FAQs

Yes you can use a propeller specific anti foul on your FeatherStream.

Yes you can use a propeller specific anti foul on your Flexofold.

Yes of course you are welcome to collect in person.

Yes of course you are welcome to collect in person.

Yes. Propeller can be greased in the water and the Anode can be replaced underwater however you will not be able to use loctite.

Instead you can use small Nordlock washers that are available by calling our office 01929 556512.

Download our FeatherStream support material:-

• Fitting guide for FeatherStream Shaftdrive
• Fitting guide for FeatherStream Saildrive

Yes. Propeller can be greased in the water and the Anode can be replaced underwater however you will not be able to use loctite.

Instead you can use small Nordlock washers that are available by calling our office 01929 556512.

Watch the video of Ben changing one of his FeatherStream props and anode whilst underwater.

Yes. The Anode can be replaced underwater as Flexofold supplied a pre applied loctite to the threads.

Download our Flexofold support material:-

• Fitting guide for Flexofold 3 Blade Saildrive
• Fitting guide for Flexofold 3 Blade Shaftdrive
• Fitting guide for Flexofold 2 Blade Saildrive
• Fitting guide for Flexofold 2 Blade Shaftdrive

Yes. The Anode can be replaced underwater as Flexofold supplied a pre applied loctite to the threads.

Download our Flexofold support material including how to fit the anode on your Flexofold prop:-

• Fitting guide for Flexofold 3 Blade Saildrive
• Fitting guide for Flexofold 3 Blade Shaftdrive
• Fitting guide for Flexofold 2 Blade Saildrive
• Fitting guide for Flexofold 2 Blade Shaftdrive

Yes you can use propeller specific antifoul on the FeatherStream.

We are often asked to advise on antifoul products, however we don’t recommend any particular product – mainly as there are so many, they often change and we get such mixed reports on them from our customers!

The propeller is manufactured from nickel aluminium bronze and stainless steel so we always suggest that advice is taken from the antifoul paint manufacturers as to the suitability of their particular product. We do not suggest applying any product that requires the propeller to be heated during the application process and application of hull antifouling to a propeller is also not suggested.

Do bear in mind that should the product ask you to heavily abrade/key the surface of the blades then you will damage the surface (lose the polished look) so we usually advise on running the first season without fouling and checking the propeller through the season to assess fouling.

This obviously depends on your waters but if there is a big fouling problem then do go ahead and use an antifoul product from the outset.

You can watch a video as part of our blog on servicing your FeatherStream propeller here.

Yes you can use propeller specific antifoul on the Flexofold. We are often asked to advise on antifoul products, however we don’t recommend any particular product – mainly as there are so many, they often change and we get such mixed reports on them from our customers!

The propeller is manufactured from nickel aluminium bronze so we always suggest that advice is taken from the antifoul paint manufacturers as to the suitability of their particular product.

Yes we export Flexofold propellers worldwide.

Read our blog post on exporting Darglow products overseas.

Yes we export HydroAxe Rope Cutters worldwide.

Read our blog on exporting Darglow products overseas.

Yes we export FeatherStream propellers worldwide.

Anodes can be offered in Zinc or in Aluminium. Zinc for saltwater and Aluminium for brackish/fresh water applications.

See our full range of anodes in our online shop.

No. The HydroAxe does not require the propeller to be modified. It is simply “plug n play” fitment.

We will need to know your propeller type in order to provide you with new fixing nut.

Yes the FeatherStream propeller will need to be removed to fit a HydroAxe Rope Cutter.

Watch Adrian, the owner of SV Falcon as he takes delivery of his new 3 blade HydroAxe Rope Cutter and installs it on his a Beneteau Oceanis 45.

Yes the Flexofold propeller will need to be removed to fit a HydroAxe Rope Cutter.

Watch our video on fitting a HydroAxe Ropecutter to a Volvo Penta S130

Yes your propeller will need to be removed to fit a HydroAxe Rope Cutter.

Watch our our head engineer, Chris as he shows how to remove a FeatherStream propeller with the ‘prop puller’ tool.

Yes your propeller will need to be removed to fit a HydroAxe Rope Cutter.

