high 5 prop efficent? how about gas mileage

[Godfirst]

Just bought a boat has a high 5 stainless on it, the boat has a merc 5.7 alpha1 sterndrive, my question is this a good prop I'am mainly looking for all around performance and gas mileage, the boat is a cabin cruiser 23footer and never heard of these props.

Thanks

 

[Leardriver]

Re: high 5 prop efficent? how about gas mileage

The more blade surface area, the more hook up you have, and less slippage. Think four wheel drive.

The penalty for increased surface area is more drag. A three blade prop is the best all around for a reason, and will usually give you better fuel efficiency.

Those who choose 4 or 5 blade props are usually big watersports folks, and are gladly sacrificing a little bit of cruising efficiency for massive hole shot capability in the zero to 10 knot speed range.

Unless you have a loaded boat, and are pulling slalom skiers, the 3 blade is a better all around choice.

Let the debate begin!

 

[Godfirst]

Re: high 5 prop efficent? how about gas mileage

Thanks for the info leardriver,

Why someone would of put a 5 blade on a cabincruiser is beyond me, but the guy I bought the boat from was about 25 so that makes sense. So you say will take more gas and I agree I think I will invest in a better all around prop.
Thanks

 

[jkust]

Re: high 5 prop efficent? how about gas mileage

Those High 5's have decent resale so to me that's the upside.

 

[BoatDrinksQ5]

Re: high 5 prop efficent? how about gas mileage

I was somewhat under the impression that an extra blade might help reduce the minimum planing speed? Maybe just a tad? None?

Could be for improved vibration and/or slow speed handling...?

 

[jestor68]

Re: high 5 prop efficent? how about gas mileage

Just bought a boat has a high 5 stainless on it, the boat has a merc 5.7 alpha1 sterndrive, my question is this a good prop I'am mainly looking for all around performance and gas mileage, the boat is a cabin cruiser 23footer and never heard of these props.

Thanks

Have you run the boat yet? What are your impressions of the prop's performance; hole shot, cruising, top end, within the proper rpm range at WOT?

 

[Godfirst]

Re: high 5 prop efficent? how about gas mileage

Thanks for all the response,

fractured my hand so boating might be out for awhile, will try to take it out soon one bummer is the previous boat owner said rpm gauge is not working so wot speed will be unknown will try to get that fixed first I know that boat engine drive combo pretty good was the exact same as my last boat except this boat weighs a few hundred pounds more. My main concern is not damaging the engine and drive and getting overall good gas mileage for that engine and drive.

 

[jestor68]

Re: high 5 prop efficent? how about gas mileage

Knowing the pitch of the "Five" would aid in knowing what to compare it to.