[hpv-boats] Folding Prop

[Rick Willoughby]

I finally got around to making a folding prop that was suggested  
earlier in the year.  I tested it on Saturday.  Seems to perform as  
well as my best rigid prop.  It is nice to be able to stop pedalling  
and coast.  If I sense weed on the prop then coasting allows the weed  
to flow off the blades.

A small amount of weed collected on the strut but this can be easily  
reached to remove.  Most weed is channelled down the shaft to the  
prop.  Being able to clear it by coasting is far more effective then  
untangling it by hand while stopped.

I have placed a photos showing the folded and unfolded positions.  If  
only one blade folds it will go almost in line with the shaft.  When  
both fold they stop against each other in the position in the photo.
ttp://www.rickwill.bigpondhosting.com/Folding_Prop.jpg

Rick Willoughby