3 blade to 4 blade comparison question

[kyricochet]

im currently running a three blade 23 pitch prop<br />what pitch of four blade prop would be closest to what im currently running

 

[Kenny Bush]

Re: 3 blade to 4 blade comparison question

The amount of blades does not affect the pitch. Four blade props hold better on low end. Four blade props are used on tug boats and heavy boats.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 3 blade to 4 blade comparison question

It depends on the brand of prop you have now. If you are staying with the same brand then most likely you can stay with the same pitch. If you are running a 3 blade that doesnt have a lot of bite then you may have to go down in pitch with a good design 4 blade.<br /><br />The big thing to remember is with todays 4 blade props, you run them at a higher X dimension than a 3 blade. If you have a jackplate then you are all set. <br /><br />Tell us more about your current set up and we can go from there.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[93evinrude]

Re: 3 blade to 4 blade comparison question

Depending on the details of your current set-up,it is a good opportuity to optomize your set-up to ensure you are running near the top of your rpm range if not already there and getting the overall performance you want.Details on your boat,engine,current prop,engine height,rpm,reason for change,etc would all be helpful to others looking to assist you.Without further details,I too would suspect that you would probably be looking at the same pitch or slightly less.

 

[sloopy]

Re: 3 blade to 4 blade comparison question

I just winterized a boat that had a 500 merc with supper charger, and a specialized racing outdrive with a five blade cleaver prop!!! he said he goes 70-80 miles an hour??

 

[sloopy]

Re: 3 blade to 4 blade comparison question

I just winterized a boat that had a 500 merc with supper charger, and a specialized racing outdrive with a five blade cleaver prop!!! he said he goes 70-80 miles an hour??

 

[kyricochet]

Re: 3 blade to 4 blade comparison question

the reason im looking to buy a four blade prop is because recently i spun my prop out <br />bass pro catalog advertises a prop called COMPROP it is only availible in a four blade and the following pitch's 15,17 and 19 they claim that comprops " accelerate quicker,run smoother,corner better and are faster than 3 blade aluminium propellers " i dont know the manufacturer of my 3 blade it has no name just numbers and the pitch i believe i can have my 3 blade repaired but to have a spare would be nice <br /><br />im currently running a merc 150 hp XR4 1988' model on a 1986' tunnel hull hydro-sports bass boat<br /> no jackplate yet but planing on buying a manual plate

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 3 blade to 4 blade comparison question

At that high of HP, I would steer clear of the Composite Props. They have had bad results under heavy loads and stress of powerful outboards. Also, if you hit ANYTHING substantial in the Water at anything over an idle, it's junk! They just break apart and there is no repair. They may be OK for a spare, but that's it!

 

[Jacques321]

Re: 3 blade to 4 blade comparison question

Yeah, they accelerate quicker with four blades but there not all there cracked up to be.<br /><br />First, now that we know you have a Merc engine, give it a genuine merc prop...you won't regret it. Remember, if you want the best you have to pay that little extra.<br /><br />Visit mercurymarine.com and find out more about props. If you must get a 4 blader get a Trophy Plus from your local merc dealer, but for a good all around 3 blader get yourself a Tempest plus.

 

[93evinrude]

Re: 3 blade to 4 blade comparison question

You didn't mention your rpm at top speed,however none of the pitches mentioned would work on your boat and I would look into a different type of prop.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 3 blade to 4 blade comparison question

Do yourself a huge favor and get the manual jack first. A hard biting prop like a 4 blade Turbo will give you the best results when you can fine tune the set up. You don't have enough holes on the motor to get it high enough without a jack to take advantage of the Turbo technology. <br /><br />Good luck!

 

[Spidybot]

Re: 3 blade to 4 blade comparison question

If you like, here's a book from Quicksilver about props, boats and setups. Read it online or download (8mb) it for free. <br /> Wisdom of Propellers

 

[93evinrude]

Re: 3 blade to 4 blade comparison question

This link gives a general understanding of set-up.<br /><br /> http://www.kencook.net/Setupart.html

 

[BillP]

Re: 3 blade to 4 blade comparison question

If you are looking for speed spend the bucks and get a hydraulic jack plate. If you want to set it up right get a low water pickup, water pressure gauge, water temp gauge and 4 blade ss prop. Run the gearcase where only the lower half is in the water. Yes, only two blades pumping. Impossible to do with a manual jack plate and still get out of the hole. Pitch I'd guess between 23 & 27.

 

[Lugnut36]

Re: 3 blade to 4 blade comparison question

I used one of them comp props that came with the boat i bought, it was fine to run. Sure i hit a rock and it snapped a blade but i idled it home, so i put the other aluminum prop on it and my sister ends up bottoming it out and BAM lower unit leaked lube. Anyways how about them piranha props the one where you only have to buy the blade you broke for 18 bucks a piece or so. I never tried one, anyone with experience on these?