4 Blade Prop

[Johnnielund]

I'm thinking about a 4 blade prop for my Lund 1700 Explorer tiller. A 4 blade is supposed to give more stern lift, planes at a lower RPM and holds better in turns. Anybody know what the down side is to running a 4 blade?

[SLE]

Depending on the prop, you typically lose speed on the top end when going from a 3 blade to a 4 blade. other than that, it's mostly benaficial. keep in mind that not all props are created equally. do you're research before you buy one.

[Phil T]

An inexpensive way to test whether you like a 4-blade or not is to buy a ComProp for a spare prop.

[fish4trophy]

I dont know that I would use the comp prop as a measure. If you have a friendly dealer, ask them and they may actually give you one to try if they have one and will ultimately buy from them. If not I would suggest looking at Merc, and others who have 4 blade props to see what the benefits are.

[Shorepatrol unlogged]

Get in touch with Ricky Bessmehn over a Brainerdprops.com. He is a great guy to work with and has alot of knowledge and experience. He will work with you and let you try some props. I went through your same dilema this spring and tried a variety of 4 blade props. The benefits are: less steering torque, greater lift, more effective trim and better cornering. The only disadvantes I found are you may lose 1 or 2 mph at the top end and with my experience, my boat became very weight sensitive meaning that the load or number of people in the boat had a more pronounced effect on top end and time to plan. I am running a 2008 Alumacraft Navigator 175 with a Yamah F-115. I ended up going with a 3 blade Powertech prop in the 17 pitch, this prop is awesome, its gives me all the benefits of a 4 blade prop in a 3 blade configuration and I kept my top end. With Powertech props you will find that you will actually need to go down in pitch compared to Mercury or Yamaha props due to the aggressive cupping in the Powertech. Pricewise the Powertechs are not too expensive new and Ricky will help you get the right prop for your rig. Drop him an email or give him a call, he's a good guy to work with. At first I disagreed with his advice but found out through trial and error that he was right on the money. Good luck.

Chris Weier

[Further North]

How big is your motor?

[Johnnielund]

Thaks to all of you for your input. I've got a 2007 Lund Explorer 1700 tiller with a 2008 75 HP E-Tec. I'm looking at the BRP Rogue. I'd like to get some stern lift.

[propmann]

Thaks to all of you for your input. I've got a 2007 Lund Explorer 1700 tiller with a 2008 75 HP E-Tec. I'm looking at the BRP Rogue. I'd like to get some stern lift.

If you want to get a 4 blade prop go with the Powertech RXB4 its one of the best 4 blade props made out their for the 75 to 115 hp motors. It works great on tiller motors we put alot of those tiller boats. The Powertech has better price then the BRP.

[dh99]

I am no prop expert but I went to a 4 blade this summer on my 115 suzuki on a lund fisherman because i needed some stern lift. I am running a cheaper alumunum solas amita 4 prop and it does the job. I lost 1-2 mph top end but it improved my hole shot doesn't cavitate like my other props and holds good while turning.

I would like to try a stainless but there is not much selection where I live in Quebec Canada and there aren't too many dealers to work with and will exchange props.

The amita cost me 109$ US on Iboats.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[REW]

Johnnie,
I have picked up a couple of different 4 blade props and find them useful for some applications.

1. If I am going to be running heavy weather type water with good sized waves and need to be able to get on plane better, and to run consistently at slower speeds, it is a good choice.

2. If I am carrying heavier loads and can tolerate slower speeds, it is a good choice.

3. One significant downside of all of the 4 blade props that I have - compared to similar 3 blade props, is that they don't work in reverse nearly as well. So, if I am planning on doing a bunch of back trolling, I don't use the 4 blade prop.

4. If I am planning on doing a bunch of long distance running at the best economy settings to get me there with the least amount of gas, and potentially the best speed - I will use my speed - 3 blade prop. I generally lose 2-5 mph with the best of the 4 blade props. More with a lower pitch prop that I use for the best hole shot.

Summary -
4 blade props really help overall performance - when working heavy waves.
4 blade props generally cost a bit of top speed performance.
4 blade props - at least for me and my boat - do not work as well in reverse as 3 blade props.

If you go from a 3 blade prop to a 4 blade prop and want to maintain rpm you typically will reduce the pitch by 1-2 inches.
i.e. if you normally run a 19 pitch 3 blade and get say 5000 rpm. You will typically have to drop down to a 17 pitch 4 blade to maintain the same 5000 rpm speed on your motor. Of course, since you are dropping down in pitch, this will equate to better hole shot and slower top speed.

Good luck
REW