4 blade props vs three ?
Posted: July 23rd, 2017, 12:20 pm
Is there any noticeable difference in bite between three and four blade props in reverse??..... 
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4 blade props vs three ?
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Re: 4 blade props vs three ?
Posted: July 23rd, 2017, 1:37 pm
Way to scientific for a Sunday morning after two bloody marys for me! Only operated 4 blade props on an inboard so far and I know how well they respond.
Re: 4 blade props vs three ?
Posted: July 23rd, 2017, 1:55 pm
I have no idea but more blade area in water should help
Re: 4 blade props vs three ?
Posted: July 24th, 2017, 1:12 am
You so have a little more blade surface area so I would think that there would be a bit more grab in either forward or reverse. My 3007 has 4 blade propellers. Seems to grab well enough in either direction.
Re: 4 blade props vs three ?
Posted: July 24th, 2017, 1:01 pm
Actually, 3 blade props work better in reverse. Although efficiency generally goes up with the number of blades on a prop moving forward, they are not optimized for reverse and can't bite well. I've had 3, 4, and 5 blade props on my Aquasport and the ability to get a good stop or move well in reverse was best on the 3-blade, and worst on the 5-blade. 
It's probably a cavitation issue. You will see several similar experiences on some of the boating forums out the on the old triple-w.
It's probably a cavitation issue. You will see several similar experiences on some of the boating forums out the on the old triple-w.Re: 4 blade props vs three ?
Posted: July 24th, 2017, 1:54 pm
SplashyLady wrote:Source of the post Actually, 3 blade props work better in reverse. Although efficiency generally goes up with the number of blades on a prop moving forward, they are not optimized for reverse and can't bite well. I've had 3, 4, and 5 blade props on my Aquasport and the ability to get a good stop or move well in reverse was best on the 3-blade, and worst on the 5-blade.
I noticed this with this boat.. less bite in reverse than forward and these props are 4 blade, very noticeable when spinning boat , but was not sure because previous boat was a slightly different hull with three blades......so maybe not a good comparison.....
Re: 4 blade props vs three ?
Posted: July 25th, 2017, 11:02 am
Would depend a lot on overall design of the blade shape and curvature. Most inboard boats have props based on designs developed during the 1800's. My prop shop recommended I upgrade to a newer design (just had the props service after a log strike) and will follow his advice when I buy a second set of props in preparation for upcoming long trip.
Re: 4 blade props vs three ?
Posted: August 28th, 2017, 1:13 am
I think 4 blade prop is the answer for all the problems. It is smoother and has better holeshot. It has got more bite in the ocean esp in the following sea.It's a better option in fwd-reverse docking and better gph at cruise.
Re: 4 blade props vs three ?
Posted: July 25th, 2018, 7:39 pm
I have 4 blade props (20x20) on my Carver Mariner 350. I've only had 4 blade props on this boat so I don't have any comparison. I can tell you that It seams to take a really while to react in reverse.
Re: 4 blade props vs three ?
Posted: July 25th, 2018, 10:14 pm
Don't know nothing 'bout no props but Prop Joe (bonus points if you can name the series) might say "diameter and pitch rule the seas"