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.