4 or 5 blade prop? who has tried both?
 

I may need to change props this seaon. I am interested to hear what a 5 blade will do better than a 4 blade. I have number 6 drives on a staggered 42 fountain.

thank for any info.

Re: 4 or 5 blade prop? who has tried both?
 

Bad Girl- There has been many threads on this subject. From what I have gathered from it all, the 5 blades are the way to go in most cases. Better hole shot, better mid-range acceleration and speed, better handling overall and usually about the same top end as a 4 blade. From my understanding the 5 blades will lift the entire boat evenly and reduce prop slip and increase effiency. When the weather permits, I will be trying a pair of the Hydromotive P5X's on my 28 Daytona. I have been told that the P5X's will increase mid-range by 5-7 mph on a cat and 3-6 mph on a v-bottom. I have very high hopes that these props will live up to all the praise they have received.

Throttle-Up has a test prop program, that's who I will use. Give them a call, as they seem to have a broad understanding of the 5 blade props and their advantages. (Matt or Julie)

Hope this helps... :D

Re: 4 or 5 blade prop? who has tried both?
 

Badgirl,

Harper220 is correct. Increases in performance are found when changing from a 4B to a 5B propeller. The 5B props improve acceleration and plane off. Thru efficiency it is common to see increased top end while also reducing vibration. Overall performance and handling is enhanced or improved.

Julie
Throttle Up Propellers
727-531-2255

Re: 4 or 5 blade prop? who has tried both?
 

I run 5 blade Rollas. If you have:

Big Blocks with High HP, Big Cams and SC'd you may want to consider 4 blades for general handling around the docks. 5B's will dig and launch you a few feet at a time.

In addition, if your engines are surging due to the blower, big cam and fuel ratio scenerio, stalling will be an inherent problem. Now you are feathering your throttles to try to keep the engines running while docking. You are not only stalling but lunging as well. Some slip in the prop while idling is not all bad.
After stalling, those big blocks always don't turn over on the first crank with mucho unspent fuel pushed into the cylinders. Especially when you are in a tight situation.

Re: 4 or 5 blade prop? who has tried both?
 

I heard from a very reliable source that a certain V-bottom with Bravo XR and 4 blade props was fitted with the shorty lowers and 5 blades and the results were very impressive. Performance increases across the board that got peoples attention!

Re: 4 or 5 blade prop? who has tried both?
 

Sounds some what like me Ed? I am still running the old 4B's on the Cig and will trial some props yet this week. My last conversation with "The Man", he is still reccommending 4's. The combinatin of the engines and drives is still questionable. The 4's will give it a little insurance policy.

My cat has the 5's.

Re: 4 or 5 blade prop? who has tried both?
 

Let's hear some more results from those who have tried 5 blades vs. 4 on cats or v's... :D

Re: 4 or 5 blade prop? who has tried both?
 

Much less vibration using 5-Blades vs 4-blade, plus everything already said.

Re: 4 or 5 blade prop? who has tried both?
 

Run hydromotive P-5's on my staggered 42 Lightning and
love 'em!
With 2" shorties boat planes out at 3,000 rpm.
Plenty of sternlift and the cruise speed and handling is great!

Re: 4 or 5 blade prop? who has tried both?
 

Did your cruise speed increase? If so, by how many mph? Sounds like you're very pleased with them...