4-Blade Props:

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JETTYWOLF
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4-Blade Props:

#1

Post by JETTYWOLF »

I'm not all that familiar with all particulars, that's why I'm going to the "AAB brothern" for any help.

I know that the diameter and pitch all changes when you go to an additional blade. But don't have clue to where to even start. Haven't dabbled in 4 blade props, ever.

What's the general rules when selecting?

What's the Pro's and Con's, if any?

Why is a 4 blade prop even a choice when most are 3 blade??

I'll let it be known that I'm into mass economy. But at the same time carry passengers. I believe I get pretty damn good milage. And just like to cruise at 4400 RPM most of the time. Could a 4 blade prop help, with increased economy and handling?

I've hear/read about they can push the bow down?

Any comments would be helpful.
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spoiled one
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Re: 4-Blade Props:

#2

Post by spoiled one »

I run a pair of 4-blade stainless solas props. I think they are a great option for heavier, non trout fishing boats with forts. They provided more stern lift, better bite in the slop, and are much more responsive around the dock. I also picked up cruise economy over the 3 bladed props I tried. I did lose a couple mph at WOT, but that is fine with me. Find a shop that will let you demo one. Drop down 2'' of pitch from your 3-blade.
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MacCTD
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Re: 4-Blade Props:

#3

Post by MacCTD »

I have found 4 blades are a little slower top end, but hold a higher trim and in corner better.
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goatram
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Re: 4-Blade Props:

#4

Post by goatram »

I have a 15"dia. X 20"pitch four blade Power tech prop It does lift the stern up goes 44 mph or so. fuel eco. is good. I also have a 15" X 21 SWS II 3 blade prop by Yamaha that I got off of THT shipped from NJ. to my house for $150. I have come to realize that I need to get it to the Prop Shop Inc. to have them see WTH ELL is wrong with it. I lost RPM, ECO, and Speed. The guy I bought it from said he had it re tuned by adding a 1/2" of pitch. (I think it has more now. will cost $75 to have it looked at and re tuned to stock then re polished add more $:-) The Hull Truth has a couple of prop semi gods on there. I did a lot of reading in April and May.

I did not see a bunch of improvement just some. I burn about 3 more gallons an hour full throttle with the F250 compared to the F150 main engine that I had before. added 5 MPH top end. and cruise in flat water at 30 mph at 10 gph burn rate rpm at 4100. Hell of a hole shot thou.

Prop Gods are down your way I think. Info they will need are design, Weight , Power, RPM and speed currently running. What you want to achieve ie bow or stern lift, fuel economy, speed. They crunch the numbers and kick you a prop to run and try. Cost for the PT 4Blade prop was under $500 Cash.

Welcome to the Dark Side for you will become lost in the jargon and claims of the Gods of prop selection
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JETTYWOLF
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Re: 4-Blade Props:

#5

Post by JETTYWOLF »

I think I'm lost already..... :rotfl:

Spoiled One made a few good points. But at the same time Our boats couldn't be any further in different directions.

What got me thinking is I saw Solas 4 blade Props of all sizes on Ebay for $275. Which seems to good to be true.

I get super great bite already. Can't break the prop loose, but I think that's due to stern or hull design.

I like the idea of stern lift. Especially when it comes to running in shallower water :?:

Prop Gods, didn't they have a banner here on AAB at one time? Yeah I bet they can baffle me with BS.
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spoiled one
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Re: 4-Blade Props:

#6

Post by spoiled one »

Most prop shops worth their salt will let you demo for free (at least here in AK where every body is flush with cash :rotfl: ) if you do not ding them. Give one a shot and if you like it, buy from them or return it and buy it from the cheapest source. You won't know unless you try it. :thumbsup:
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JETTYWOLF
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Re: 4-Blade Props:

#7

Post by JETTYWOLF »

Yeah, here in my area I don't know of a single source like that. J-ville isn't Miami, (thank goodness)

I'm gonna search around.

I'm a fisherman. And flush, isn't part of my vocabulary.
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Re: 4-Blade Props:

#8

Post by ineedalloy »

Talk to Marcus at Power Tech props. I bought a 4 blade for my non aluminum a few years back. Best decison i ever made. Lost a few mph on the top end but hole shot and eco is night and day. He won't try to sell you either, just very knowledgeable and there to help.
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Re: 4-Blade Props:

#9

Post by S L Dave »

I have two 4 blade props a 21 pitch (I think) and a 19 pitch. I had the 21 on there and the rpm's seemed too high for the speed...I swapped out the 21 for the 19 and the boat runs just the way it should...though I must admit, I have absolutely no idea why!! Or maybe it was the other way around?? :rotfl: glad I could help!! :beer:
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Re: 4-Blade Props:

#10

Post by pjay9 »

You guys are way behind the times!! Go for one of these: It's called a six pack...Jetty surely understands the principles of the elbow curl! :rotfl:
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