switching from 4 blade to 3 blade

[natedog337]

Hey guys my 4 blade solas 13 pitch 13.25 diameter is worn out and has some dings. . looking at buying am additional prop and possibly switching to a 3 blade for maybe a little more top end speed.. I'm running about 25-27 mph at 6000 rpm which is at the high end of my range 5000-6000. was wondering with this iformation what pitch would be my best option if I buy a 3 blade. Oh and my boat is a 26 ft pontoon Thanks

 

[steelespike]

Re: switching from 4 blade to 3 blade

We need the brand,year and hp of the motor,gear ratio if possible. Your gps speed at 6000.
I don't see a change to a 3 blade producing more speed on a pontoon.Also usually the 4 blade has better control around the dock
and resists ventilation better.
Just up grading to new may help your speed though if your boat is close to that expected for a pontoon any increase would be minimal.
A Solas Amita 4 blade should do well and they have a good reputation for successful application.

 

[natedog337]

Re: switching from 4 blade to 3 blade

depending on conditions 24-27 mph at 6000 rpm. and its a yamaha f115 Thanks

 

[natedog337]

Re: switching from 4 blade to 3 blade

year 2011

 

[steelespike]

Re: switching from 4 blade to 3 blade

Your slip is a respectable,for a pontoon, 21%.and 27mph is also respectable.
hard to imagine a 3 blade having a lower slip.
You might go to the yamaha "performance reports" and check some comparisons.

 

[SleekCraft85]

Re: switching from 4 blade to 3 blade

try using this:
Prop Selector | Mercury Marine

i worked with the numbers u gave and when configured by boat length it seems like ur size is the recommended for the 4 blades.

when doing it with current pitch it tells u to step up pitch to 15 (i think its bc it assumes ur at a 3 blade now)