40
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Flexofold
Posted By: Gertjan
Subject: Flexofold
Date Posted: 13 June 2014 at 19:51
|
Hello, i want to replace my fixed 2blade propeller for A flexofold 2blade propellor in mij hanse 400.-volvo penta 2d-40 the question is, wat is the needed Size of this flexofold. At first occasion They advice me 17x10 but That looks me A bit small for A 40 foto boat... ------------- Gertjan en Maaike |
Replies:
Posted By: Mark_J1
Date Posted: 13 June 2014 at 21:02
|
Hi Gertjan, Does seem small. Have a KiwiProp on mine. Looking at the Kiwi sizing table http://www.kiwiprops.co.nz/cms/index.php/k3-resources/k3-benchmarks" rel="nofollow - here mines a bit larger (just search on "Hanse" and it shows up way down the list). My engine is a Yanmar 3JH and looking at other similar-sized boats in the table with your Volvo they also go for a larger size. Different props and engines but food for thought to help you perhaps? Mark ------------- Hanse 400e "Grey Goose" Hull #31 |
Posted By: Mark_J1
Date Posted: 13 June 2014 at 21:36
|
Gertjan - also note the conversation going on in the 370 forum http://www.myhanse.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8431&PID=65923&title=saildrive-hull-gasket-prop-choice#65923" rel="nofollow - here which may interest you. ------------- Hanse 400e "Grey Goose" Hull #31 |
Posted By: Brufan
Date Posted: 13 June 2014 at 22:13
|
Just ask Flex-O-Fold. They will do calculation for you. They did for mine and the propellor fits perfect. ------------- Bruno hanse 355 - 57 S/Y Spicy Ginger White hull, 2 cabins, Volvo D1-30, Selden rig, removable mainsheet track system, Simrad (now B&G)-Jefa autopilot. |
Posted By: Gertjan
Date Posted: 13 June 2014 at 22:24
Yes, That sounds logic. The problem is That it is difficult to give them the right information About the engine. Because it is A saildrive i'll cant see the plate on the bagside of the engine were is written the reduction etc. Of the drive. I hope someone at this forum nows the proper information  ------------- Gertjan en Maaike |
Posted By: Idelfix
Date Posted: 14 June 2014 at 09:18
|
2,2:1 on 130 and 150 ------------- "Keep sailing in free wind" http://suhrfa.blogspot.se |
Posted By: Perttu
Date Posted: 14 June 2014 at 10:12
This is the very best advise. I have 16*10 on a 355 with D1-20 and that is just perfect. ------------- Check my sailing videos - http://www.youtube.com/user/l11483?feature=results_main |
Brufan wrote:Posted By: Fendant
Date Posted: 14 June 2014 at 11:49
Yep, the naval engineer at Flex-O-Fold is very competent. She was who told me that the old Yanmars on the Jeanneau boats had a rpm reduction in reverse  . This explained why my boat had no noticeable deceleration when going astern, nor any power when going out of the mooring.------------- Frank |
Posted By: alettaenmarcel
Date Posted: 14 June 2014 at 17:32
|
2,2 on 1 is the same reduction as my hanse370 So you als need the18x13 prop I have seen a hanse 400 at the Tijssen yard in Zoeterwoude wich also hase the flexofold 18x13 a few years ago. It had a yanmar in it but sinds we did not know wich reduction the volvo had (seems to be the same as the yanmar) ou can also have the 18x13 , same I have Greetings marcel ------------- Kids Dingys 72-79 ,Several Windsurfboards 79-86 OK dingy competitions 86-92 , Trotter Pandora Race 92-98, Friendship 28 Sport 98-05, Hanse 370 06-...... |
Posted By: alidal
Date Posted: 15 June 2014 at 19:48
|
I have 17 x 14, 2-blade on H 400 with Yanmar 39 hp. The same size as the fixed prop that was delivered with the boat.... ------------- Hanse 400#655 |
Posted By: Lippe
Date Posted: 16 June 2014 at 08:19
|
Hi Alidal, I bought two years ago flexo-o-fold to my Hanse 400 with 39hp Yanmar. Flexo-o-fold suggested 17x13-3 as good all round propeller. I chose 18x12-3 because I wanted focus on best possible thrust in manouvering and high seas. I quess there is not much difference in these two alternatives, but 17x13 may give a bit better speed. Alidal have you measured your speed with full rpm. I have just above 8 knots with 18x12. Kari |
Posted By: alidal
Date Posted: 16 June 2014 at 09:03
|
I tried when I changed 2 years ago, and then I get more speed with same rpm as with the fixed. I am not sure aboutspeed at full rpm, but Y am sure it was over 8 knot. I had the same full rpm as with the fixed one.... Now I just have about 2600 rpm as max. (should be around 3000) I have had some water in the fuel. Maybe some issue with the fuelpump? ------------- Hanse 400#655 |
Posted By: Lippe
Date Posted: 17 June 2014 at 12:26
|
