3 Blade vs. 4 Blade
#1
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3 Blade vs. 4 Blade
I have been looking at buying a 4 balde prop and have been told by the sales people about the same type of information. Overall I can look for improved hole shot, perhaps 1-3 MPH off the top end. But also improved low speed handling (not so much back and forth steering, etc.) and more smooth operation as the 4 blade is more balanced than three.
Anyone have the same findings overall ? I am not getting into my specifice boat, engine, speed, RPM issues as that can vary too much. I am just trying to get an overall opinion from those that went from 3 to 4.
Thanks
Anyone have the same findings overall ? I am not getting into my specifice boat, engine, speed, RPM issues as that can vary too much. I am just trying to get an overall opinion from those that went from 3 to 4.
Thanks
#2
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Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Stafford Va.
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I have heard the same, that if you have a boat that is allready twichy at WOT a 4 blade will help but a 3 blade is faster. But if you have a heavy boat like mine 42Sonic it didn't like 3's they would blow out at 64-66 mph and I get about 74-76 out of 4's. But every boat is different, try it and see.
#3
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I was running a Mirage 23 pitch 3 blade and then switched to a Bravo 24 pitch 4 blade.
I lost about a mile an hour speed, but gained the following:
Lowered engine rpms at all speeds.
Easier coming on plane
Planes at lower speeds
Handles better in turns with no prop blow out.
My boat is a 1996 23 foot with a bone stock 385hp 454 that runs 62mph with the 4 blade turning about 4600 rpm.
If I wanted to flat out run as fast as I could, then I would go back to the 3 blade. But since that is not my style, I will stick with the four blade. I really like the Bravo 4 blade. I would like to try the Revolution 4 blade. I've heard good things about it.
I lost about a mile an hour speed, but gained the following:
Lowered engine rpms at all speeds.
Easier coming on plane
Planes at lower speeds
Handles better in turns with no prop blow out.
My boat is a 1996 23 foot with a bone stock 385hp 454 that runs 62mph with the 4 blade turning about 4600 rpm.
If I wanted to flat out run as fast as I could, then I would go back to the 3 blade. But since that is not my style, I will stick with the four blade. I really like the Bravo 4 blade. I would like to try the Revolution 4 blade. I've heard good things about it.
#5
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Location: Houston,texas
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Dallaso1/when, I have children in the boat, I prefer the 4/bld over the three blade as it is alot smoother ride, but when there in school and Dads at work ,I run the three blade/ all that you have posted is found to be so with a four bld.try the rev four and see which one you like best .good luck/Darin
#6
Charter Member # 55
Charter Member
Originally posted by Hudson
I was running a Mirage 23 pitch 3 blade and then switched to a Bravo 24 pitch 4 blade.
I lost about a mile an hour speed, but gained the following:
Lowered engine rpms at all speeds.
Easier coming on plane
Planes at lower speeds
Handles better in turns with no prop blow out.
My boat is a 1996 23 foot with a bone stock 385hp 454 that runs 62mph with the 4 blade turning about 4600 rpm.
If I wanted to flat out run as fast as I could, then I would go back to the 3 blade. But since that is not my style, I will stick with the four blade. I really like the Bravo 4 blade. I would like to try the Revolution 4 blade. I've heard good things about it.
I was running a Mirage 23 pitch 3 blade and then switched to a Bravo 24 pitch 4 blade.
I lost about a mile an hour speed, but gained the following:
Lowered engine rpms at all speeds.
Easier coming on plane
Planes at lower speeds
Handles better in turns with no prop blow out.
My boat is a 1996 23 foot with a bone stock 385hp 454 that runs 62mph with the 4 blade turning about 4600 rpm.
If I wanted to flat out run as fast as I could, then I would go back to the 3 blade. But since that is not my style, I will stick with the four blade. I really like the Bravo 4 blade. I would like to try the Revolution 4 blade. I've heard good things about it.
#7
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Location: Rapid City SD
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dallas01, I think it depends on the boat.
When I first got my boat it had a 23 Mirage +, but it was a little sluggish out of the hole. I put a 24 Bravo1 on and it came out of the hole better, but at 40-60mph it felt like I was on an ice skating ring. The stern was not stable at all, so I went back to the 3 blade. It also was 2 mph slower with 4 blades. I now run a 28 bravo and it works great, but I have a different outdrive, external steering and supercharger.
Testing is the only way to know.
When I first got my boat it had a 23 Mirage +, but it was a little sluggish out of the hole. I put a 24 Bravo1 on and it came out of the hole better, but at 40-60mph it felt like I was on an ice skating ring. The stern was not stable at all, so I went back to the 3 blade. It also was 2 mph slower with 4 blades. I now run a 28 bravo and it works great, but I have a different outdrive, external steering and supercharger.
Testing is the only way to know.
#9
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
i switched from 21 pitch quicksilvers to 23 pitch revolutions....i was pulling way too many rpm...the rpm have dropped, planing is much quicker, cruise at 3500rpm is up about 7 mph...i STILL don't know what the new top speed is...but , the overall performance is fantastic, better stern lift and holding...the props are 2002 technology, the boat is a 1987 sutphen with twin 350's...isn't technology grand?....
#10
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Christian,
My boat is also an 87 26' Sutphen with twin 350/Alpha's. I have 23 Mirage Plus propellers now but am not getting enough rpms out of them, only 4100-4200. Are your motors stock and what is your best guess at your top rpm?
Rev 4s are where I am heading, just want to get an idea if 23 pitch is the best place to start.
Thanks for any input, I will gladly post my results for you dallas01 but we have a small ice problem here right now.
My boat is also an 87 26' Sutphen with twin 350/Alpha's. I have 23 Mirage Plus propellers now but am not getting enough rpms out of them, only 4100-4200. Are your motors stock and what is your best guess at your top rpm?
Rev 4s are where I am heading, just want to get an idea if 23 pitch is the best place to start.
Thanks for any input, I will gladly post my results for you dallas01 but we have a small ice problem here right now.