4 blade vs 5 blade vs 6 blade (cleaver)
 

What are some advantages and disadvantages of these different props, say they were all the same dia and rake, pitch is obviously going to change due to # of blades. I am running a flat bottom Top Gun with 1000hp engines and #5's on boxes.... going to raise my X dia as high as possible (with the box), which prop will give me overall handling and which prop will give me TOP SPEED....

If there is any question in your mind about propping a boat or just anything concerning props, as you may know hit up BBB blades on the board. he lists his # and is very acomadating to us boaters who dont know everything. As far as my knowlage goes is to say that a four blad may get you a better top speed and a five may give you a slightly better hole shot. I am sure you will need to provide much more info to get smart suggestions here. Hull? length? and what you are trying to acomplish. I have 16x34 4 blades and am happy with em. they spin out a little at hte launch but while at crusing speed hit the throttle and there isnt anything but a he#$ of a pull as she just goes. Try bret at BB for tech info and he will save you a ton of work.

Scott at Mercury Racing's prop department is my "go to" guy for rigging/prop selection issues. In my experience, the higher you go, the more blades you need to stay hooked up, but there are too many variables to be sure. Give Scott a call: 920-921-5330.

More blades and more blade surface area translate into more stern lift.

On a hull of your vintage, the 4 blade props will give the better speed. If the 4 blades hook up well and have a low slip number, they would be my choice because they will create the lesser amount of stern lift.

The 5 blade props will more than likely get the boat on plane quicker and can have the better fuel economy. They will lift the stern higher than the 4 blades and may create poor WOT handling. It would be interesting to try both prop sets at the low drive heights and again when you raise the drives.

FasterFaster, Scott's a good guy. I got him his job at Mercury Racing in 2003. We brought him over from the Merc main plant. I left Mercury Racing about 6 months later.

Brett