Watch our head engineer, Chris as he shows how to remove a FeatherStream propeller with the ‘prop puller’ tool.

Yes. The FeatherStream propeller has an Anode incorporated into its design. This is to protect the propeller from galvanic action and very low level electrolysis.

Conical Anodes or Flat Anodes are available to buy. These can be offered in Zinc or in Aluminium. Zinc for saltwater and Aluminium for brackish/fresh water applications.

A Flat Anode is usually only required where space aft of propeller is limited, for example on a Contessa 32.

The 2 blade shaft drive Flexofold does not benefit from anode protection. However, the saildrive versions and 3 blade shaft versions do have anode protection.

Anodes are fitted to protect the propeller from galvanic action and very low level electrolysis. These can be offered in Zinc or in Aluminium. Zinc for saltwater and Aluminium for brackish/fresh water applications.

You can buy Flexofold anodes from our online shop.

The FeatherStream Anode is secured using two machine screws. Loctite is also used for fitment.

You can watch a video which shows how to fit an Anode here.

The FeatherStream Anode is secured using two machine screws. Loctite is also used for fitment. You can see a video which shows the Anode fitment here (see 6 minutes on).

The Flexofold Anode is secured using 1 machine screws. Loctite is also used for fitment.

Download our Flexofold support material including how to fit the anode on your Flexofold prop:-

• Fitting guide for Flexofold 3 Blade Saildrive
• Fitting guide for Flexofold 3 Blade Shaftdrive
• Fitting guide for Flexofold 2 Blade Saildrive
• Fitting guide for Flexofold 2 Blade Shaftdrive

The Flexofold Anode is secured using 1 machine screws. Loctite is also used for fitment.

You can contact us by calling +44 (0)1929 556512 or using our contact page here.

To grease the propeller simply remove grub screw from the greasing point (side of hub).

Screw in the supplied Grease Nipple and attached your side leaver grease gun. Inject grease until it starts to leave the propeller.

At this point stop, remove gun, remove nipple and replace grub screw.

Read our blog which shows George, The Solent Boat Butler as he services and greases a Darglow feathering propeller.

To get your Feathering Propeller to feather there are two methods of doing this depending on the gearbox you have.

If it is of mechanical type then you need to be motoring forward. Come down to tick over speed and then into neutral. Now switch off engine. If the shaft is still rotating, then engage reverse gear (with engine switched off) for a few seconds. This should stop the shaft rotating.

You can now check to confirm that the prop has feathered by putting the selector back into neutral again. If the prop has feathered, the shaft should now be still and not rotating.

If it is of hydraulic type then you need to be motoring forward, come down to tick over but still in forward gear and switch off the engine. This should cause the propeller to feather straight away and the shaft should remain stationary.

For a shaft drive installation, often you don’t need to do anything. Simply switch engine off and sail along in neutral, the propeller shaft will be stationary and the propeller will fold. If transition from motoring to sailing is done at speed, it may not fold automatically.

Engage reverse gear for a couple of seconds, this will make the propeller fold, then put back into neutral and the shaft will then be stationary. If shaft is not turning then it is folded.

For a sail drive installation put engine in reverse for a couple of seconds and then back into neutral to ensure that it has infact folded. Usually you can hear if the propeller is turning. If it is turning, it has not folded.

You are welcome to order your anodes for your FeatherStream propeller via the Darglow online shop here or simply call our office on 01929 556512.

You can buy an anode or other spare parts for your FeatherStream propeller via our online store here or simply call our office on 01929 556512.

You are welcome to order your Flexofold anode via our online store here or simply call our office on 01929 556512.

You are welcome to order your anodes for Flexofold propellers via our online store or simply call our office on 01929 556512.

To perform a Sea Trial please fill in the Sea Trial Form here

To perform a Sea Trial for your Flexofold propeller please fill in the Sea Trial Form here

You will need to use a propeller puller. See Featherstream specific propeller puller here.

Watch a video of our head engineer, Chris as he shows how to remove a FeatherStream propeller with the ‘prop puller’ tool.

You will need to use a propeller puller. A simple claw type puller should suffice.

