Flex-o-fold folding propellers For may years APC succesfully represents FLEX-O-FOLD propellers on the Dutch and West European market. FLEX-O-FOLD propellers are developed and produced in Denmark. Very suitable for Regatta sailing The Flex-O-Fold Folding Sailboat Propeller is the most efficient, lowest drag propeller you can buy and is therefor commonly choosen by Cruisers and Racers alike as performance matters. The standard 2-Blade Flex-O-Fold combines the most efficient blade shape available with very low drag and moderate price. Looking at the blade’s profile, you can see the large blade area necessary for powering performance. At the same time, there is twist and a hydrodynamic shape in the blades. This maximizes the efficiency along the length of the blade, not just at one point, as is the case in flat blades often seen on feathering props. And, the twin-helical gears insure the blades will open consistently and fold back under sail into a very low drag configuration, even when at less than one knot. The blades also perform well in reverse, giving you the rapid acceleration and deceleration required for maneuvering around the docks, in close quarters or in emergency stops. Generally speaking, when compared to a 2-blade, the 3-blade will give you better performance when powering against a head sea and while maneuvering in both forward and reverse. In addition, if there is something out of alignment or out of balance in the drive train that can cause vibration, the 3-blade will run a little smoother. As is the case with the 2-blade, looking at the profile and cross-section of the 3-blade Flex-O-Fold, you will see a powerful shape that will drive your boat well, converting more of the horsepower into thrust than any other propeller. Yet, the tight triangle formed by the blades when folded, is very low in drag. If you are a serious racer, you’ll want the Racing Flex-O-Fold. Depending on size and speed, the drag will be 20 to 30% less than the Standard Flex-O-Fold. Flex-O-Fold propellers are available in sizes from 12” to 22” diameter and can efficiently absorb from 7 to 100 hp. All Flex-O-Folds are delivered complete, including tools, Loctite and easy-to-follow installation instructions. Fits directly on existing shaft, without modifications. Corrosion Resistant Hub and blades are made of Nickel Aluminium bronze. Pivot pins and bolts from Cr-Ni-Mo austenitic stainless steel (ANC4). Varifold folding propellers The Varifold folding propellers and saildrives are developed for maximum performance through minimal resistance and is therefor the folding propeller that meets the demands of cruising and regatta sailing vessels – i.e. a cruising and racing version in one! VARIFOLD's sailing position is also unique. The blades fold together, leaving an extremely small gap, and thus reduce drag resistance while sailing to an abosulte minimum. Previously this feature was available only on expensive racing propellers, which in most cases open inadequately, or not reliably. With the VARIFOLD you get a propeller that is excellently suited both for cruising and racing sailboats. It has a high thrust both in forward and reverse, minimum drag and also opens reliably, all at an attractive price. The Varifold folding propellers are in 2-, 3- and 4-blade design, the saildrives are in 2- and 3-blade design. More information about the Flex-o-fold and Varifold propellers in pdf format.