Is this a good deal 4 blade

[Bogart]

For Sale<br /><br />Turbo Ultima 4 Prop<br />Four Blade<br />14.25 x 17p<br />Stainless Steel<br />Will fit Yamaha and OMC V6's (probably others)<br />Excellent Condition<br /><br /> http://www.turbo-props.com/Ultima4.html <br /><br />$180 (final reduction)<br /><br /><br />also will I get better fuel milage with a 4 blade???????<br />Im running a 225 ficht<br />with 14x17 viper SS<br /><br /> Thanks Bogart

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Is this a good deal 4 blade

No. You're pushing another blade. That's going to increase your fuel consumption. 4-blades are slower than 3s, but you get improved holeshot, less slip, and reduced chinewalk. Regarding mileage, the difference would be tiny, but it'd eat more gas. Regarding what it fits, I'll have to take your word. But I know that Yamaha and Merc props are largely interchangeable with the appropriate hardware.

 

[mmainelli]

Re: Is this a good deal 4 blade

Why do you even want a 4 blade? The Viper is a great prop. Do you need the stuff a 4 blade delivers, and can you live with the stuff it doesn't deliver? It delivers hole shot (gets skiers up fast) and great mid-range with heavy loads and less slippage. Delivers good turning (less cavitation), good directional (tracking) qualities and good reverse handling (docking in crowded conditions). By good under all these conditions, I mean better than a 3 blade. It's major detraction is a flattening out of mph from crusing to WOT, kind of like winding up a car engine with the transmission set to D3, instead of D. Loss of mileage will be negligible on day boating, but noticeable if you make vacation runs of say 300 - 400 miles (like driving 300-400 miles in D3 instead of D). Finally, you'll find that 4 blade SS weighing in at about 15 - 16 pounds, 2 - 3 more than your Viper and twice the weight of Alum. Lots of weight and banging on your shaft, shift dogs, gears, etc.<br /><br />Yes, it's a nice deal at $180 (about half price), but I'd try Alum first (Solas has a nice aggressive 4 blade about $125) to see if you like one. And the Solas compression molding system gives enough added strength that its Alum specs (blade shape, rake, blade thickness, etc) rivals the stainless, at half the weight. Yup, I've got one (4 x 15 x 16). I mount it when I know my party will be 5 - 6 people on board plus fuel, plus whatever. That all brings my 1976 21' Wellcraft Nova up to about 5,000 lbs and the 4 blade cruises nicely (26 mph at 3500 rpm). Otherwise, I run my 3 blade SS Viper (got one of those also, 3 x 15 x 17)! Got a Volvo 4.3 GXi/SX drive at 225 hp, new in 2005.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Is this a good deal 4 blade

The Ultima is a great prop but you have to run it high. We've had very good luck on flats boats with it. It's outrun the best set up shelf stock 14 1/4" diameter 3 blade on each boat we've run it on. Better hole shot, better cruise, carries a load better. But if you dont run it high, youre wasting your money buying technology you wont use.