Watch our video here how Chris removes a FeatherStream propeller with the ‘prop puller’ tool

The FeatherStream propeller is designed to be fitted by the end user and can be completed in as little as 15mins – 30mins.

Watch the video on how to fit your FeatherStream propeller.

The Flexofold propeller is designed to be fitted by the end user and can be completed in as little as 15mins – 30mins.

Download our Flexofold support material:-

• Fitting guide for Flexofold 3 Blade Saildrive
• Fitting guide for Flexofold 3 Blade Shaftdrive
• Fitting guide for Flexofold 2 Blade Saildrive
• Fitting guide for Flexofold 2 Blade Shaftdrive

The FeatherStream propeller remained largely the same since 2008. There have of course been some developments and additions to the model range since then.

We anticipate a normal service life of 15-20 years in average use for a Featherstream if maintained properly by injecting grease once per year.

We carry a full range of accessories in our shop – where you can buy FeatherStream Grease online.

We anticipate a normal service life of a Flexofole propeller is about 10 years or so in average use. Gearing is exposed so wear is higher than a feathering propeller for example.

The rate of anode consumption varies enormously from boat to boat and place to place with a great many variables affecting it. The majority of our customers find their anodes last at least one season. The anode will consume at the rate required to protect the propeller.

Watch the video on our blog page about Servicing your FeatherStream propeller and changing the anode.

The rate of anode consumption varies enormously from boat to boat and place to place with a great many variables affecting it.

The majority of our customers find their anodes last at least one season. The anode will consume at the rate required to protect the propeller.

If you need to replace an anode for your FeatherStream propeller you can purchase a new from our online shop.

The rate of anode consumption varies enormously from boat to boat and place to place with a great many variables affecting it.

The majority of our customers find their anodes last at least one season. The anode will consume at the rate required to protect the propeller.

If you need to replace an anode for your Flexofold propeller you can purchase a new from our online shop.

The rate of anode consumption varies enormously from boat to boat and place to place with a great many variables affecting it. The majority of our customers find their anodes last at least one season. The anode will consume at the rate required to protect the propeller.

You can find a full range of Flexofold anodes in our online shop.

It is difficult to be sure and a lot of the success is down to preparation. You will need to speak to your antifoul supplier.

The Flexofold propeller should fold when turning engine off in forward drive. If this does not fold the propeller then a shaft brake is required.

The FeatherStream should not require a shaft drake to feather under sail. The blades are designed to encourage the vaning effect that helps propeller feather.

A hydraulic gearbox installation requires you to turn the engine off whilst in forward drive.

No. Propeller size is mostly driven by your engine model and gearbox reduction ratio.

Two identical boats with different installations can end up with different propeller sizes.

No. Propeller size is mostly driven by your engine model and gearbox reduction ratio.

Two identical boats with different installations can end up with different propeller sizes.

Download our Flexofold Data Sheet here

Yes. The FeatherStream propeller is pitch adjustable. When we make a propeller for a customer the pitch is calculated (based on the yacht, displacement, length, beam, engine, shaft speed etc) and the propeller is supplied at that pitch to allow near to full rpm at throttle wide open.

If however in light of having used the propeller you think that the pitch should be altered (increased or decreased) then we would ask you to complete a simple sea trial so that we can see how the propeller is performing ( full instructions can be emailed to you on the information that we would need).

We can then help to decide what pitch adjustment is necessary. A replacement pitch cassette and a special tool for taking the original one out of the propeller is posted to you.

You can watch the video on how to adjust the pitch of your FeatherStream propeller here.

No. The Flexofold is not pitch adjustable. To change the pitch a new blade set is required.

Yes. We offer a 3 year warranty.

Yes. We offer a 3 year warranty on our Flexofold propellers.

To service the FeatherStream you will need a tube of Grease and a new Anode. In order to identify your Anode we either need the original customer name/propeller number.

It will be best to call us so we can guide you and supply the correct Anode.

You can watch a video of Darglow’s head engineer, Chris fitting a new FeatherStream propeller and Anode

No. The FeatherStream propeller is supplied fully greased and ready for first use.

Not necessarily. Propeller size is mostly driven by your engine model and gearbox reduction ratio.