Hi Alidal, Note that I made some correction to figures in my earlier mail. Recommendation from flexofold was 17x13-3. It was said about your size: I"f you want low rpm at cruising speed, then go for the 17x14-3L and be aware of the fact that you will not be able to reach the rated maximum rpm." So according to this it is expected that your rpm stays below nominall for the engine. A member "Jesper" with H400 wrote as follwowing: If you order a 3-blade flexofold prop, remember to
get it with the right blades (17x14-3). I have just changes the blades on mine,
and increased the top-speed from 6,8 to 8,3. But most off all have I decreased
the rpm (including noise) at cruising speed (now 7 at 2100 rpm). |
Posted By: sulutime
Date Posted: 17 June 2014 at 14:47
|
Factory fitted Three blade Flex-o-fold on my H400e #157 2006 is 17x4 with the Yanmar 39hp and works wonderfully; good thrust against wavy seas or high wind and close to no lateral pull on reverse with very good efficiency when maneuvering. Recommended! ------------- Fabrizio H400e#127 Roma ITALY |
Posted By: alidal
Date Posted: 17 June 2014 at 16:19
|
I have the 2-bladed. I guess there is a difference between the size of 2 or 3-blade? ------------- Hanse 400#655 |
Posted By: sulutime
Date Posted: 22 June 2014 at 09:41
|
Two blades have normally a longer pitch than three blades but less blade area. That gives a bit higher top speed on calm seas but substancially less push against waves or wind and when maneuvering. ------------- Fabrizio H400e#127 Roma ITALY |
Posted By: avdbg
Date Posted: 03 July 2014 at 10:37
|
This is what they advised me: With a Yanmar 3JH5E (39 HP by 3000 RPM, reduction 1:2,32) we would recommend a 2-blade 17x14L or a 3-blade 17x13-3L propeller for your Hanse 400.
One would choose a 2-blade propeller because, in flat water, it will reach a higher speed for any given RPM. It will also have lower drag under sail and will cost less. The 3-blade Flexofold will perform better in maneuvers around the docks, in forward and reverse, will attain a higher average speed against a head sea, and will stop the boat quicker. The 3-blade may also be a little smoother running if there is a problem with vibration. The choice of 2-blade vs. 3 blade is really up to your personal preferences. |
Posted By: Publicschmidt
Date Posted: 10 August 2014 at 06:47
|
Hi all, We changed our Flex o fold from 18x12 to 18x14 and it works perfect. We are doing 8,6 kn. max and 7,1 at 2200 rpm. Best regards Lars Sailing Hanse 400e from 2006 in Denmark |
Posted By: alidal
Date Posted: 10 August 2014 at 07:28
Is that a 2-bladed? ------------- Hanse 400#655 |
Posted By: samuel
Date Posted: 10 August 2014 at 10:13
|
Did you buy a new propeler? I ask because a couple of weeks ago i spoke to one of the design team of the Brunton autoprop Although it is a self pitching prop it still has to be designed to set at the optimum pitch for the boat. To do this there is a bevel ( about 8 mm wide) on the rear edge of the blades. All they do is adjust the bevel & it sets he working pitch He then went on to say that they sometimes do a similar thing with fixed blade propellers, just grind a bevel on the rear edge to change the pitch. ( a trick of the trade) At that point he went off sailing so i could not ask anymore However, this raises a point. If one has a propeller with a pitch which is not quite right it may be possible to have it reworked & save the cost of a new one. Brunton sell all sorts & makes of propeller & it might be worth talking to them before investing in a completely new propeller, flexifold or otherwise I have been to their factory to have my prop serviced & they give the impression of being a proffessional & more importantly ,honest, outfit ------------- Daydream Believer- Hanse 311- No GBR9917T- Bradwell Essex |
Posted By: Publicschmidt
Date Posted: 10 August 2014 at 12:47
|
it´s a 3 blade. We had our local Yanmar dealer calculate the right size based on boat size, weight (the reel weight in the water with mast, sails, fuel Water people e.i) Flex O Fold in Denmark recommended a 3 blade 17x13 or 18x12 (we had the last one when we bought the boat last year) but it din´t feel like there where any power in and we could get the engine up 3600 rpm. |
Posted By: Zorro
Date Posted: 11 August 2014 at 11:07
|
Hi Gertjan,
If you are looking for a great deal I can offer you my Variprop which we used to our Hanse 400 during three summers in Sweden. Variprop is a German feathering prop and they claim it is probably the finest featherering prop in the world. Should not be mixed up with the cheaper Variprofile. Variprop is the "high end" prop and quite expensive. However - we will sell it at around half price which should be lower than a new Flex and Fold.
