So, boat came with 5 blade Merc Maximus props. WOT getting right at 5000 rprm. WOT range is 4800 - 5200 per Merc.

My question is, all other factors the same, should one expect to lose RPMs at WOT by going from 4 to 5 blade? Conversely, gain RPM going from 5 to 4 blade?

You will gain RPM going from 5 blades to 4 blades. If you can get on plane with 4 blades they will be faster on top end but slower at cruise speeds. If you were running say 28 pitch 5 blades you would probably be able to spin 30 pitch 4 blades. OR possible 32 pitch Labbed 4 blades.

+1^^

More blades more friction.. I would be concerned more about the drive running 5 blades on a Bravo, even if your easy on her.

My 32 bravos ran about 500 RPM more than my 32 Maximus's

yep, making sense guys. I would not have picked 5 blades, but that is how she came. Might connect with BBlades to see what he might be interested in working out...Hmm.

If the 4 blades slip a lot more then that is no good either. More then just the friction to think about.

Does the hull have shorty or raised drives? Could be a reason someone installed 5 blades.

He did my 5 blades, they work better than the 4's on my boat

I have a set of Bravo 32's 4 Blades for sale in great shape. I've only run them a time or two since Bblades refreshed. They are stock, not labbed.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...ops-lh-rh.html

@easyrider1340 Do you still have your props for sale?

Sounds like you have 525's... You are over propped. You want to prop for 5400 rpm. I'd try 28b1's