Just because you have room for a bigger propeller does not mean you should fit a bigger propeller.

Not necessarily. Propeller size is mostly driven by your engine model and gearbox reduction ratio. Just because you have room for a bigger propeller does not mean you should fit a bigger propeller.

Download our Flexofold Data Sheet

The HydroAxe Rope Cutter is available in 2 blade and 3 blade options. A 2B blade propeller will usually run a 2 blade HydroAxe Rope Cutter.

A 3 blade propeller will usually run a 3 blade HydroAxe Rope Cutter.

You can download our HydroAxe Service Instructions here.

We are often asked to advise on antifoul products, however we don’t recommend any particular product – mainly as there are so many, they often change and we get such mixed reports on them from our customers!

We always suggest that advice is taken from the antifoul paint manufacturers as to the suitability of their particular product.

The annual maintenance is very straight forward on a FeatherStream propeller. Clean propeller, replace Anode and top up with Grease. Simply clean the propeller using standard jet wash method if heavily fouled then you can use wire wool/scotch bright/abrasive to remove any of the harder fouling.

Greasing should take place annually and the tube of grease which is provided should last multiple seasons.

This grease tube is the type which works with a mechanics type side lever grease gun (see instruction sheet in support section). Grease is not removed, it is simply topped up. The propeller should not be taken apart at any time. The anode is also replaced.

Read our blog on how to maintain your FeatherStream prop.

The Flexofold does not need a lot of maintenance. Simply replace the Anode annually if one is fitted on your model.

The HydroAxe Rope Cutter requires little maintenance and bearings will function for several years but it is advised that bearing tolerances are checked annually.

A service kit can be purchased separately.

You can download our HydroAxe Service Instructions here.

We are open 0900 – 1700 Mon-Fri.

Your FeatherStream will arrive in its own custom packaging which includes:

– FeatherStream Propeller
– 1 x Anode
– 1 x Tube of Feathering Propeller Grease
– 1 x Tube of Loctite
– 1 x Nordlock Washer
– 1 x Grease Nipple
– 1 x Nut
– 1 x Instruction Book

In order to calculate the correct propeller sizing we require boat make and model, engine model, gearbox reduction ratio. Get a quote for your Flexofold prop.

In order to calculate the correct propeller sizing we require boat make and model, engine model, gearbox reduction ratio. Get a quote here.

When choosing between a 2 and 3 bladed propeller there is a very small difference in drag reduction. The main difference is the performance under power where in calm conditions the 2 and 3 blade perform almost the same (in fact the 2 blade has a very small advantage in calm weather).

However, as resistance on the boat goes up a 3 bladed propeller (more blade surface area) slips less and maintains better boat speeds. This is why we also manufacture 4 and 5 Blade propellers.

The main difference between a 3 blade and a 4 bladed propeller is the motoring performance when motoring into strong head winds/choppy seas.

The extra blade area means propeller slips less and boat speed is maintained better in these conditions (increasing efficiency).

The other advantage of a 4 blade is that the extra blade area means much lower blade pressures, so less cavitation and therefore a quieter propeller (depending on hull type stern configuration). Stopping capabilities are often increased due to an increase in blade area (DAR).

When there is sufficient room for any size propeller, the case for choosing a 4 blade is really just one of a luxury rather than a necessity.

However, in cases where ideally we would be fitting a significantly larger propeller, the case for fitting a 4 blade is stronger because the same work can be done in a smaller diameter with a 4 blade. A heavy displacement hull form with increased wetted surface area will always benefit more from a 4B propeller where maximum grip on the water is required to maintain good hull speeds.

The FeatherStream propeller is made from Stainless Steel and Nickel Aluminium Bronze (NAB2). With the Featherstream using a combination of stainless steel blades and a very hard Nickel Aluminium bronze hub we have a very long lasting bearing surface (longer wearing than traditional all bronze type).

The Flexofold propeller is made from Nickel Aluminium Bronze (NAB2).

The HydroAxe is manufactured using Stainless Steel and Nylon bearings.

The grub screw used to blank off the greasing point requires a 3mm Allen key.

We manufacture our anodes using Navalloy.

