3 Blade vs. 4 Blade Prop

[Randy_M]

I need some information and recommendations. The current '88 Saltare with a 454 is running a 14x13 LH 3 blade prop that needs some repair to be 100%. We are currently considering a 4 blade replacement instead of repairing the 3 blade prop. We have seen two different recommendations for the usage (wakeboarding, skiing, tubing, kneeboarding, and a possible parasail) of this boat when using a 4 blade prop. The first is a 13x13 LH and the second is a 13x14 LH prop. There doesn't seem to be much difference between the two. We are looking for an all around prop that will provide the best across the board service and fuel economy. Is anyone using either of these 4 blade props and if so, what is your opinion and recommendations of them? Thanks.

[wotan2525]

You're going to get a bunch of advice. The truth is that nobody really knows (because most people don't ever try more than a couple of props.)

The other thing is that when people spend $400 on a prop they feel some kind of passion towards it being the "best" one and defend that theory very loudly.

I'd call Acme or OJ and tell them what the boat is, what you use it for, and then take their recommendations. They are the experts (and in mind, the only ones that really know much about the "science" behind props.)

[csuggs]

Wotan gives good advice. You can also call and talk to Vince at Discount Inboard Marine (www.skidim.com). I purchased a new Acme prop from him this year - they have a trial period that you can run the prop and exchange it within 30 days for a different one as long the prop is not damaged.

[haugy]

Yep, good advice above. Props are like tires, everyone has their size and type that they swear is awesome.

[Ptownkid]

From everything I have read.....today's 3 blades are better for what we do with our boats. As for size...I have no idea.

[sybrmike]

I'd call the experts & chat with an open mind and honest description of your wants/needs. I think the opinions here & elsewhere on the web vary widely because there are so many different boat/engine/trans/usage combinations. I spoke with two different guys at Acme several months apart & they both recommended the same two options for my application. Although I've yet to use it on the water, there's finally some comfort in a consistent message from the manufacturer.

I don't know about OJ, but don't expect Acme to recommend a 4 blade for a Saltare with 454 and 1:1 trans (I think they're more for gear reduction tranny's and v-drives).

[jet]

Im not getting in this one. lol


GO 4-Blade!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ptownkid]

but you just did...so that being the case, what is your love of 4 blade based on? Almost every recommendation story I've ever read (which are more often than not based on the user having called acme or OJ) all say 3 blade was what they were told to get for wake related activities.

So let's have this discussion with info backing up personal preferences so that we can all finally educate ourselves.

[csuggs]

I have run both 3 and 4 blade 13x13 OJ. The 3-blade had slightly more top-end but the 4-blade had a considerably better hole-shot. This year I will be running a new 3-blade Acme that I'm told will have the top-end of the old 3-blade with the hole-shot of the old 4-blade. How does that work? I guess it's all in the shape of the blade.

[Ptownkid]

The recent 3 blades are far superior to the old 3 blades because of them being precision cnc'd now. They have far more surface area, or at least that's what I've read.