4 blade props

[Slink]

Hi Raiders ,

I have a 130 hp E-tec pushing a 17 ft seafarer viking , I am getting the right rpm and all but I know that I can improve fuel consumption and get a better bottom end planing speed by changing props. I currently have a viper and know that they are ok.

My question is does anyone have a 4 blade stainless prop ? If so how does it compare to a 3 blade and are you happy with it ?

Thanks

Brad

[chrisg]

A four blade prop will give you more lift across the hull particularly at the stern. This can provide a range of benefits but at the end of the day is very much hull dependent - my boat likes them 'cos its bum heavy and lifts the hull well. That said a three blade I have of the same pitch is better to get on the plane with but not as fast due to being a bit more draggy on the hull.

I'd be looking to Huey (Huett Marine) here - can't be many people who fitted more props to more Etec's to more boats. He'll could give you a starting point to experiment.

C.

[a boat]

Hi Brad, on your older Seafarer you will be long shaft? If so 4 blade props tend to be stern lifting props and the Rogue for a the L/S V4s are very good props and much better suited to your hull than the Viper. If you are X/L then going to the Rebel will offer the best fuel economy and also better acceleration when compared to the Viper-which again with the V6 box the X/L V4 use is not the best prop for a Seafarer. A Cyclone is great for getting the stern up but will not be as quick of fuel efficient as a Rebel. As I am sure you are aware it is all try and error with props but let us know what your WOT and what pitch that Viper is and we can go from there. In fact I just got abck from water testing a Haines Hunter 650 with a 200HP "HO" and as usual the prop that someone fitted is wrong and the engine is also a touch low. Fitting the right pitch and style, in this case a 17 inch Rebel transformed the boat.

No matter what brand of outboard a hull has, most boats from eleswhere we see thru here are not propped at all well by the rigging dealer and once we have set them up right the boat will be so much better and SST props offer the best performance, fuel economy and acceleration.

Cheers,

Huey.

[chrisg]

See. Told you so.