I think you answered your own question in your title.
Stilletto Bay Pro 4 blade models seem to have good reviews, but you can buy a high 5 for the same price new if you look around a bit. I scooped one brand new one c/w hub kit for $250 last year on year end clearance and thats the merc unit, not the quicksilver..
I went from a 3 blade 21p to a Solas Amita 4 blade 19p. Maintained same WOT RPM's and dramatic improvement in hole shot. I would think you could go to a 17p. Can't go wrong with the price. Bought mine here on Iboats.
I agree with Mpod -- 4 blade aluminum solas or merc alpha is a great value prop for water sports. I used one for two seasons before finally getting my hi5. I got just as good of hole shot out of a 4 blade aluminum as the hi5, but did not get as good cruising speed efficiency. The hi5 is the best of both worlds.
PS: you can find the 4 blade merc alpha in a 18 pitch. I do think the solas amita at iboats is a better prop, though, based on comments others in the Stingray forum, with the same boat as mine made. I dropped from a 23 pitch aluminum 3 blade to a 20 pitch 40 blade merc alpha prop, but think I would have done better with the 21 pitch solas.
Merc Vensura 4 blade SS. Tune the vents to give you the slip you need on starts. Keeping the pitch low makes it much easier to maintain speed for wakeboarding. In that you've posted this under wakeboarding I assume that is a major concern.
I had better results on my 18' I/O with this prop than the Hi-5 I tried. Many prop shops or dealers will let you try several props. It is worth trying a few as every boat is different. Look for that option.
My neighbor is a prop dealer, as well as, repairs commercial props for a living and he swears by the merc props. Sold me a 4 blade 20p and i have not a single complaint, plus I got a hell of a deal
My neighbor is a prop dealer, as well as, repairs commercial props for a living and he swears by the merc props. Sold me a 4 blade 20p and i have not a single complaint, plus I got a hell of a deal
I have a 21' Sea Ray 200 Sport w/ tower and bought a PowerTech ELE4 Performance 4 blade stainless steel .I bought it online from Nettles props in Austin Texas.I went from 3 blade to a 4 blade ,can't remember pitch but I know I went down a pitch or two .I forget the guys name but he knew his stuff and suggested this prop. No regrets at all. HOLE SHOT FOR SURE Cost under $300.00
I usually run a 19p 3-Blade Hustler for my cruise prop (aggressive pitch prop, regular prop would be a 21). Lat year, I picked up a 19p Solas Amita 4. Boat pulls like a tractor, but this prop has no bow lift, only stern lift. Net result is it is a single purpose prop to me. Good for wakeboarding and tubing, but I can't trim the boat where I would like for cruising.
