We call it the Mark IV Geartec. It%u2019s truly a rugged solution for a delicate problem.
From the start we designed in bigger gears and larger pivot pins for strength and reliability. Then we carefully integrated it with the most compact hub and blade design possible to achieve the best drag reduction. The large toothed gears (the largest of any geared folder) make the Mark IV virtually impervious to the bent and broken teeth of some older geared folders. At the same time, the larger gear teeth provide improved resistance to marine growth and fouling.

The Mark IV Geartec: fourth generation blade design
These blades are specifically configured for geared folders, providing the best combination of forward and reverse thrust we have ever achieved.

Saildrive Installation
Today, on some sailboats, the saildrive has replaced the traditional engine, shaft, strut, propeller configuration. Saildrives present some unique problems for propeller design best solved with a geared prop. This is where Martec%u2019s thirty five years of engineering know-how comes into play. Saildrives require geared folding props because their blades must be able to fold with the prop stopped at any point in its rotation. The Geartec® is a new, innovative approach for saildrives, eliminating problems from earlier %u201Cpre-Martec%u201D geared folding props. Using our experience, we carefully engineered a better prop%u2026
a much better prop.