Folding Prop for Beneteau 40

[poppy]

I own a Benereau 40 purchased in 2007. To get a bit more performance
out of the boat, I will be purchasing a folding prop.The boat has a
Yanmar 4JH4E engine and a KM35P gear box. I am told that these props
are very boat specific, because they need to be compatible with the
hull dimensions as well as the engine and transmission. Does anyone
have experience with retrofitting a folding prop to this boat?

Poppy

[MagicaTi]

A friend of mine and myself own a B393 with same engine and gearbox
of your B40.
We both went through the experience of the factory installed
"performance kit" which included a 3blade Flex O Fod prop.

While very performing under sail and motoring forward, backing in
astern was since the beginning a major issue (so weeds and barnacles
growth COUD not be a cause).

We both switched to MaxProp feathering one and we are very satisfied.
During routine yearly maintanance lay-up, no growth inside the
propeller gears was found.
IMHO folding props on these boats tend to open to late / to littlle in
reverse; we ackk experimental data on Volvo Foding Crescent 3-blade
props.

So I recommend a feathering one, just choose among Max, J, Kiwi, and
you name them.

Being in Italy and at 1 mile from MaxProp factory obviously influenced
our choices.

The factory hs a data base of propelller applications nd wilfully
supplies suggested settings forthe right propeller.

Hope this helps You.

Cheers,
Gianenrico

[Jeffrey Schwartz]

Speak with the prop manufacturer/s first, they will most likely want to know
your original prop specs, size and pitch, also the transmission model and
ratio, and of course the engine model and its horse power.

I just put an Auto Prop on a client's boat (B-411) and was so impressed I
put the same exact prop on my own boat (B-400) I have not had my own boat in
the water long enough yet, just a quick ride from the boat yard to our
marina but hope to begin sea trials next week some time to calibrate all the
new electronics and test out the prop. Will report to the group more
details then. Boat was hit by lightning and all equipment was fried. Now
have all new equipment to check out and test operation including the new
prop.

Yes the AutoProp is more expensive but for me the benefits of even power at
any rpm, forward or reverse and a feathering speed advantage while sailing
makes it worth the price. I also added the adapter that will fit where
their special three screw mounting zinc gets attached, this converts that
area to a more standard looking single screw mounting zinc that only costs
$6 or so.

There are many good folding or feathering props available and each owner
picks the type that suits them, their sailing needs and budget.

Jeffrey Schwartz
s/v Mystiko
1996 / Oc 400

PS: The burgees have been ordered and just waiting on them to get completed
by the manufacturer. Look forward to finishing this project in the near
future

Poppy

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[Daryl Davies]

Well here come the prop wars again.

Hi Poppy, there will be lots of suggestions.  One thing for sure, a folding prop does increase performance on the boat.

I have a flexofold on both my Ben 46 and my Ben 40.  See below on information.  The Ben 46 and 40 have the same prop.  I have the same engine (54 hp) on both boats.

My Ben 46 is a 2007 (hull #5) so lots of time on the prop and no issues to date.

We'd suggest a 20x12 RH 3-blade Flex-O-Fold for your new Beneteau 46 with
the Yanmar 4JH4E engine and the 2.36:1 gear ratio.  That prop is actually in
stock so I can ship at any time you want except when I at shows.

Give me a call.

Chuck Angle, Flex-O-Fold
ams...@flexofold.com, 781-631-3190
 

Daryl

[Ivars]

What do you mean by performance ?

A folding or feathering prop will not make a boat go faster under power over
a fixed prop. Proper sizing of pitch and diameter for the boat, how the
boat is loaded, and sea conditions determine performance. We all load our
boats differently ( put lots of stuff on board ) and where the weight is
placed on board which can run into thousand or more pounds especially with
extra tankage. Recommended prop sizes should be close for most, but should
not be considered as being the ultimate choice due to the many variables.
There also are subtile engineering differences between the various prop
manufacturers which may affect the exact choice of pitch and diameter. Your
comment about props being specific to a boat is correct, but from the
sizing standpoint not necessarily by the brand. When you get a new prop,
your dealer should get it close, but don't assume he got it correct until
you try it out. Before getting a new prop take some performance readings (
preferablly on a smooth day ) at various RPM settings so that you have a
base line for comparison. This also gives the dealer some data to look at
if the new prop is not at the optimum setting and changes need to be made.

I find that experience with a particular prop is needed, since all props do
not respond the same. Personal expecatations / techniques vary with the
user and have little to do with how a prop ultimately performs. All too
often negative opinions are expressed about props when the real problem is
operator error. I adjust my technique to the boat and prop and have found
that I do not lose any maneuverability regardless of which prop is fitted.
Boat handling is an acquired skill with many variables, learn to adapt.

Your greatest gains will be under sail (not necessarily expressed in raw
speed numbers), especially on the lighter days when your sailing experience
is enhanced many times over. Under power a correctly sized folding or
feathering prop will not diminish any boat handing...and if the choice is a
feathering prop performance in reverse is definitely enhanced. A folding or
feathing prop is the biggest bang for your buck that one can do to improve
the sailing / boating experience. "Git er done"...there are many good
choices.

-----Original Message-----
From: benetea...@googlegroups.com
[mailto:benetea...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of poppy
Sent: Saturday, January 30, 2010 10:01 PM
To: Beneteau Owners
Subject: {Beneteau Owners} Folding Prop for Beneteau 40

Poppy

--

[jwshukis]

I have a B40 with the 4JH4AE (54 hp) engine upgrade. I went with a
Gori three-blade and I'm glad that I did. The big "aha" moment for me
was when I chartered a new B43 in Turkey that *didn't* have a folding
prop. Yuck.

As for size, the answer is simple: Pick a prop vendor and have them do
the sizing for you based on the boat details that you provide. If they
get the sizing wrongs\ (they won't) you can send the prop back and
have them fix it!

Jeff

[Dimitri Liaos]

Jeffrey, considering an Autoprop for my 411. Have the Yanmar 54hp. Which size Autoprop did ypu install at the 411?
Thank you

Dimitri
AngieL, OC 411 2002
www.telltales.info

[Jeffrey Schwartz]

Dimitri - I installed two of these on similar boats that we put the H5-485
Autoprop on.. This is based on previous installations and your engine such
as Yanmar 4JH2, rated at 51hp @ 3600 with a 2.62:1 gear ratio and 4JH3 at 53
or 56 hp. Also at 3600 both with 30mm shafts. I would think that this prop
would work for your 411... what year and what transmission do you have?

Let me know what price you get... maybe I can do better for you,

Jeffrey

Poppy

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Largest Beneteau group, over **877** members and growing.

[Dimitri Liaos]

Jeff- engine is 4JH3 rated 56hp. Gearbox is Kanzaki don't know exact ratio must be somewhere 2,2 - 2,3. Boat is from 2002.
Have asked for a price quote, I will tell you
Thanks Dimitri

Dimitri
AngieL, OC 411 2002 Hull 793

[Jeffrey Schwartz]

Ok sounds like you would use the same as I have installed on both Beneteau
boats. Let me know.