FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. Can I install a Flex-O-Fold under water?
A. Yes, but you have to use locking screws with pre-applied, underwater Loctite. The normal Loctite, which can be purchased in a hardware store, will not cure underwater. And, once a screw with the pre-applied Loctite has been used, it will not work a second time underwater. New screws, with the pre-applied underwater Loctite, are available from Flex-O-Fold.
Q. What should I use to protect the prop from barnacles and other growth?
A. At this point, nothing has been found that consistently protects hulls and equipment under water. When it is found, it will be trumpeted around the world. Copper seems to be the best for long-term protection. The Nibral, from which the Flex-O-Fold Propellers are made, is 82% copper. Most bottom paints are less than 60%. It has been found that applying a water proof grease will delay the onset of barnacles, but the grease will soon be washed off by the rapid turning of the prop.
Q. What about prop walk?
A. Prop walk, which is produced by all propellers, is exacerbated by extreme down shaft angles and small tip clearance. Many people don’t realize there is prop walk in both forward and reverse. However, in forward the prop is pushing a moving column of water over the rudder’s surface, and you have steering control right away to counter the walk. In reverse, you can control walk only by getting the boat moving backward, thereby creating water flow over the rudder. The Flex-O-Fold’s superior reverse performance should overcome most all prop walk concerns.
Q. Can I change the pitch of a Flex-O-Fold Propeller?
A. Yes. Changing the pitch of a Flex-O-Fold Propeller is as simple as changing the blades. This can be done either in or out of the water. You do not have to change the hub. See question on installing the propeller under water above.
Q. Can barnacles, zebra mussels or other underwater growth prevent the blades from opening or closing?
A. Yes, given a long period of non-use, enough growth can accumulate to prevent opening or closing. But, over two months of non-use in a high growth area would be required. Any prop should be cleaned in that situation to function at all efficiently.
Q. Should I choose a 2-blade or 3-blade?
A. That depends on what is important to you. A 2-blade is more efficient than a 3-blade (that surprises most people). Thus, a properly sized 2-blade will give you a higher speed at a given RPM in flat water than a properly sized 3-blade. The 2-blade is also lower in drag and less expensive. The 3-blade, because of its larger blade area, will accelerate the boat faster. This means a 3-blade is better around the docks, when powering against a head sea and when stopping. The 3-blade is also smoother if there is anything out of balance in the drive train.
Q. Where can I buy a Flex-O-Fold Propeller?
A. You can buy a Flex-O-Fold direct from any of the Flex-O-Fold Sales Offices listed on the "Contact Us" page or through a marine retailer. Call us for names of specialized dealers (if any) in your area.
Q. Can I use a bronze propeller on a stainless steel shaft?
A. Yes. Bronze and stainless steel are very close in the galvanic series and will corrode only very slowly in the absence of an anode. With a properly installed anode, you should be protected against any slight galvanic corrosion that might exist as well as against stray current.
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