4.3 prop advice, need help

[jglad]

Hi all,
I just got an old boat project running and now need to figure out what my best prop options are. I have a 93 Regal 17' bowrider with a 4.3LX alpha one set up. Got it running good and usually run it with half a tank (10 gal) of gas and 2 people in it, with the 23P black max prop that was on it when I got it, WOT is around 4500 RPM and top speed is right about 50 (GPS) on a smooth surface. It is sluggish out of the hole and when on plane the bow likes to bounce when I try to trim it up, unless I have someone up front.

I found a used Ballistic 21P SS prop that is much better out of the hole, I can trim it up and it runs WOT at 4800 RPM and top speed is about 46, that is OK, but I am a little worried about the high RPM's and wondered if there are some better options available.

Thanks for any help!

 

[junior1113]

Re: 4.3 prop advice, need help

recomended range is 4200-4600 so your perfect with that 23" one. bet a ss 4 blade 21" pitch would be even a better prop for this rig . but your fine where your at. the balistic is OK @4800 but i wouldnt run it much at 4800.

 

[jglad]

Re: 4.3 prop advice, need help

Hey thanks for the quick reply. I was wondering about 4 blade props, but I know nothing about them, would a 21P 4 blade lower my RPM at WOT? From what I understand it should get out of the hole better than a 3, but loose a little top speed, is that correct?

 

[junior1113]

Re: 4.3 prop advice, need help

in my opinion, 4 blades are over all better props.
better taxiing around docks
stronger in reverse
better hole shot
can be on plane at lower speeds
better mpg
better handling
most cases top speed is close to the same and some times better because less slip
mpg is pretty noticable. if you can get on a plane quicker that saves gas. and you can run faster than 3 rpm for rpm at mid range speeds. if your wide open throttle all the time fuel is going to be the same

a ss 4x21 should put you 4400-4500 with great hole shots and great efficency.

thats why i have a 4 blade turbo

turbo props are awsome check out their website before you buy one

 

[jglad]

Re: 4.3 prop advice, need help

That sounds like a good idea, but I looked at how much SS 4 blade props are and $400 is more than I care to spend for a little fine tuning. I mean that Ballistic works good, just revs a little higher than I would like, but I do not run it wide open very long anyway. Usually just get on it hard to get up on plane and when hitting the turns, than back it off to 3500 or so.

Would an aluminum 4 blade work just as well? They look much cheaper...