4 Blade props?

[Bug Pro]

This may be a dumb question....Need opinions on the use of 4 blade props vs 3 blade props. Seems like everyone I've personally asked "should I consider a 4 blade prop", The answer is always that there isn't a need for a 4 blade. What is everyone's thoughts on 3 vs 4 blades on a tin boat?

[gatorglenn]

I tried the new Spitfire prop. It didn't work for me, on my boat it wanted to blow out with the smallest amount of trim.there's quite a bit of people up here where I live at that run them out on big water it gives them more control for working in the big waves.but that is also different style of boat.for your boat you really want know if you like it until you try it.

[Ship]

I've run a Trophy Plus and a Laser II on my PT175 with an Opti. The four blade allowed me to run the engine quite a bit higher and top speed and handling was excellent. Hole shot and midrange punch suffered somewhat with the four blade. The 3 blade I have to run a little deeper. Hole shot and midrange is excellent with the 3 blade and top end is close to the Trophy plus.

[Demolitionman]

Them 4 blades give me more torque for working my boat better on and off the gas when this big lake up north gets to rolling some nasties. I think I have more control in rough stuff with a 4 blade.

[Bug Pro]

Great inputs...Thank you!!

[krr6581]

With all of the folks on here with different aluminum boats it we may be able to give you a little better insight into your question if you can fill us in on the boat and motor you have or planning on buying. What is the HP of the motor and what you are wanting to get out of the motor such as performance.

[TritonTRXV8]

With all of the folks on here with different aluminum boats it we may be able to give you a little better insight into your question if you can fill us in on the boat and motor you have or planning on buying. What is the HP of the motor and what you are wanting to get out of the motor such as performance.

+1. More boat and current setup details would be great including current prop pitch, wot rpm and gps speed if you can.

[Bug Pro]

I guess my original question was simply on 4 blades props in general since it seems like every time I ask someone locally their thoughts on 4 blades, no matter the boat, the general feeling is 3 blade is fine. However, my boat is a 2013 Alumacraft pro 185 with a 90 Merc 4 stroke. Currently have a 19p aluminum prop and running 45mph at 5900rpm with a light load.

[goinbassin]

Without creating a tome, let me keep it simple... The 4 blade props are generally run in big water where bite is paramount. The 4 blade creates drag with the extra blade, but can be run higher without blowout because of it, thus offsetting the extra drag. Prop slippage is generally much lower, as well. But you can get a three blade to perform the same way by adding cup, or by buying a prop with more cup in the first place. Case in point is the Laser 2. You can add extra cup, or just buy a Stiletto (Yamaha prop) which is very similar to a Laser 2 but with very aggressive cupping. Because of this, you can run the motor higher than with the Laser 2, and get good bite. My point here is to illustrate why many will tell you you don't really need a 4 blade prop with your light boat. You just don't, IMHO.

[PATRO]

Bug Pro give the guys at PowerTech props a call. They are very knowledgable when it comes to props and they are very familiar with Alumacraft boats. They will work with your current setup and ask what your looking to achieve and go from there. Good thing about them is if the prop you decide on doesn't perform to your liking you can send it back for a small fee and exchange it for another prop.

I'm ordering a PTR4 prop for my Alumacraft 1860 tunnel from them. I was very pleased with their professionalism and knowledge. We discussed several options and he even took the time to call one of his dealers who sells Alumacraft to get some data for my setup.

PowerTech! Propellers - Official Website - HOME

[goinbassin]

Bug Pro give the guys at PowerTech props a call. They are very knowledgable when it comes to props and they are very familiar with Alumacraft boats. They will work with your current setup and ask what your looking to achieve and go from there. Good thing about them is if the prop you decide on doesn't perform to your liking you can send it back for a small fee and exchange it for another prop.

I'm ordering a PTR4 prop for my Alumacraft 1860 tunnel from them. I was very pleased with their professionalism and knowledge. We discussed several options and he even took the time to call one of his dealers who sells Alumacraft to get some data for my setup.

PowerTech! Propellers - Official Website - HOME

+1. And they make a very good prop.

[Bug Pro]

Thanks! I'll give them a call...and thank you goinbassin, great explanation!

[justsomeguy]

my 2 cents.....4 blades generally will give a better hole shot and the ability to run on pad at slower speeds, plus as others have said run higher. The reason I am considering one is they also generally handle better and are more fuel efficient. Performance will be less than a 3 blade for sure though.

[goinbassin]

my 2 cents.....4 blades generally will give a better hole shot and the ability to run on pad at slower speeds, plus as others have said run higher. The reason I am considering one is they also generally handle better and are more fuel efficient. Performance will be less than a 3 blade for sure though.

I believe your 2 cents is accurate, except for the part about performance being less (if you're referring to speed). That's not always the case, some have seen improvements in top end. I sure would be curious to see how that prop works out on your hull.

[TritonTRXV8]

Without creating a tome, let me keep it simple... The 4 blade props are generally run in big water where bite is paramount. The 4 blade creates drag with the extra blade, but can be run higher without blowout because of it, thus offsetting the extra drag. Prop slippage is generally much lower, as well. But you can get a three blade to perform the same way by adding cup, or by buying a prop with more cup in the first place. Case in point is the Laser 2. You can add extra cup, or just buy a Stiletto (Yamaha prop) which is very similar to a Laser 2 but with very aggressive cupping. Because of this, you can run the motor higher than with the Laser 2, and get good bite. My point here is to illustrate why many will tell you you don't really need a 4 blade prop with your light boat. You just don't, IMHO.

Very good explanation.

[3dees]

I run a 4 blade on my VT19/115 opti and will not change. no jackplate. I get 48-50 mph, instant hole shot, no porpoising at any speed. whats there not to like?

[TritonTRXV8]

I run a 4 blade on my VT19/115 opti and will not change. no jackplate. I get 48-50 mph, instant hole shot, no porpoising at any speed. whats there not to like?

I remember you liking yours alot. What pitch is it and will it spin 5700 rpm wot?

[goinbassin]

I run a 4 blade on my VT19/115 opti and will not change. no jackplate. I get 48-50 mph, instant hole shot, no porpoising at any speed. whats there not to like?

With numbers like that, you'd be crazy to change.

[3dees]

[QUOTE=basstrackeroptimax;5421690]I remember you liking yours alot. What pitch is it and will it spin 5700 rpm wot? [/QUOTE

19p. runs at 5700. I tried a 20p Laser II and couldn't get past 5200 rpm.

[blue shad]

Sounds like that 4 blade is working great for you. What type of prop is it? Aulm, SS. I have a 115 optimax and run a 4 blade Spitfire 19p the performance is great but I only run 5300 rpms WOT. Am interested in you set up.