4 Bladed Prop Expectations

SNye45

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 22, 2008
Messages
113
It's going to be a long time until I can get on the water to test this change- It snowed this morning.

But I am eager to hear about the changes to my boats performance

My engine is a 2007 Suzuki DF115, Boat is a 20ft Aluminum.

Until now I have been using a 3 bladed prop with a 19" pitch. My next door neighbor who had the same engine recently upgraded to a Suzuki 150 and offered me his 4 bladed prop (same pitch)for a good deal, which I accepted.

My current results with the 3 bladed prop are: Top speed = 36mph WOT @ 5800rpm
Best Cruise = 25mph @ 4000rpm.

Can anyone please help me with some numbers than I can expect from the 4 bladed prop.

Thank you
 

aussiejake

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 19, 2010
Messages
41
Re: 4 Bladed Prop Expectations

Expect to lose around 400rpm at WOT with a 4 blade the same pitch as your 3 blade.
I lost 500rpm from a Mirageplus 17p to a Stiletto Bay pro III 17p.
 

tpenfield

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 18, 2011
Messages
18,149
Re: 4 Bladed Prop Expectations

It's going to be a long time until I can get on the water to test this change- It snowed this morning.

But I am eager to hear about the changes to my boats performance

My engine is a 2007 Suzuki DF115, Boat is a 20ft Aluminum.

Until now I have been using a 3 bladed prop with a 19" pitch. My next door neighbor who had the same engine recently upgraded to a Suzuki 150 and offered me his 4 bladed prop (same pitch)for a good deal, which I accepted.

My current results with the 3 bladed prop are: Top speed = 36mph WOT @ 5800rpm
Best Cruise = 25mph @ 4000rpm.

Can anyone please help me with some numbers than I can expect from the 4 bladed prop.

Thank you

My guess is going to be 33 mph @ 5300 rpm, cruise at 22 mph 3700 rpm, better cruise lower top end

Hopefully you will get a chance to try it out soon.
 

steelespike

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 26, 2002
Messages
19,069
Re: 4 Bladed Prop Expectations

Your slip is near the high end of normal 10%.Is your speed by gps?
If the 4 blade can lower slip to 6% and you end up at
5500 my calculations indicate 35, speed could be a wash.
Can't be too specific but usually the 4 blade will stay on plane easier at reduced throttle,have better hole shot
and should handle better around the dock.
 
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