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Old 02-01-2010, 01:16 PM
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Indigo prop vs. folding prop

My Ranger 29 should have a haul this summer to clean the bottom etc... at that time, I would like to change the prop. The OEM prop. is a two blade and small. I would like to change it out. Any recommendations on the indigo vs. a folding prop.?

Thanks for the input.
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Old 02-01-2010, 01:49 PM
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I have had the indigo prop on my 34 Tartan for over 10 years.
It performs very well. Allowing the engine to develop up to 2400 rpm
for extra thrust in instances when fighting a heavy chop.

I have the stainless steel version. I have always kept a zinc on the
prop shaft and would not go without one.

I have heard nothing but rave review of the Indigo prop.

Regards
Art
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Old 02-01-2010, 04:07 PM
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I like mine - much better low speed control with the full keel of the Corvette. I have the bronze version.
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Old 02-01-2010, 09:42 PM
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I think this decision has to be made on your requirements. If you're racing a lot and want to squeeze all the speed you can out of your boat, especially in light winds, a folding prop is the way to go. Changing from a 2 blade fixed to a 2 blade folding was quite noticeable in my boat as far as speed. Despite previous posts on this forum that a 3 blade prop doesn't make much difference in drag, I just don't believe it. I'd get 8 seconds per mile handicap for changing from my folder to a 3 blade, and that doesn't make up for the loss. If maximum speed under sail is not as big a concern to you, I'd go with the indigo. You'll get more punch in a chop and the engine will run at a higher rpm, with less lugging.
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Old 02-02-2010, 03:10 PM
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Thanks for the replys. My wife would like to start racing so the folding would likely be her choice but adding more moving parts to break down is a concern with the folding.
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Old 02-02-2010, 04:01 PM
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Question to prop or not to prop!?

charles..the folding prop is very reliable...the simplest (Martec) is two blades that pivot on a single pin. Occasionally, marine growth can inhibit easy movement, but this is after weeks of sitting idle. A little "help" by shifting from fwd to reverse a few times seems to knock all the stuff out pretty well. It seems that maybe every 10-15 years you may need to remove it for service (resurfacing/balancing and a larger pin to remove the slop) - probably should be doing the stuffing box & cutless bearing anyway at these intervals.

I've noodled around in my head about props too..I don't race this boat at all, but don't like the idea of dragging around a fixed 3-blade prop either, even for cruising. I still want to get where I am going as fast as possible. However, the improved motoring capabilities might be nice. I do not think the folder will improve your motoring capabilities, but it will improve your sailing capabilities. The Indigo should by all accounts improve your motoring capability, but will likely also inhibit your sailing ability. However, most handicapping systems do have allowances for a fixed prop..but as noted above by Mark, probably not enough. If I were racing, I would 100% have a folder, and take my lumps under power.

An interesting note at atomic4.com: The Indigo site says that the actual surface area of the prop is less than most similar fixed blade props attached to Atomic4s. Does that mean less drag? Probably not since you can still partially hide a 2-blade fixed behind the keel/strut, but not a 3-blade..however, less surface area is less surface area related to drag...if you forget to set your fixed blade and it is sideways, it won't matter which prop you have dragging down there. All that being said, I have not seen one in person...but I think as compared to your "small" two-blade you'll be surprised that the Indigo will appear even smaller at only 10" diameter.

I wonder how the A-4/Indigo combination would perform on a small 18-20' launch (think small Maine lobster boat or similar) that might plane?? Could you spin it at 2,800-3,000 RPM and go 13-15 knots?

Anyway, I am torn..right now, I continue on with the standard 12" x 7p(I think) fixed two-blade prop that came with the boat. I simply have too many other things higher on the priority list.

Good Luck, and please do report back on your decision & experience..it may help the indecisive type like me with my decision some day
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Old 02-02-2010, 04:26 PM
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I have a folding propeller on my boat. I would have liked to change over to the Indigo prop, but I'm concerned that I would have to change the propeller shaft too. I'd have to get one made up somewhere.

My prop does not have a nut to hold it on, but a pin that goes through the shaft instead.

Wouldn't you have to change the shaft too, if you change over to a folding prop..??

Rick
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Old 02-02-2010, 04:47 PM
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Hmmm good question. I'll check into that issue.
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Old 02-02-2010, 06:28 PM
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My C27 came with a Gori folding prop and I love it. It propels the boat at hull speed at 1700-1800 RPM's and I seem to have good control in reverse. I have had no maintenance issues with it and (knock on wood) I have had no issues with growth buildup.

Mark
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Old 02-02-2010, 09:05 PM
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Just a comment on the maintenance issue. I have a Martec. It's a simple folder, not geared. It came with my boat, used, and I was unhappy with the vibration it caused. I replaced it with a fixed 2 blade for a few years. When I began racing more, I wanted the Martec back. I sent it to Martec to be refurbished. It cost about $250-300 (can't remember exactly-- was more than I expected) but it came back like new. The stops on the Martec which determine how far the blades open wear with time and the factory brazes them back to original and rebalances the prop. This cut out the vibration. It will have to be done every few years- Martec says 5-7 years depending on use. You get longer life out of the prop by shifting into forward at idle speed only, thus reducing the speed with which the blades swing open.
I believe all the Gori's are geared folders. I like the concept better (Martec also makes a geared folder) but they're more expensive.
Used folders are available all the time on ebay, but I'd factor in the cost of a refurb if you go that way
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Old 02-02-2010, 11:17 PM
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Exclamation Props

Hi guys, I have been using the Indigo for some time and am very happy with it. I went from a martec folder which worked ok going forward and did little else. From there I settled on a 12x8 two blade after trying 4 different props. I used the 12X8 for quite a few years until I read about the Indigo. I have raced the boat with the 12X8 and with the Indigo. I deffinately think the boat is faster under sail in all conditions with the Indigo as the blades are narrow and only a 10 inch diameter. With the few seconds I pick up on my rating with the 3 blade i feel I am at a deffinate advantage. I couldn't comment on the martec as I didn't race the boat with it as I couldn't wait to get it off the boat. To much motion for not much gain unless all you want to do is race.

Dave Neptune
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Old 02-03-2010, 08:41 AM
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sailing still good with indigo

Dave,
That is an interesting report and good news! I have a mark on the coupler to make the 2-blade vertical for reducing as much drag as possible under sail, but quite honestly don't bother much with it when cruising.

Now if I just had an excuse to haul the boat and an extra $300 burning a hole in my pocket...the Indigo's were on sale this winter too
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Old 02-03-2010, 11:01 AM
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Thumbs up position

Shawn, when I race which is seldom and usually a club affair I lock the Indigo with one blade down. It may help to hide one of those lil' blades in the shadow of the keel.

Dave Neptune
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