Pls note that you will increase speed under sail with 0.1 knot compared with a folding prop model! Not much but for the racer it is important:-).
What we offer is a three blade with self adjusting pitch and it has EXTREMLY good manoeuvrability in reverse.
Check out the link to get more info: http://www.spw-gmbh.de/en/variprop.html" rel="nofollow - http://www.spw-gmbh.de/en/variprop.html
BR
Morgan
|
Posted By: alidal
Date Posted: 11 August 2014 at 18:27
|
Did anyone of you have the 2-blade Flexofold 17 x 14 on H 400 with Yanmar 40hp? And what rpm did you have on full speed? ------------- Hanse 400#655 |
Posted By: Brufan
Date Posted: 12 August 2014 at 11:03
|
I do not have a 400 with 40 hp but a 355 with a Volvo D1-30 (approx 7 tons). I bought a 2 blade Flex-O-Fold 16X12 following Flex-O-Fold calculations. I can motor at cruising speed (6.2 - 6.5 knots approx) at 2000 - 2100 rpm. This is now 300 rpm lower than with original fixed Volvo propeller. It fits perfect to my yacht so I should be confident in Flex-O-Fold calculations. Hope this helps a bit. ------------- Bruno hanse 355 - 57 S/Y Spicy Ginger White hull, 2 cabins, Volvo D1-30, Selden rig, removable mainsheet track system, Simrad (now B&G)-Jefa autopilot. |
Posted By: Lippe
Date Posted: 13 August 2014 at 21:54
Something does not match here. I can make with 18x12-3 only about the nominal 3000 rpm on Hanse 400. How much is your max rpm with 18x14-3 and are you sure these are dimensions of your new prop? On my opinion and experience you may have now ok prop for calm water but it is generally quite heavy. |
Posted By: alettaenmarcel
Date Posted: 15 August 2014 at 12:09
|
I have a hanse 370 with 40 hp yanmar and have 18*13 speed aprox 8 knots ------------- Kids Dingys 72-79 ,Several Windsurfboards 79-86 OK dingy competitions 86-92 , Trotter Pandora Race 92-98, Friendship 28 Sport 98-05, Hanse 370 06-...... |
Posted By: alidal
Date Posted: 15 August 2014 at 15:57
|
Is that a 2-blade? What is the rpm on full speed? ------------- Hanse 400#655 |
Posted By: alettaenmarcel
Date Posted: 16 August 2014 at 17:12
|
Yes it is a two blade , and with 3000 rpm we go full speed at aprox 8 knots ------------- Kids Dingys 72-79 ,Several Windsurfboards 79-86 OK dingy competitions 86-92 , Trotter Pandora Race 92-98, Friendship 28 Sport 98-05, Hanse 370 06-...... |
Posted By: Pride of Waterford
Date Posted: 19 August 2014 at 21:13
|
how much do you want for the propeller/ Would it be ok on a 370 with 30hp engine? Regards Jon ------------- Brod Port Lairge |
Posted By: Zorro
Date Posted: 23 October 2014 at 13:58
|
Hi Sulutime, I suppose you mean 17x14 on your H400! What is the maximum rpm you reach with the 17x14? Do you reach 3000 or are you closer to 2800 rpm with the 17x14 which should be the case in theori? BR Morgan
|
Posted By: Rock
Date Posted: 28 October 2014 at 21:25
|
Alidal, Could you explain the difference in performance and maneuvering you noticed between the fixed 2 blade prop and your folding 2 blade prop. Why did you choose for the 2 blade folding vs. the 3 blade? Regards Peter. ------------- Hanse 400e "M-square2" #0241 |
Posted By: alidal
Date Posted: 28 October 2014 at 22:00
|
I think it`s less propwalk and better performance, both ahead and astern. I got a very good deal on a used one....  ------------- Hanse 400#655 |
Posted By: Thompy
Date Posted: 15 November 2014 at 20:36
|
I have a H400#805 (2011) with the Volvo D2-40 saildrive. The boat came with a 2 blade fixed Volvo prop, which I changed in 2012 to a 2 blade folding Volvo prop - 17x11x2, based on advice from a Volvo agent. I was not totally convinced by the advice given by the agent at the time, and am now firmly of the view that the prop is undersized for the boat - I struggle to get more than ~5.4 knts at cruising revs (~220rpm) in flat water, and struggle to make much headway under power when motoring into chop. I have spoken to Flex-o-fold, who suggested getting a 17x12x3 prop. A different Volvo agent has suggested a 18x12x3 prop. I am set on getting a 3 blade prop rather than a 2 blade, as I want power to be able to make way into a headsea. Both the new recommendations are up in size from what I have at present, which confirms my view that the current prop is undersized. Any suggestions as to what to go for, or any other alternatives, would be appreciated! Many thanks Thompy |
Posted By: Mike400
