Flexofold Propellers
Henleys has been supplying Flexofold propellers for over 20 years, backed by a full in-house machine shop and extensive experience in marine driveline/ propeller design and manufacture.
We can carry out propeller calculations to assess the efficiency of your existing propeller and provide clear comparisons with 2-blade and 3-blade Flexofold options to ensure correct specification.
New Flexofold propellers can usually be supplied within 7-10 days, with all required custom machining completed in-house. This is often required as many NZ built yachts have non-standard shaft tapers.
We also provide practical guidance on measuring shaft size and thread on the boat, and can accurately check existing propeller tapers in our workshop using a full range of tapered mandrels to ensure precise fitment.
Having previously manufactured our own folding propellers for many years, we approached Flexofold after determining their design and performance to be far superior to any other option on the market.
Sam Shackleton & Ian
Owner of "Ocean Whisper"
Henley's were amazing at working with us. Sam and Alistair put genuine time and effort
into discussing, measuring accurately and machining.
They ensured our flexofold prop fitted our shaft, were easy to deal with and definitely have the best interests of their customers at heart.
Thank you Henley's for your amazing service- your honesty, reliability
and professionalism were much appreciated, and your charges realistic. We are very
grateful.
We will highly recommend your services going forward, to the many boaties
we meet. We are looking forward to testing the new prop out!
Sam and Ian (Ocean Whisper)
Dan Middleton
Owner "AC talk"
"Hi Alistair,
Flexofold testimonial…
Here’s the data off the boat (AC talk) smiley.
Trip. Waikawa to Mana crossing Cook Strait single handed.
Distance 40nm.
Wind 0kn building to 22kn at destination.
Normally 7.5 hours.
New flexofold - Time 6 hours.
Equates to avg speed increase from 5.33kn to 7kn.
Just a prop - crazy.
She sails so much better. Different boat. Accelerates in puffs and down waves faster so it’s far more comfortable in Cook Strait. Doesn’t lose speed in the lulls. Less stress on the rig etc. No turbulence transmitted to the tiller.
She’s a dream.
Can’t wait for 55kn again. Her speed record is 14kn with the fixed prop according to my brother so we shall see if I can set a new record - smiley.
Thanks so much to Henleys and Seafarer and Sounds Marine (who had to build a jig to bore out the old stern tube bodges from the past without complaining to me).
This is heading to Cape Koamaru in zero knots. Keep going and you’re in Cook.
Zoom in to spot the albatross above the Kaikoura range.
Laters. Dan."
Spare Parts
We stock a wide range of spare parts off the shelf.
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Anodes to suit 2B & 3B shaft and saildrive propellers.
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Replacement blades and hubs.
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Nuts.
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Pins.
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Locking cap and grub screws.
Flexofold 2-Blade Saildrive Composite Folding Propeller
The NEW generation of folding propellers
Taking advantage of modern composite materials, the Flexofold Composite propeller is not only immune to electrolysis, it also features a protective torsional hub, low weight and high strength – all combined in an attractive design.
The Flexofold Composite propeller still provides the recognized low drag, higher speed and good performance under sail, as well as high thrust and strong maneuverability under power.
The NEW Flexofold Composite propeller has been tested for more seasons by appointed test sailors and already chosen as original propeller by more boat yards, including Elan Yachts and Saffier Yachts.
Nomminated and awarded a “Special mentioning” at the prestrigious DAME Award 2016 (Design Award Marine Equipment, METS trade show in Amsterdam, Holland).
Special features
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Composite material immune to electrolysis *)
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Light weight (2,8 kgs less a standard folding propeller)
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Helical gearing between the blades ensures a syncronized folding mechanism
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Patented mounting system absorbs impact from the centrifugal force and allows adjustment of play in gears
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Protective cover over the gearing
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Easy replacable build-in anodes in each blade
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Dual shock absorbers for quitet opening of the propeller
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Special innerhub to protect the saildrive and gearbox from the propeller impact
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Mounting screws are pre-applied with Loctite for mounting above as well as under water
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Water lubricated - no need for maintenance
Special features
A common issue for sailboat owners is electrolysis – coursed by electrical errors in the sailboat or shore power.
Today’s use of electrical equipment on sailboats increases the risk of wrong installations. Even if all installations are ok, docking in a marina with defective shore power can cause severe damage. This, as stray current easily damages the propeller – normally being the part with the best electrical connection into the water.
Our determination solving this matter has now resulted in the development of a new generation of folding propellers – the 2-blade Flexofold Composite!
Propeller sizes
The 2-blade Composite propeller for saildrive is available in diameters of 15″ to 18″ – all in a wide range of pitches.
Available for both LEFT and RIGHT turning saildrives (saildrives are generally LEFT turning, however, catamarans might use counter rotating propeller on one side).
Compatible with...
The Flexofold propellers has a 100% fit on all common saildrives from Yanmar, Volvo Penta, Lombardini, Technodrive and Torqeedo Deep Blue.
To be fittet on Selva saildrives when using an adpater.