BBLADES Introduces 21st Century Geometry for Sterndrives and Large Outboards

BBLADES Professional Propellers welcomes you to the next generation of Bravo–style sterndrive and large outboard propeller technology: the new BBLADES 4–SPEED™, designed for sterndrive applications, and 4–SPEED OB/FX™, designed for outboard applications, are propellers with 21st Century geometry that makes it easier than ever to improve performance on air entrapment, multi–stepped and deep V hulls.

Both 4–SPEED propeller designs are investment cast from 15–5 grade virgin stainless steel. Both models are perfectly balanced and heat–treated. Both are available in Right–hand and Left–hand rotations in two–inch pitch increments from 24” – 34”. The 4–SPEED sterndrive propeller is cast at a true 15.5” diameter. The 4–SPEED OB/FX is available in 14.75” or 15.25” true diameters. The larger diameters available on each propeller help the blades hookup in the aerated water produced by stepped and air entrapment hulls. This holds true for drives mounted at aggressive X-dimensions, as well as higher outboard engine mounting installations. The overall geometry and strength of the propellers make them ideal for Custom Lab Finishing or other specific applications.

Performance and Efficiency

The blade design is key to the performance and efficiency of these revolutionary new castings using variable cord length throughout the blade area. ‘Cord length’ is the distance between the leading edge and trailing edge of the blade at any given point along the blade. At the ‘blade root,’ where it attaches to the hub, a long cord length helps to get a boat on plane. Once there, the prop needs less surface area meeting the water to maintain top speeds and a substantially reduced cord length at the blade tip allows for the most efficient performance throughout the RPM range.

The New BBLADES 4–SPEED

The BBLADES 4–SPEED also helps deliver rapid planing through an extended exhaust tube length, which then increases overall hull lift as an extended planing surface. The tube doesn’t have the ‘flair’ common on other propellers, meaning reduced drag and increased top-end. If your set-up doesn’t require an extended exhaust tube, the new BBLADES 4–SPEED propeller can be easily modified by BBLADES technicians to the exact length required for your application.

The New BBLADES 4–SPEED OB/FX

The BBLADES 4–SPEED OB/FX has an adjusted exhaust tube to allow for a slight additional amount of ventilation when planing. The 4–SPEED OB/FX has also been equipped with custom cupping and rake adjustments to aid in increasing trim reaction important for today’s “C.G.” forward center console boats.

Customization, Flexibility

Like the other custom BBLADES propellers, the new 4–SPEED and 4–SPEED OB/FX are equipped with an adjustable Controlled Aeration Port System (CAPS). These ‘vent holes’ allow for additional control of the aeration around the propeller blades. Unlike other systems, the BBLADES 4–SPEED and 4–SPEED OB/FX tunable 7/8” CAPS are a full Ľ of an inch larger, and the three variable size plugs are made of a pliable rubberized material, meaning they are reusable and can be swapped out while the propeller is still on the drive.

The new BBLADES 4–SPEED and 4–SPEED OB/FX are the latest in the BBLADES family propellers being developed to offer the broadest flexibility in matching purpose–designed propellers that are easily customizable within their performance parameters.

Come see us in Miami at booth J1474.

Brett

Have these been water tested prior to release? If so what are gains/positive attributes vs a bblades labbed bravo?

Initial testing began Fall of 2015 in Lake George NY. Much more extensive testing during the Summer of 2016.
On the major majority of single engine Bravo drive boats the stock 4-SPEED was 1-4 mph faster than a stock Bravo 1. Therefore the 4-SPEED delivered Lab like Bravo 1 numbers but with a stock propeller.
On twin engine Bravo drive boats we have found the efficiency of the 4-SPEED surpasses the Bravo 1 especially in higher x dimension and engine mounting heights due to true 15.5" diameter. In other words, slip numbers went down with the 4-SPEED The Bravo 1 family of propellers is only 15" diameter until you get to the 34 and 36 pitch.

To be fair, the Bravo 1 propeller did have better numbers on some applications but not as many. The fact is, testing is the best and obvious route to determine what your boat and boating style wants and needs in a propeller. This is a perfect reason to take advantage of BBLADES test program. That way you know what works best for you before you actually buy the propeller.

BBLADES would never bring a product to market without testing its potential adamantly first.
Thank you for the question.

Brett

Brett what is the price of a 26/28 inch 4 speed prop?

You beat me to it padraig.

So these potentially slip close to same percentage as the 5 blades, but as efficient as a 4 blade? If that the case, we should select the same pitch as our current 5 blade prop (p5x for example)

List price is $799.

We are offering pre-order pricing at $699. That price may run through the first Summer.

We decided to release the propeller at the Miami boat show since it is a large stage. I had every intention of having inventory by now but with some additional tooling issues we ran a little behind.
We are currently pouring casting and should have all pitches and rotations within about 6 weeks in time for Spring (some sizes will of course be ready sooner. I feel like I'm taking a page from my Mercury history. We used to always show engines at the Miami show that weren't quite available . LOL
So, we will take orders and supply them in the order they were placed.

Thanks again for the questions.

Brett

In the case of a P5X yes.
Remember, these are also true to pitch, not light 1 inch of pitch like the Bravo family.

I have to run now. Off the Milwaukee to head to Miami.

Thanks,
Brett

The show in Miami went great and we are very excited about our new propellers.
We are currently taking orders for 4-SPEED and 4-SPEED OB/FX propellers for testing and purchase.
Let us know if we can set you up with this option.

Brett