Prop for 60HP Bigfoot

[Framemaker]

Hello; New to the forum and looking forward to helpful input. I have a 2013 Bayliner
Element with a 60HP Merc outboard. It has a stock 3 blade prop. I will be doing fishing and cruising, probably no more than 4 people plus the pooch, combination ocean and lakes. I've read that 4 blade props have better performance but really don't know the difference. If it gives e a better top end but still works well at lower speeds that's probably what I'm looking for. I also don't know anything about pitch.
Thanks for your help, Framemaker

 

[QBhoy]

Hi. No 4 blade will give better top end than the same pitch and cut, 3 blade prop. Physics can’t allow it usually. The odd exception is the rev4 or bravo on occasion. But none of them are going onto your 60hp. Hope that helps.

 

[Texasmark]

Top of this page, under parts, search for Props. Pull up Props and besides a questionnaire you fill out to find a prop selection to fit your needs, there is a tutorial about props that will answer your I don't know questions.

Propeller efficiency drops as the number of blades is increased (per published data from prop mfgrs.) as they get in each other's way in seeking clear water to twist.....unless you are in an Ocean Racer and you are going so fast that the blades don't have time to get in each other's way.

We need to know the following for starters to answer your question about what "might" work. On the "might" everything is a crap shoot till you install a propeller and get out on the water and test it. But we can get close with accurate inputs:
-Engine rated max rpm range....will be something like 4500-5500 RPMS
-Actual RPMs your engine is turning under normal load and positioning of things at Wide Open Throttle (WOT) with your current prop....say 4800 RPM
-Pitch of your current prop....how far would the prop move forward in a solid in one complete revolution....will be something like 17 inches or half a dozen numbers on either side.
-GPS preferably of current boat speed while setting up the above situation.
We will take that data and come up with a wild guess as to where to start.
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-Diameter of the prop; not necessary for us to calculate best pitch, burt a definition for you when you see a prop of X diameter listed in a chart....remember to halve it if you measure prop shaft to anti vent plate on your engine...which is only the radius. This metric is engine dependent and really amounts to what will fit under your anti vent plate....the horizontal plate above the prop that reduces the ability of the prop to suck in air....aka ventilate which reduces efficiency.
-Boat picture preferred with a rear shot showing the mounting position of the motor and shows the bottom of the boat at rear.