Thinking about a new prop for J30 #456 1983. Yanmar 2GM Existing Martec is very worn and I'm told it is also very inefficient. Looking for more push in a headwind so can maintain at least 5 knots. Still want folding prop as lots of pots in Penobscot Bay and still to sail fast. [Need the gear ratio so I can get a quote from suppliers. Looking at Flex-Fold - any thoughts or recommendations?
Ananda has a 14" 2-blade feathering Max Prop which works beautifully - especially in reverse where it really shines in comparison to the Martec. A folding prop is likely better if you have lots of pots around though.
Tom - The stock prop on my J/109 is a 2 blade Flexofold. This is the installation sheet that has some good pictures. Performance on the J/109 is very good ahead and astern. Becuase it is geared, you don't need to position the shaft as you do with the Martec folding prop to align the blades side by side for optimal feathering.
Installing anything other than the Martec on a J/30 is not in accordance with class rules for OD racing.