Date Posted: 15 November 2014 at 22:10
|
Hi We have a H400 # 807 from 2011, Volvo Penta D2-40. We got a flex o fold 17x12x3L 3 blad, mounted directly at the factory 2011, the fixed two bladed propeller we have the original as a spare. I'm so happy, love the engine and our propeller, do not know exactly but about 7 knots not under at 2200 rpm, works perfectly, good power both front and rear. Feels safe when the wind blows and you must maneuver the boat at sea and in the harbor, just my personal opinion, sorry for my bad english Google, hope you can understand ..... ------------- Regards Mike H400 S/Y "Mystique" |
Posted By: Rock
Date Posted: 16 November 2014 at 10:24
|
My 2007 H400e (bought 1 month ago) with 39HP Yanmar, still has the standard 2 blade fixed prop, hence
I started looking for a folding prop. Based on what I read on the forum (great) and contact with Flexofold
(Marlene) I decided (ordered this week) to go with the 17x13-3L. Flexofold first advice was a 2-blade 17x14L or a 3-blade
17x12-3L. I saw so many different sizes mentioned here on the forum
that I asked Marlene about it. It appears to all come down to engine makers requirements
and peoples preferences. For instance Yanmar would say that the engine should be able to run
3000RPM’s + 6-8% (17x12-3L), Marlene said a 17x13-3L would run to app. 3000
RPM’s . A bigger prop (and larger pitch) gives more speed and thrust
(if the engine can support it). Clearly you don’t want the max rev’s of a diesel at 2000 if
it was designed to do 3000. Based on the fact that I saw (on the forum) several owners with a H400 mentioned they have a 17x13-3L (also
factory installed) that were happy with it, and that I like to be able to do the
speed (when needed) and have same speed at lower rev’s, I choose the 13 pitch
instead of the 12. The reason I went with Flexofold (while I used to have a 3
blade Gori, that I was quite happy with, on my previous boat) is that it seems
to be the ‘preferred’ (most used) prop with Hanse’s, and the fact that Flexofold
came out looking real good in the Yachting Monthly prop test. Peter. ------------- Hanse 400e "M-square2" #0241 |
Posted By: High Time
Date Posted: 16 November 2014 at 11:56
|
The standard option 2 blade Flex-o-fold prop fitted to the 415 with a D2-40 Volvo engine is 17 x 14 L (left) - see attached photo. It is about right for the 415 - 2000rpm gives around 6.5 knots in slight sea and flat out is 8+ knots at just over 3000rpm. Average cruising diesel consumption is around 2.3 l/hr at 2000rpm.  ------------- Roger High Time (415 #038) |
Posted By: Thompy
Date Posted: 19 November 2014 at 09:45
|
Mike (& Peter & Roger), Thanks for all the replies - very helpful. I have been dealing with Marlene at Flex-o-fold too. Looks like 17x12-3L would do the job - although I will see what she says about the merits of the 17x13-3L too - for the Volvo engine it might mean I can't reach maximum revs of 3200rpm, but I wouldn't have thought it would reduce it that much...even if it meant I could only get 3000rpm it should still be ok??? That's still well above my normal cruising revs of 2200rpm. Given the recent Volvo suggestion of 18x12-3L, that's broadly the same as 17x13-3L (drop a size in diameter and increase a size in pitch), so a Flexofold of 17x13-3L ought to be ok too.... Will let you know how this pans out...thanks again for your help. Regards Thompy SY Tarskavaig |
Posted By: Nerthuz
Date Posted: 22 November 2014 at 15:43
| I had 17x14 2-blade Flexofold on a Hanse 385 with D2 - 40. |
Posted By: Thompy
Date Posted: 26 April 2015 at 22:59
|
Hi all, Following the very useful feedback here, I went for a flexofold 17x14-2L in the end for my 400 with the D2-40 saildrive. I had the boat out of the marina yesterday for the first time with the new prop, and it has made a huge difference. The sea state was slight, and at 2000rpm the boat was doing 6.7 - 7knts, and still felt like there was plenty in reserve. Can't complain with that! Thanks again for all the suggestions Thompy H400 #805 |
Posted By: polpoctopus
Date Posted: 17 June 2015 at 07:02
|
http://hanse.boatoon.com/en/faltpropeller-2-blatt-links-17x14.html 17/14 and is better 3 blade, under sails is the same effect but with engine is better 3 blade |
Posted By: JesperBergsjo
Date Posted: 18 June 2015 at 11:11
|
