Just another prop question
 

Hi all. Did some searches on this question and found several answers but they really pertain mostly to pitch and not so much blade number. I am considering upgrading my 19 pitch 3 blade aluminum to a 4 blade aluminum prop on my 20' Talari with 5.7 alpha one. Can anyone explain to me what the real differences would be with doing this? I am focusing more on the holeshot/watersports aspect and not so much top speed. It appears the current 3 blade is within WOT specs, but I would like a little better holeshot and quicker planing. Would the 4 blade provide more "bite" or is it really worth the hassle? Also, if the 19 3 blade is working fine as far as WOT specs, what pitch 4 blade would I look for? Thanks for any help!

A 4 blade prop will provide some more 'bite' both out of the hole and thru mid range speeds than a 3 blade. It 'generally' comes at a cost of a lower top speed but there are so many variables (pitch, rake, diameter, material etc) that it makes it hard to accurately predict what will occur. If you 19" pitch is keeping you within the WOT range then try a 4 blade - 19" pitch. It should be within 1-200 rpm.

And....as i'm sure you've already read in the other threads, Smart Tabs will help you get on plane faster and hold you on plane at lower speeds.

Mikey T is right. You may want to upgrade to a stainless prop, that should help with holeshot as well. Stainless does not flex like aluminum and will therefore give you more bite. Quite the price jump though!

My only concern with the smart tabs is that I have read elsewhere that they can reduce the size of the wake, something I would not want to do ( is this true? ) I am installing a wakeboard tower and my family and I are having a go at wakeboarding, so the bigger the wake, the better! I have a SE Sport 300 hydrofoil, but havent had the boat long enough to decide if I like the hydrofoil or not. As far as the stainless prop goes, I would love one, but am afraid of grounding the thing in the mountain lakes we have around here. Well, I may try a 4 blade for more response. Do they make 4 blades in a 19 pitch?

I've noticed a slightly smaller wake with mine and some of the others have reported the same issue so yes, they likely flatten out the wake somewhat.

If you are worried about grounding or hitting submerged objects then yes, i would stay with aluminum. Here's a link to 'i-boats' site showing their props for sale for each motor / outdrive which will give you a pretty good idea of what is available:
http://boatpropellers.iboats.com/?se...dard&x=40&y=11

Stainless steel props are easily repaired if you do hit something, most prop shops will do it for 50-100 bucks.

I don't want to steer you away from another prop but let me tell you what I did. I have a shabah 4.3 alpha one, 3 blade stainless prop. I was having some issues with low speed planing and hole shot. Instead of buying a different prop I went to a sporting goods store and bought a hydofoil stabilizer call the stingray xpr3. It cost about 130.00$. Now I have a much better hole shot and plane in a couple seconds. It really changed how the boat handles alot. You might want to try that before the expensive prop. As far as pitch and number of blades, I got in the same boat your in with not alot of info for what I was trying to due thus my improv. Hope that helps

WOW, someone who likes hydrofoils! I actually have one on my boat as well and it does help it plane much quicker.

Thanks guys for the responses. Yeah I already have the hydrofoil on. Problem is, it was on when I bought the boat so I have nothing to compare to, but in what I have read everyone that has them says the planing is quicker so it's gotta be good right? Anyway, thanks again and I will post the comparison if I end up getting a 4 blade for a faster holeshot.