Thread: 3 or 4 blade prop?

In my opinion, you go to a 4-blade prop only if you "need" one. By that, is there a problem with the current 3-blade? Let me give you an example. I once had a 19' Aquasport DC with a stepped hull. Even though it had a 2-stroke 150hp Evinrude, the hole shot was horrible. If I was in very shallow water, I couldn't get up on plane at all because the stern would drop down too much and then the prop would hit bottom. On sharp turns, the prop would blow out terribly. I switched to a 4-blade prop (dropping 1" of pitch to compensate for the extra drag of one more blade) and it was like I had a whole different boat. It would jump up on plane without excessive bow rise and no more blow-outs on turns. However, I did loose about 1-2 mph on the top end.

Call Power Tech Props.

The 4 blade give a little more lift also one plus is reduced steering torque. They seem to help on some of the smaller hp motors overall.


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Even if you switch to a four blade, won't you still hit the bottom of the ramp?
Can you raise the engine, mount to a set of lower holes? Or rearrange weight, to lift the stern? Granted, that would change performance.
Do a search for a local prop shop, see what they say.

Originally Posted by skunked again

Even if you switch to a four blade, won't you still hit the bottom of the ramp?
Can you raise the engine, mount to a set of lower holes? Or rearrange weight, to lift the stern? Granted, that would change performance.
Do a search for a local prop shop, see what they say.

I have a manual tilt motor. In other words, I have to reach back and pull the motor up to tilt it out of the water. Sometimes I forget to tilt the motor up when loading. I am looking for a new boat, but what a new prop for the next owner.

If your looking for a new boat, I wouldn't worry about the prop, take a couple hundred off your asking price, as a "prop allowance".
That way the new owner can set it up how they see fit. They might even put a CMC trim/tilt plate on it, to alleviate that problem.
Also, depending on how much weight they have in the boat, might want a different pitch anyway.

Three blade for speed, four blade for getting on plane and hauling a load.

Get you an aftermarket tilt/trim unit for it.

Have you considered fabricating a little wheel for the foot of the motor?