Hi, I have a Hanse 400e from 2006 with the Yanmar 39hp and SD50. I have a Flex-O-Fold 18x12 3L fitted. I'm cruising 7 knot @2300 rpm and reach 8 knot at 3000 rpm. You can probably go up one inch on pitch (18x13 3L) and still reach close to 3000 rpm. ------------- Jesper |
Posted By: Carlosailfan
Date Posted: 02 September 2019 at 14:40
|
Vibrations with a flexofold 3 blade propeller on H385 D2-40 engine. I installed this season a flexofold 3 blade propeller on our H 385 with the result @ 1000 rpm as well as @ 2000 rpm the cockpit table shakes as well as both steering wheels. You feel also the vibrations at all spots in the boat. When the engine is at idle and not engaged everything is smooth even on 2000 rpm or 2800 rpm, there is no vibration but whit the prop engaged, a lot of vibration. I did not hit anything, this was from the beginning. ( new installation ) Can everybody share his / her experience in this topic ? Thanks, /C ------------- Best regards /C |
Posted By: Rock
Date Posted: 02 September 2019 at 15:04
|
For what it is worth, I don’t think you should feel any undue vibration with the prop engaged at any speed. In my experience, the higher the revs, the less vibration/resonance. The vibration is more than you had with std fixed 2 blade prop? While the 3 blade bronze prop is much heavier than the 2 blade Al prop, flexofold ensures the prop is well balanced before shipment. Did you ask them? My pedestal with e95mfd sitting quite high up, vibrates somewhat at low revs (800 rpm), this disappears when I rev up (prop not engaged). In my view, this is normal resonance resulting from the flexibility of the steel tubing BR peter ------------- Hanse 400e "M-square2" #0241 |
Posted By: Carlosailfan
Date Posted: 03 September 2019 at 08:28
|
Hi Peter, thx for sharing your knowledge, indeed with the 2 blade fixed it was really smooth, almost no vibrations. If flexofold balances the prop, than the blades should have specific places on the hub i guess ?? In the while i got fdbk from FOF, they asked me to sent back the prop to them so they can check. Let us see what they make out of it. Also i found a company in Holland who can balance the prop if needed, but this will cost some euro's. thx, Carlo ------------- Best regards /C |
Posted By: Fendant
Date Posted: 03 September 2019 at 09:36
|
Carlo, it could be that your new prop has less clearance between the blade tips and the hull. This might cause the vibrations. Good Luck ------------- Frank |
Posted By: Carlosailfan
Date Posted: 03 September 2019 at 14:29
|
Hi Frank, good remark, thanks ! Something to check in October, then the H385 will be lifted out for cleaning. best regards, C ------------- Best regards /C |
Posted By: Rock
Date Posted: 03 September 2019 at 20:33
|
Carlo, Yes, each blade has its own/corresponding place on the hub. You’ll find punched/engraved markings on the blades, 1, 2 and 3 dots. You typically receive the prop dissembled, misplacing the blades would be an explanation BR Peter
------------- Hanse 400e "M-square2" #0241 |
Posted By: Carlosailfan
Date Posted: 04 September 2019 at 11:55
|
Hi Peter, thanks for this advise, i have to look closely to the blades and the prop. FOF is not writing anything in their installation instructions regarding the placement and i did not see these dot's so far. Fair enough to say i did not look for neither, but it seems very logic to me what you tell . thx, Carlo ------------- Best regards /C |
Posted By: Nilandhoo
Date Posted: 04 September 2019 at 17:25
|
Carlo, We have a two blade Volvo folding prop which had been progressively causing vibration and giving difficulty when going astern. We believed that the prop was water lubricated so we had never lubricated it. This year we checked the manual and discovered that we should have used waterproof grease. The effect has been very noticeable, no vibration and she now goes astern without any problems again. I guess we should have studied the book in more detail. Just wondered if your prop was greased when it was installed? Regards Paul ------------- Hanse 325 'One Life' |
Posted By: Carlosailfan
Date Posted: 05 September 2019 at 08:35
|
Hi Paul, thanks for this proposal, i greased the prop excessively by installation so this should be OK but any way it confirms what FOF is not writing in the instructions, grease, grease .... the way to keep it smooth running. thanks for confirming this :) best regards, Carlo ------------- Best regards /C |