4 blade vs. 3

[chawk610]

So, we went on a test drive with my brother and sister in-law yesterday as they are buying a 2015 MB TomCat. 2.0 couldn't believe how much more "pop" the boat has then ours. I realize it is twice the boat at twice the price of what we have, but could some of that be because of the 4 blade prop? I really, really, really do not need 2.0 getting boat fever!!!! Would a 4 blade make a noticeable difference?

Thanks!

Casey

[kaneboats]

A change in pitch would make more difference than changing the number of blades. Just remember that for every little bit you gain at the bottom you pretty much lose it at the top. So, if you ski behind your DD boat, you might want to keep what you have.

[chawk610]

We do ski for sure... but 2.0 skis at like 28MPH...

[kaneboats]

Well, to start with, what prop do you run now?

Also, keep in mind that the wakeboard boat you are comparing to is designed to pull a lot of weight and have a lot of low end power. Your boat is a crossover-- ski boat propulsion system in a wakeboard boat hull. It does everything well but is capable of a lot higher speeds.

[chawk610]

Ok... we have the stock prop... sounding like I need to just leave it alone. I did buy some new speakers to settle her down!!

Thanks Kane!

[MLA]

In my experience, boats with a 1:1 drive perform best with the ACME 3 blades. A 4 blade upgrade is too much wheel for the gear (or lack of gear reduction) to spin up. This included just about every DD and quite a few V-drives up until the mid to late 2K's. V-drives with a gear reduction, do best on the 4 blade props. So, there is a better prop out there for you, but it may not be a 4 blade.

[chawk610]

I have some reading to do!

[mmandley]

Chawk trust me bro get the 4 blade, get the 532 or what ever that 5 number is, it will more then go speed for wake ski, plus it has a ton of power in the low end for acceleration. Lots of Moomba guys own these props and they are great props until you run serious surf ballast.

[kaneboats]

I think it's the 543. That would be an ACME 4 blade about 13 x 11.5. Better for wakeboarding and still hit about 41 mph, I think. Maybe call Nettles and tell them exactly what you do with your boat, how much ballast you run maxxed out and how fast you need to go.

[chawk610]

Thanks Mike / Kane / MLA. I'll do that.

[bergermaister]

2.0 wants pop? Be a lot cheaper for you to just slam down the throttle every time :cool:

[chawk610]

I know right... This darn MB we rode in was snappy as all heck.

[bergermaister]

My buddy's 2008 Bu is super touchy/snappy on the throttle. So much so that I don't care for it and it definitely takes some getting used to. After 6 yrs he still burps it on accident here and there and is apologizing to passengers who are thrown around... It's a sweet boat, except for that part.

[beat taco]

My 543 on my DD was the bomb at wakeboard speed. It picked up my bow and plowed resulting in a better wake and ride . I tried it per acmes recommendation (when I inquired about a four blade) and really liked it. I did give up a couple mph on the top end but we were boarding more than anything else at that point.

[zabooda]

A four blade will give you a better hole shot but it will drop your top end and it will add more prop wash. I have a four blade and thought of going to a three blade for years to try and reduce the prop wash. I have plenty of power out of the hole.

[motosno963]

if i recall i have the 543 and its a 3 blade..bigger then my 4 blade that use to be on my DD

[MLA]

if i recall i have the 543 and its a 3 blade..bigger then my 4 blade that use to be on my DD

The ACME 543 is a 3 blade left hand 1" bore 13" x 11.5" x .08. Thats the same Dia and pitch as the 1.125" ACME 653 that I have had tons of success with putting on 1:1 drive boats in place of a OEM 4 blade. For those with a ton of ballast and/or boat at higher elevations, the 10.5 pitch 3 blades doe real well.

[kaneboats]

if i recall i have the 543 and its a 3 blade..bigger then my 4 blade that use to be on my DD

OK, that's strange. Here's the 543 and it is a 3 blade:

http://www.wakemakers.com/acme-543-propeller.html?gclid=COOj7JaBib8CFdBi7AodN1IAag

It's just designed for wakeboarding type performance. I'd want to test run one.

I thought I remembered zegm going to a 4 blade on his LS and it was about a 13x11. But maybe it was the 543 after all.

[motosno963]

I didn't realize how big the 543 was untill the other day when I had to do a strut swap and placed the props next to each other

[98Roo]

Hmmm..I might be in the market for a new prop soon and was thinking about a 4 blade after reading on them a bit. Maybe I'll stick with a 3 since I won't be adding much ballast.

[MLA]

IMO, based on experience as well as numerous conversations with the folks at ACME, the amount of ballast one runs, never comes into the equation between a 3 or 4 blade prop. The number of blades seems to be decided upon way earlier, then its down to dia and pitch. A 4 blade is not universal for boarding or surfing.

[motosno963]

when i talked to nettles about a new prop i told them i was looking at dropping 2k in ballast in the boat and do wake and surf..thats when he sold me the 543