4 blade props

[psaprop]

Is anyone using a four blade prop with a Yamaha F-250? I am finishing a 23' alloy CC with a Porta bracket and an F-250. The bracket extends 26" off the transom and with the baitwell (27 gallon) there also I believe the boat may be stern heavy. The entire hull is 1/4" plate, 2 - 55 gallon tanks and 4 31 AGM batteries (in console) so the entire rig is heavy. I haven't weighed it yet but I am expecting 4000-4500 pounds.

On other back heavy boats a 4 blade 16 pitch PowerTech prop was mentioned. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with a setup like this on their alloy boat?

[JETTYWOLF]

Oppppppps,

I see one slipped thru the cracks. I usually welcome each new member if I can, and at the same time please ask to add your locale to your profile page, so we know where you're are from. Believe me, it helps.

I know I'm curious. Porta Bracket on an aluminum boat huh? I'm familiar with those brackets, since they are on all Gause Built & Sheaffer boats plus many others

Personally, I feel all brackets as you have mentioned especially if not OEM cause stern heavy boats, period.
Many times when the boat was built they didn't take into account that the engine weight would be 2 plus feet off the stern. (as seen in way too many older NON ALLOY models)

This doesn't help you 4 blade question. But could be an atriubute??

I've got a 26 footer, 150 gallon tank, and 2-14 Gallon live wells, 5 people on board many times, 2- AGM's and a 225 Honda. And the stern of mine is very light. And just seen that Honda has a 4 blade prop out now...

so I wouldn't mind hearing what the scope is either, not that I need anything special.

[welder]

PSA, do you have a picture of your ride ?

Others will be along soon to help with your question .

I think the 4 blade will help with hole shot but the 3 will give you top end.

Knowing the weight of your ride will help , get her to the scales when you can.

Are you looking for top end , cruzing or hole shot ?

I run a Pacific 23 CC with a honda BF225 and no problems so far.

Oh , what dead rise is your hull ?

[psaprop]

Sorry about leaving off the location. Shell Beach is in Southeast Louisiana, on the shore of Lake Borgne, about 20 miles from the Gulf.

I haven't measured dead rise exactly but we were trying for 18-20 degrees, it has a moderate V and a 9' beam. We are expecting a 14-16" draft.

I needed the Porta bracket since it brings the engine high and up close to the transom in the full upright position and I wanted a solid transom and have a length constraint in the boat shed. The 26" back set allows enough room for tilt plus shallow water operation. It appears to be a great bracket.

I have pictures but I am not familiar with the procedure on AAB for posting them. I have never used a public domain for photos.

[welder]

Ya might want to take a look at AMF boats transoms or search KingFisher Boats here on AAB

[psaprop]

I got the picture. It was simple. Thanks.

[welder]

What finish do you have on the hull and T-top ?

How much fuel can you carry?

A 250 HP on that hull will FLY

[psaprop]

The finish after sandblasting and priming is an aircraft paint called Jet Glo.

There are two 55 gal tanks centered under the console.

[welder]

Sounds like a cool finish , how is it cost wise to a clear coat ?

And I will read the whole 1st post next time , sorry to make you repeat yourself.

110 gal should give you a 400 mile range , I like it.

[psaprop]

Painting was included in the price of the boat - $1100 per foot.

[JETTYWOLF]

Ahhhh, LA. Huh?

The new sportfish captital of the nation. (Florida lost that monicker a while back) And the "other" aluminum boat state.

I figured you had to be somewhere like that. Porta bracket and all....and the need for shallow water cruising. Here, most PortaBrackets are on flatter bottom boats, which in turn will be very stable. You have some serious deadrise there.

Is that boat foam filled? a kicker too.....

I believe a 4 blade gives you good hole shot, but lowers over all speed.
A buddy had one on his 150 attached to a lite Hydra-crack rolled edge boat, and he said the tracking and steering was really firm compared to the 3 blade he ran previously.

Welcome and can't wait too see more pics of the boat out on the water!

[psaprop]

Hard closed cell foam batts where ever they could fit. Sprayed foam made it difficult for water to find its way to the center and out.

I'm looking for the prop that will give me an economical cruise at 4000-4200 RPMs. Hole shot and top end are secondary.

Thanks

[JETTYWOLF]

My ole F'glass 23' MayCraft boat had 4"x 6" x 4' foam sticks sandwiched in under her deck and your right that worked out quite well, for the same reason.

[Black Spot Boats]

Call Jeff at Powertech props and explain your needs. He is fantastic and will find you the right prop. They also have a trial program for $50 and you switch the props out until you find the right one.
Best of luck.
Ptprop.com

[psaprop]

I have talked to several PowerTech dealers and, unfortunately, they "can't be bothered" with the swap program. They apparently don't carry enough sizes to avoid shipping back and forth to PowerTech. The dealer who carries Yamaha wants to sell the Yamaha prop. That is the mentality down here.

[Black Spot Boats]

Send me a PM with your contact info or call me. I'm sure I can help you out if you if you still need a prop solution.