Can I offer some constructive criticism to Flying_Rodeo ?
I really appreciate your flexibility to help the e-foil builders Community with your skills, talent and capability. I am also glad that you offer the discount for the Community.
I think the folding propeller is a Great Concept. I experienced disadvantage myself that with larger fixed props and trolling motor that when the prop stops (there is no clutch or “idle”), the larger fixed prop acts like a speed brake. Board stops - I continue to flying forward. Call it “face planting” in the water.
So the concept of foldable prop is great for so many aspects, even for catching the wave with electric assistance then saving on batteries and just riding the wave.
HOWEVER, the current implementation where the prop clips to the pin and IS NOT secured with a nut is just insane IMHO.
When I used external ESC (bypassing) Caroute N300 ESC and using its Motor and variety of modified props, I could easily sheer (break) the pin, just by slamming the throttle to the max.
That is exactly the point of that round shaft and sheer pin design that if you hit something or if the torque is too much for the motor the pin suppose to sheer (break) to protect the motor (and the shaft). Prop still stays on the shaft (spinning idle).
In your “clever marketing design” the user loses the prop so will have to buy another one. Quickly “disposable” props ?
Please note there is also a difference in load when you have a skinny kid around 50kg (110LB) and full size adult like myself with weight between 90-100kg (200-220LB).
Also many lakes later in the season have milfoil and/or other weeds and most trolling motor ESCs (sold on the market) have built in protection when the load is detected (shut down or reduced power automatically). This is not the case for most DIY E-Foils. So the risk of sheering /breaking the pin is much greater.
I would definitely be interested in your foldable prop when design is changed so there is still securing nut at the end of prop shaft.
PS: After putting my project for couple of years on hold I am planning to go back and restart it:
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