Re: WELLCRAFT 232 eclipse repower and restoration!!!
well Im thinking to go back to 14 inch 17 pitch 3 blade instead a 4 blade.
Your 4 blade will have less slippage than a 3 blade, but it ultimately is at your discretion... What do you plan to use the boat for??
From mercury marine...
"Three- vs. Four-blades?
Four blade propellers usually:
* Plane the boat faster than 3-blade propellers
* Keep the boat on plane at a lower speed
* Give improved mid-range speed at the same RPM as a 3-blade propeller
* Provide quicker acceleration than most 3-blade propellers
* Run smoother than 3-blade propellers
* Have better holding power in rough conditions
* Are less likely to ventilate in sharp turns
* Provide better low speed handling
* Are not quite as fast on the top end as a comparable 3-blade propeller"
If you want smooth easy operation, lower RPM plane, and mid range speed stick with the 4 blade, if you want TOP end speed go with a 3 blade... I am running a 3 blade prop now, but will be going to a 4 blade as I am looking to loose some top end (I am over 70MPH on GPS WOT... too much chine walk for my comfort level) and wouldn't mind better mid range and quicker plane..