dallas01

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

LapseofReason

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.

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.

liquid asset

I prefer 3 blades as long as the boat is not to heavy and the X is not to high

HOUSTONPROP

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

Griff

You really should pitch down to 22" Bravo 1 and spin that engine faster or at least get it labbed and add as much rpm as you can. Your WOT is 4600-5000 and the rev limiter is at 5150. Spin that engine at 5000-5100 to get maximum performance. Right now you are making the engine work harder than it has to across the rpm range and not getting max HP out of it.

28Eliminator

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.

dallas01

Thanks for all the feedback!!!

ChristianGott

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?....

floatingphil

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.