Folding Prop Issue

[WillW]

I've recently acquired that has a folding propeller. Manufacturer is reported to be Gehrey. (sp?) There's an issue with it -- at full speed the prop starts "clunking", and the entire prop shaft starts shaking. Any ideas, short of hauling the boat and replacing it?

[Uncle Duke]

Worn bearing/bushing at the fold pivot, would be my guess. Shouldn't be hard to replace if you can get parts, but prop has to come off.

[djn]

You might want to post your question on the Sailing Anarchy website. They are all hard core racers and folding props are always a topic of discussion. Here is a link. Cheers.

http://www.sailinganarchy.com/index_page1.php

[WillW]

Worn bearing/bushing at the fold pivot, would be my guess. Shouldn't be hard to replace if you can get parts, but prop has to come off.

Sounds realistic. Poor timing though, the season's short enough as it is.

[ron ll]

Is it a Gori? If so, they are near the high end of folding props. Check www.gori-propeller.dk.

[WillW]

Ron, I believe you're correct. I saw some complaints about their reliability on a cruising forum. However, it may come down to a difference of philosophy between a racing mentality where speed is paramount, and crusing, where reliability is required.

[WillW]

Looks like the prop is ok, it's just that it wasn't fully extending. As they say, when all else fails, read the manual. It says to keep the engine in gear while sailing. That way, the propeller folds up completely. Well I did that, and when I fired up the engine again, the prop was ok.