5 blades vs 4 or 3 blade

[jpen123]

I have a 5 blade prop on a 91 champion 184 dcr bass boat with a 91 merc 175 efi/xri. What difference would it make to go to a 3 or four blade instead of the 5 blade stainless? The boat run at 58-59 on gps at wot and about 5400- 5600 rpm.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 5 blades vs 4 or 3 blade

We dont normally see a lot of difference between a 4 and 5 blade props, assuming were talking about the same or very close to the same style blades. <br /><br />A 4 blade will, generally, run higher than a 3 blade. Assuming your running about a 24" pitch 5 blade youre somewhere around 12% slip which isnt bad.

 

[jpen123]

Re: 5 blades vs 4 or 3 blade

Haven't actually checked the pitch. sounds like what I have is just fine for the boat. Unless someone can suggest something else

 

[LubeDude]

Re: 5 blades vs 4 or 3 blade

Im running a 13 3/4 High five on my 18' Bass boat also, with a merc 150. 25P. about 62-63 MPH @ 5,700 RPM. I can run a 14.25 X 27 four blade at 5,300 RPM @ about 65 MPH. I have the smart Tabs on my boat which allows me to run the 27P prop. I do not think I could get on plane if I didnt have the tabs with that prop.<br /><br />I think you would gain Top speed with a four blade, but you would lose just a little hole shot.<br /><br />I like the hole shot with the High Five so that is what Im running now.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 5 blades vs 4 or 3 blade

jpen123, have you ever tried raising the motor slightly?

 

[jpen123]

Re: 5 blades vs 4 or 3 blade

No i haven't i just got the boat a week ago. It will get on plane with no problem and trims up nicely. Just wondering if I could get anymore out of it?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 5 blades vs 4 or 3 blade

Try going up slightly and see how the hull responds. It should pick up some overall performance.

 

[jpen123]

Re: 5 blades vs 4 or 3 blade

Would I be better of using a jack plate

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 5 blades vs 4 or 3 blade

Champions react well to balance. I would bet that'd be a great idea. I don't see how it could hurt.

 

[jpen123]

Re: 5 blades vs 4 or 3 blade

ANy idea how much a jack plate would cost?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 5 blades vs 4 or 3 blade

It depends on the setback. A 6" manual is probably around 200. A 6" hydraulic is probably around 795.<br /><br />Theres several good ones around. Iboats may carry some. I prefer Bob's Machine. They're excellent, he's a class guy and stands behind what he sells.

 

[BillP]

Re: 5 blades vs 4 or 3 blade

Do the hydraulic one. It lets you adjust to different conditions "right now" without stopping and readjusting. Lower it for the hole shot and raise it for speed or trim. A manual jp adjusts for only one or the other and is like non cockpit adjustable tabs...close but no cigar for max performance. Like Dhadley says, Bob's Machine is my preference too.

 

[jpen123]

Re: 5 blades vs 4 or 3 blade

Sounds good! I seems like everyone speaks highly about getting a jack plate. As soon as I can pony up the cash i'll get one

 

[BillP]

Re: 5 blades vs 4 or 3 blade

If you want ultimate speed do the jackplate, low water pickup nose cone and cleaver prop. That setup will BLOW away anyone without that gear. <br /><br />Here's a blurp on jackplates for shallow water hole shots and are the same for deep water hole shots.<br /><br /> http://www.addictivefishing.com/tips/BlairJackPlate_L.htm

 

[LubeDude]

Re: 5 blades vs 4 or 3 blade

Speed costs money, and you are getting good advice, but you can spend as much as $2,000 for 5 MPH. You have to ask yourself if it is worth it. I personnaly think your boat has the potential for 70 MPH, do you have the B*lls and the experience to handle your boat at that speed??? Remember, you have an 18' boat, not a 20'. My 18' is running around 65 MPH when I want it to, and Its on the verge of too fast.

 

[jpen123]

Re: 5 blades vs 4 or 3 blade

Good Point LubeDude! Right now the boat was clocked on gps at 59 mph. It is actually fast enough, but was just wondering if anything else could be done at a small cost?

 

[jpen123]

Re: 5 blades vs 4 or 3 blade

I cannot find any markings on my five blade prop to know the size and pitch. Is it possible that they are marked on inside near the thrust washer?

 

[LubeDude]

Re: 5 blades vs 4 or 3 blade

If you can trim all the way out without blow out, I would gues that you could raise the engine another hole at least.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: 5 blades vs 4 or 3 blade

I'll second LD's thoughts but add "if" you can trim all the way out, you "need" to raise the engine one hole....

 

[BillP]

Re: 5 blades vs 4 or 3 blade

Adding a doefin will let it trim even higher before blowout. It may not look "cool" but it is faster.