14.5x32 5 Blade outboard props???
12-03-2009 | 10:42 AM
#1
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From: Columbia S.C.
14.5x32 5 Blade outboard props???
I was wondering if anyone has any experience with 5 blade props on 2.5 Offshore outboards. I have several friends running 5 blades on I/O applications with increased cruise speeds, less slip and better fuel efficency. Allright all you offshore outboard cat racers lets here it. I also heard some of you guys are experimenting with 6 blades also. Help a brother out. Thanks Bob
12-03-2009 | 10:49 AM
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From: McHenry, Illinois
I have run a number of multi engine cats with O/B's. 99% of the cats run three blades and normally 15" diameter on bigger cats and 14.5 on smaller cats. I have tried four blade props and hated them. Very smooth midrange. No top end speed and a lot of stern lift that is not needed on a light cat. I not heard of anyone using a five blade. I imagine it gets worse.
12-03-2009 | 11:34 AM
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From: Boca Raton Fl.
I hate to disagree with Brad as I respect his opinion.
3-blades are a thing of the past at least in superstock\stock outboard racing in the U.S and in x-cat in dubai. 3-blades are not efficient and vibrate. 4-blades are still regularly used however we have seen a steady switch to 5-blades. My 32 Skater with 300xs's is good with 4-blades but is light years better with 5-blades, they are better everywhere and are sewing machine smooth
3-blades are a thing of the past at least in superstock\stock outboard racing in the U.S and in x-cat in dubai. 3-blades are not efficient and vibrate. 4-blades are still regularly used however we have seen a steady switch to 5-blades. My 32 Skater with 300xs's is good with 4-blades but is light years better with 5-blades, they are better everywhere and are sewing machine smooth
12-03-2009 | 01:05 PM
#7
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From: Columbia S.C.
That's what I was hearing Paul. You racers were going to five blades. Better slip numbers and greater fuel economy. When I can afford it my next cat will be a 32 Skater setup just like yours. Speed and efficency. My friend picked up the 32A from TNT this summer and he's eating up the lake at 140 with mild blower motors. I don't mind giving up a mph or two for better fuel economy and slip #'s.Thanks and keep the posts coming. Bob
12-03-2009 | 01:30 PM
#8
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From: Crosslake, MN
I hate to disagree with Brad as I respect his opinion.
3-blades are a thing of the past at least in superstock\stock outboard racing in the U.S and in x-cat in dubai. 3-blades are not efficient and vibrate. 4-blades are still regularly used however we have seen a steady switch to 5-blades. My 32 Skater with 300xs's is good with 4-blades but is light years better with 5-blades, they are better everywhere and are sewing machine smooth
3-blades are a thing of the past at least in superstock\stock outboard racing in the U.S and in x-cat in dubai. 3-blades are not efficient and vibrate. 4-blades are still regularly used however we have seen a steady switch to 5-blades. My 32 Skater with 300xs's is good with 4-blades but is light years better with 5-blades, they are better everywhere and are sewing machine smooth
Thanks.
Mike
Last edited by mikesufka; 12-03-2009 at 01:32 PM.
