[bantamboxer]

We have a 1994 Z212 Shabah that came with 2 props. A beat up 3-blade who knows what size and a pretty dang nice 5-blade on the boat. Again who knows what size lol... Anyways we want a prop that will pull tubes and wakeboarders but keep a decent top-end. We didnt mind the 5-blade, but it seemed to bog a bit at the start and have good mid-range. any suggestions? Thanks in advance

[stereoman405]

Originally Posted by bantamboxer

We have a 1994 Z212 Shabah that came with 2 props. A beat up 3-blade who knows what size and a pretty dang nice 5-blade on the boat. Again who knows what size lol... Anyways we want a prop that will pull tubes and wakeboarders but keep a decent top-end. We didnt mind the 5-blade, but it seemed to bog a bit at the start and have good mid-range. any suggestions? Thanks in advance

Five blade and top end aren't two things that go hand in hand.

You have a lot of variables here. First off what is the pitch and diameter of the 5 blade?

The "usual" decent all around blade for a 21' w/ a 350 and standard gearing is a SS 14.25x21P. You go lower pitch if you need more hole shot and higher if you need more top end.

Outdrive gear ratio and weight load play a big role as well.

Usually 5 blades are great for hole shot and low speed cruising but will SUCK for top end. Just too much drag. If it bogs out of the hole with the 5 blade on there it might be a little to high of a pitch.

[rooperdan]

I have a 21P 4 blade Mecury Revolution SS and have a built 350 motor on a 210, LOVE it Great top-end and great hole-shot great all around prop.

[bantamboxer]

Hey thanks guys. I do think the 5-blade is a bit much on the pitch so i will check out those other options. I appreciate it!

[Maddog]

I have 94 212 shabah in need of a prop. What are your details like total weight number of people horse power and so on. What setup did you end up with? Did you evervfind the pitch of the 5 blase?

[apickens99]

Bantamboxer,

Five blade props get an extreme amount of "bite" compared to a standard three blade. This bite can cause the bogging on takeoff as you describe. You can reduce this by having a vented prop. Venting a prop can be accomplished by drilling holes around the front edge of the prop hub. exhaust gasses are emitted from the holes upon takeoff which allows the prop and engine to spin up. Upon forward movement the holes are essentally colsed off by the water.

Mercury props have a patented PVS vent system. The website below explains their system and prop venting in general. PVS - Performance Vent System | Mercury Marine

The same concept can be accompished on any prop. Any reputable prop shop should be able to vent a prop. Good luck!

[al levy]

somewhere on the props are always the pitch or the mfg. numbers. you might try taking off the prop and looking underneath
don't guess you will never be happy and you will waste a lot of time. if you are looking for acceleration for tubing etc. try a 4 blade. the 3 blade you have is probably the right size or first prop. most alum props have the size on the side of the prop