Raker or 4 Blade?...or other?

marada1

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Oct 28, 2007
Messages
85
Boat is a 1991 18ft Marada with 1990 (pre balance shaft) 4.3 Cobra. I have added Vortec heads and Edelbrock Performer manifold, 1409 carb, and K&N arrestor. I'm estimating HP around 215-225. Current prop is a 14.3 X 21" Solas "Amita" 3 blade aluminum. WOT RPM is right on at 4500-4600 @ 50MPH w/GPS. Hole shot is not great. I have the same prop in a 19". Engine obviously over revs with it. I've seen 5000 and had throttle left over.
I am looking to improve hole shot and not give up too much speed. I'm torn between a vented SS 3 blade or a SS 4 blade such as the Solas HR Titan 4. Would a Raker be a good fit for what I'm trying to do. If so what pitch would be recommended? I've seen a couple of 20" Raker for sale. If I decided on a 4 blade what pitch would you guys recommend? BTW dry weight is around 2640 lbs.
Any input would be appreciated.
 

wca_tim

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
May 28, 2007
Messages
1,708
Re: Raker or 4 Blade?...or other?

I had a similar power and a little less weight. I did best on all around performance with a vented, high rake 3-blade (ss), and got a greta hole shot, but gave up some top end with a titan 4 blade. I like the idea of a vented, high rake, stainless 3 blade in the same pitch... should give the best all around from what you've described... based on my limited experience of course
 
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