3 or 4 blade?

[trswenson]

I'm going to upgrade to stainless soon. I run a 23' reinell open bow, V-P Sx drive 5.7 ltr (280 Horse). Do lotsa pullin (waketower), tubes, skiers, wakeboarding w/ lotsa weight on board in the form of 4-6 adults and 4-6 kids on average. My best prop is the OEM 17 pitch. Some sites suggest a 4 blade for towing sports. Would I stick with 17 pitch or have to go lower? What is the real advantage & disadvantages.

Hurray for spring and a great water year here in Utah !! THANX>>> ;-)>

 

[bhammer]

Re: 3 or 4 blade?

I run a 4 blade on mine. Your hole shot is much improved with the 4 blade but I don't think you will see much of anything change on the top end speed. Where are you on WOT? Most people go down 1" of pitch when moving to a 4blade to keep RMPs the same.

 

[trswenson]

Re: 3 or 4 blade?

Holeshot is pretty good with the 17P 3 blade aluminum already. I would like to hold plane at a lower speed which probably means a slightly higher RPM and lower pitched prop, I think? 4 blades make the boat a little faster than a 3 blade of the same pitch then?

Wish there was a place that let ya take 2-3-4 props out for a day to try 'em out.

Thanx for you insight....

 

[trswenson]

Re: 3 or 4 blade?

Just got off the phone with a Michigan Wheel guy. Sounds like a 4 blade SS 16 pitch is the key to my type of boating. Top end will be great ly diminshed but oh-well.

Thanx all...

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 3 or 4 blade?

If staying on plane at slower speed is what you are looking for, there is a much cheaper and far more effective way to do it. Add trim tabs -- either helm adjustable, or Smart Tabs. They are cheaper than a prop and if you have good performance with the existing prop, why spend more money any only get marginal results.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 3 or 4 blade?

If staying on plane at slower speed is what you are looking for, there is a much cheaper and far more effective way to do it. Add trim tabs -- either helm adjustable, or Smart Tabs. They are cheaper than a prop and if you have good performance with the existing prop, why spend more money any only get marginal results.

 

[bhammer]

Re: 3 or 4 blade?

You beat me to it. Add trim tabs. I personally like the smart tabs.