stepping up to a 4/5 blade

[ofhs85]

I have 03 Rinker captiva 212 with 5.0 mpi 260hp. I have a 3 blade ss 14 1/4 x19 stiletto part#800319. I need a spare prop and would like to switch to a 4 or 5 blade prop. normally i have 6-8 people on the boat towing a wakeboarder or tube. I don't mind loosing a few mph on top to get better whole shots. my top speed is around 52 not sure what the rpms were since i just fixed the tach but the target range is 4600-5000. my question is what size do a go with. from what I read I should just drop down to a 14 1/4 x 18 for a 4 blade and 14 1/4 x 17 for a 5 blade. Is this correct or does anyone have any other suggestions

 

[nootso]

Re: stepping up to a 4/5 blade

I just ordered a 18P four balde for my Senza 206.. The factory aluminun prop is a 21 X 14.3 three blade.. I get 54 MPH at 4600 RPM with it right now.. The four blade should get my WOT RPM to the 5000 it should be.. I'll let you know how I make out with the 18P four blade when I get it..

 

[ofhs85]

Re: stepping up to a 4/5 blade

so I went and bought a 4 blade apollo 14.38 X 18p and my hole shot and plain time is at least half what it was before. what a difference. also turns much better and plains at much lower speeds. The only problem I have is that the rpms at wot are about 5050-5100 and my top speed dropped about 2 mph. Should i get a different prop to lower the rpms and if i do what would that do to my hole shot and top speed?

Top speed was 45 with 6 people on the boat. 47 with old prop with same amount of people. from the gauge not gps

 

[nootso]

Re: stepping up to a 4/5 blade

Have a look at my results with a 18P four blade SS..

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?p=2766394#post2766394

 

[steelespike]

Re: stepping up to a 4/5 blade

Usually if any pitch change is reccomended it is 1" down to maintain rpm.
It would appear a change wasn't necessary.When you changed brands that also created some unknowns.
You could stay at 18 and watch your rpms or go to a 19.It will still have the good hole shot a but hpefully put you around 5,000.Stick with the same brand.