Prop Help

[Kuna Matata]

I have a 98 Bayliner capri with a merc cursier 3.0L with a three blade prop whats the difference between 3-4-5 blade props and what is the best one for my boat.. Also dose a hydrofoil help at all and what the hell does this do. Thanks sorry I am new to boating

 

[steelespike]

Re: Prop Help

If you read the stickies at the top of the page and the helps on the prop store page it will help you understand better. Very basically a 3 blade delivers the best all around performance.
A 4 blade improves low to mid range performance, generally with inproved handling both at speed and at the dock.A 5 blade further refines the 4s features. at a mighty price.
Likely the best prop for your boat would be a 3 blade but that would depend on a number of things Some of which you will read about.Your prop will have numbers under the prop nut or on the barrel that will help identify what prop you have.If you tell us your prop size and the present max rpm and speed we may be able to help you with your setup.
As far as the hydrofoil; it is a little wing that goes on the antiventplate(just above the prop)
If the boat is setup right it can improve hole shot and handling. If things aren't just right
it can perform strangely. It is said that they can damage motor leg suspension.
Many will add a foil and it just masks the affects of a poor setup,kind of a bandaid.
Trim tabs, both active and passive, are said to work better They are more expensive and require careful installation
and operation.Both can improve parformance and handling but neither is likely to improve mpg.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Prop Help

Spike maybe its time to say a 4 blade gives the best all around perfromance and the 3 blade gives best top end speed....Regardless of blade material or design...Just a thought

 

[steelespike]

Re: Prop Help

There are those that place a premium on top speed they aren't likely to feel the 4 blade gives best all around due to the tendency for the 4 blade to usually reduce top end.
Perhaps better to say the 3 blade give good all around performance with top end.
These are all basic results.There are designs that have less hole shot but better top end etc.etc.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Prop Help

There are those that place a premium on top speed they aren't likely to feel the 4 blade gives best all around due to the tendency for the 4 blade to usually reduce top end.
Perhaps better to say the 3 blade give good all around performance with top end.
These are all basic results.There are designs that have less hole shot but better top end etc.etc.

.... In a sense of fair play i object... Food for thought... In switching to a four blade a objective mind will do one thing...That is reduce pitch to keep a motor in a optium power band.
Now with that in mind several things will occur...Lower pitch increased hole shot....Increased blade area....higher midrange performance....95% of boating occurs @ planing speeds.... Loss of top end speed due to increased blade area resulting in drag...etc...etc...etc..:facepalm:

Just a thought...