3 or 4 blade

[Red Eye]

Hello all... let me be the first to welcome myself aboard. Anyway, can anyone tell me the pros & cons of 3 & 4 blade props?

[rivercrazy]

What kind of boat are you running. What power. Conservative or aggressive x-dimension. Tunnel or V. Step bottom or strait.
Generally speaking:
3 blades:
Higher top end
Most are bow lifting in design
Good for smaller and ligher boats that are single screw
Easier on drives
Might vent in turns or hole shot.
4 blades:
Better holeshot
Vents less in turns
Better mid range cruising efficency
Better load carrying capacity
Better with heavier boats
Provides more stern lift.
Harder on drives
Smaller boats - could cause too much grip in turns and maybe put a boat on the gunnel!

[HCS]

The only thing I don't like about my 4blade is the loss of top end.
Other than that it's awesome.
www.ojprops.com

[superdave013]

I run 4 blades. But of course I only run two of the blades at a time. :)
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/9Dsc01500-med.jpg

[HCS]

Where do you get a good 2blade?

[superdave013]

Originally posted by HARDCORE-SKI
Where do you get a good 2blade?
The top one came from V-Drive Tom (Tom Bentley) @ Menkens V Drives and the bottom one came from Dallas @ Menkens propellers.

[HCS]

What do run? 5 bills?

[Waldo]

I run a 4 blade on my 21 Carrera. It's the only one I have run. I have seen other 21/22 foot boats that run a 5 blade prop. What's the dealo with those??? Even more holeshot/mid??

[rivercrazy]

Most of the 5 blades you see on these boats are Merc High-5's. They are designed for great holeshot for skiing/boarding/tubing.

[Red Eye]

I don't have a top speed boats like most in here. I have a 20' Four Winns Horizon that I picked up at the LA show in Jan. The dealer is saying stick w/ 3 & my buddy who owns his own boat shop says 4 is better. Any input for my type of boat is appreciated. Engine is Vovlo 5.0 220 HP w/ Volvo SX outdrive.

[HCS]

It really just depends on what your trying to get out of your boat.
4blades run smoother.