See our full range of anodes in our online shop.

We manufacture our anodes using military spec zinc.

See our full range of anodes in our online shop.

There is no concrete rule for propeller tip clearance. Industry rule of thumb would suggest 10-15% tip clearance (% of propeller diameter).

We often run as little as 4-5% tip clearance with no problems. What affects this the most is the hull design.

For example if hull is fine entry around propeller we can get closer but if boat is flat bottom above propeller we may wish to increase.

There is no concrete rule for propeller tip clearance. Industry rule of thumb would suggest 10-15% tip clearance (% of propeller diameter).

We often run as little as 4-5% tip clearance with no problems. What affects this the most is the hull design. For example if hull is fine entry around propeller we can get closer but if boat is flat bottom above propeller we may wish to increase.

Darglow is based in Wareham, Dorset, United Kingdom.

The FeatherStream propeller is made in the south of England, UK.

The Nordlock washer is formed of two halves.

The larger cams face each other in the middle with the smaller teeth facing up to the two components you want to bring together.

There are a number of reasons why we use the combination of materials that we do. There are many advantages to having SS blade. It is even stronger and harder than the Nickel Aluminium Bronze that we use in the hubs (NAB2).

These means:

1. It can take more power and deal with impacts better without breaking teeth etc.

2. The bearing surface of the blades lasts longer. From our experience to date, we have found that SS blade Featherstreams in high wear applications (charter / school boats etc.) show minimal wear compared to all NAB2 propellers. So they last longer before coming up for reconditioning. We would anticipate 15-20 years of use in private ownership before the propeller would need any reconditioning work.

3. The blade section can be thinner for the same strength allowing a very strong and yet highly efficient blade.

4. There is less Bronze underwater. This is good especially on steel and aluminium hull boats where all bronze propellers lead to very rapid anode consumption, there is less bronze to protect so anodes are used more slowly.

5. The high polish achieved means that barnacles etc. find it hard to stay on – fouling is less.
With the Featherstream using a combination of stainless steel blades and a very hard Nickel Aluminium bronze hub we have a very long lasting bearing surface (longer wearing than traditional all bronze type).

Yes. The FeatherStream saildrive model is currently available for most models available on the market.

Yes. The Flexofold saildrive propeller is currently available for most models available on the market.

Probably the best choice for a mud berth would be a FeatherStream propeller as all the gears are enclosed within the hub and protected by our grease. This gradually leaves the propeller during the course of the season, being topped up each year during annual maintenance with a grease gun. This net outflow of grease prevents any problems with silt, mud etc.

We have many owners on mud berths with FeatherStreams working very happily for many years. It also helps that its design is very simple and robust.

The FeatherStream propeller is a very popular option for applications where space is limited such as long keep hull designs.

We have a 12-16 inch propeller template available for download.

You can also  have a download a 16-20 inch propeller template here. 

We would not usually suggest fitting a folding propeller to a long keel hull form.

The Flexofold propeller requires a lot of room to fold back under sail and the design can limit the handling performance.

For a mud berth application we would usually recommend a FeatherStream propeller as the gears are enclosed within the hub and protected by our grease.

This gradually leaves the propeller during the course of the season, being topped up each year during annual maintenance with a grease gun. This net outflow of grease prevents any problems with silt, mud etc.

We have many owners on mud berths with FeatherStreams working very happily for many years. It also helps that it’s design is very simple and robust.

The HydroAxe is currently available for Volvo Penta and Yanmar Saildrives.

These include 120S, MS25S, 130S, 150S, SD20, SD25, SD31, SD40, SD50, SD60 saildrives.

You can check to see if we have done your Yacht model here, else if you do not see your saildrive model here please contact us.

The HydroAxe is compatible with low drag and fixed propellers including:-

• FeatherStream propellers
• Flexofold propellers
• Kiwi propellers
• Bruntons Autoprop propellers
• Gori propellers
• Volvo folding propellers
• Fixed propellers and Max-Prop Classic models.

Yes we will be exhibiting at Southampton Boat Show.

Yes, we will be exhibiting HydroAxe at the Southampton boat show?

Yes we will be exhibiting at Southampton Boat Show.