This folding propeller marks a technological leap forward in the
development of propellers for sailboats with large engine power. It
is now possible for these sailboats and motor sailors to gain the
folding propeller's advantage under sail, combined with the fixed
propellers thrust capability when motoring.
The 3-blade Gori folding propeller was introduced on the market
in 1994 and won the DAME award and HISWA award the same year, as
the best new marine product.
- "Overdrive" function
- The 3 blade Gori folding propeller's "overdrive" function adds a
new dimension to sailing under power. The helmsman can choose the
propeller pitch and profile in the water while sailing forward, by
regulating the yacht's shift and throttle control. Without the use
of vulnerable hydraulics or complicated mechanical devices. The
"overdrive" is used when motorsailing in fair weather or when using
the engine under sail. The "overdrive" gives the same speed at
lower rpms. The result is less engine noise, less vibration and
better fuel economy. The function is simple. Eg when changing from
"overdrive" to normal drive the shift and throttle control is set
in neutral, which allows the propeller to fold. Then the shift and
throttle control is set in forward again. The propeller itself adds
a new dimension to sailing under power. Qualities that are unique
to the 3 blade Gori folding propeller.
- Full speed under sail
- Folding propellers have been reserved for small or medium size
sailboats with moderate engine power. They have been able to
obtain, under sail, the extra speed the folding propeller allows
with the minimum drag. The 3-blade Gori folding propeller brings
these advantages within the reach of larger sailboats and motor
sailors. The extra speed under sail is substantial.
The design prevents seaweed etc fouling on the propeller. A further
potential for optimum speed. Tests by major yachting magazines have
shown that the 3-blade Gori folding propeller has a much lower drag
than any other well-known 3-blade sailboat propeller, no matter if
it is a folding propeller or a feathering propeller.
- Effective for engines from 10hp to 300hp (7 -221kW)
- The propeller revolution for larger sailboats and motorsailers
is emphasized by the fact that this propeller can be used for boats
fitted with engines from approximately 10hp (7kW) and up to
approximatley 300hp (221kW), and the power transfer is on the whole
the same as for fixed 3-blade propellers. The design of the Gori
propeller results in minimum noise and vibration, which is often a
problem for the well-known types of feathering propellers. This
propeller is offered in diameters from 15" and up to 30". Tests by
major yachting magazines have shown that the 3-blade Gori folding
propeller has a much better efficiency both forward (+11%) and
reverse (+6,5%) than a feathering propeller..
- Professional quality
- Gori propeller has for more than 20 years been leading the field
in development of folding propellers. The 3-blade Gori folding
propeller underlines Gori propeller's technological leading
position, which is protested by patents pending. The 2-blade Gori
folding propellers have for over 20 years proved their superiority
and quality. They have been a natural choice for boats exposed to
the most intense strains, for example during the Whitbread Round
the World Race. The 3-blade Gori folding propeller is manufactured
in the same professional quality, where every single propeller has
its own number and a "logbook" during production. Each propeller is
balanced dynamically.