Volvo folding prop two blade 16x11 3858510

[MagicDragon]

We are looking to re-fit or re-pin a folding Volvo two blade prop that has gotten a bit "sloppy". Once repairs are made, we would only intend to use the old prop as a temporary spare (July of 2008 we replaced propellers in NYC after losing one in Cape May, NY). Our yard is having trouble finding a shop that will do this - are we being unrealistic? Does anyone have further suggestions? thanks in advance!

[Bob]

Your luck has just changed! The PO tried to fit these on a 36 but they lugged the engine. I think I still have the blades somewhere. Contact me with a PM. If you are looking to re-bush either the hub or blades try H&H propeller. I had them replace a worn splinr in the hub and they say they will fix out of round holes in hubs or blades.

[maxicrom]

MD,

Not sure how your engines are set up but last year at the boat show we did some research on folding props after spending $300 on a kit to rebuild our Auto-Prop H5 3 blade ( http://www.autoprop.com/autoprop/usa/model_h5.html ) . I had to clean up some of the bearing surfaces with a Dremel tool so I know it is on it's last simple rebuild (a remachined hub is $700 plus refitting of the blades). It is working fine and is very efficient but has "clunked" on engaging since day one, we get 6-7 kts at 1K rpm on the single diesel (with a clean bottom, Yanmar 25HP with a straight shaft in the port hull).

We found this unit and really think it's a good concept with replaceable blades. You can carry spare blades and it seems to work really well in both directions. The entire design looks well thought out. The moving parts are simple and there are no bearings or gears. We saw it at the Annapolis show last year.

( http://www.kiwiprops.co.nz/ )

Probably worth a look, would appreciate any input if anyone is familiar with the Kiwi units,

MB

[MagicDragon]

Thanks for that suggestion about the rebuild and also about Kiwi props. We've been "lurking" and reading lots, and if we had not just replaced both propellers in NYC last July on our shakedown/homebound cruise, we might consider them.

We had Liberty Marina pull Magic Dragon in NYC and replaced both props after losing one entering Cape May. So, we've got the remaining prop that we thought we could use as a spare, but haven't had any luck finding someone to rebuild the prop. It needs a new pin, and the teeth may also need some work as they travel too far when we reverse. Trying to reach H & H, but have had no response yet to my email.

We've also heard that the 2GM20 Yanmars have problems pushing 16x11 props, but we run ours around 2800RPM without problems. Heard as well that skegs had to be ground out to fit them, but ours have plenty of room. Will try to post picture herein.