mirage plus to a alum 4 blade

[wedge542]

found some 4 blade alum props i thought id at least try to see if i can get better fuel econmy, now a 15p mirage plus 30ft pontoon 225 merc 5500max in order to keep rpm same how much would i need to drop pitch going to the 4 blade alum or close to ? we never run wot only a min or two, most just half to cruise.

[wedge542]

nobody yet has any dealings with a 4 blade

[SeaBreeze]

May not translate to pontoons but on my Triton bass boat with a 225 opti I went from a 3 blade with a 19p to a 17p to keep rpm the same. Lost about 5mph top end but it pulled a better holeshot and much better with pulling tubes. I had to lower the motor a few inches to keep the 4 blade form blowing out when turning. My local prop guy had a bunch of used props so I tried a bunch before I purchase one but in the end got the one he first recommended.

[wedge542]

little more research found this, interesting 3 vs a 4 http://www.boattest.com/Resources/view_ ... ewsID=3276 lots a 4 blades in this pict

[fergusmj]

I got some good advice from Ken at propgods.com. May check there.

From the little knowledge I do have, Aluminum may not be the best for higher HP applications. Also, a 4 blade will give better holeshot, but less top end speed.

None of this is from personal experience, just from what i've read.

Good luck!

[Rascal]

With props its always a compromise. If you have a terrific hole shot, your top end suffers. And visa versa. Ken at prop Gods is a good source for information. He's located in FL and will answer your email.

I have a 22'6" heavy Premier pontoon and run a S.S. 15'5" x 13 pitch on a Honda 115 hp. I've tried many props and got a ton of info on the net (Google is your friend). I have a good hole shot (but not terrific) and a top speed of 26 mph (GPS) with 3 Lard Asses in the boat and a full gas tank.

With adding two wives, coolers and both bait tanks full of water 24 mph (GPS). I also have a Day Enclosure (1/2 Top) with screens and isinglass. The speeds above are with the enclosure installed. With the front, rear and sides off, but the Bimini up... add 1 mph to the above.

Hope this helps,

Rascal

[wedge542]

this is a big heavy pontoon with 21" logs outter and a 25" center 3/4 length total log length is about 31 ft a very heavy 2 stroke 225 offshore merc, 2 fuel tanks 1 batt over the extream rear log area,today with me and wife the mirage plus done 30mph gps with strong winds, we are pleased with the actual performance but normaly only half throtle or 2500 rpm to save gas, thats why im thinking a big eard 4 blade to help with, ive seen kens thoughts on 4 blades and why you loose top end but im not worried about few mph to save gas so as he said only way to know is try it, every situation is diff, ive found some cheap 4 blades ill experiment with to see. ill post back with details and maybe it will help someone else.

[Hawk_308]

I went from a 15p 3 blade to 17p blade to a 17p 4 blade and its great . I lost a little on the top end from 23mph gps on a 24' party barge 75hp merc ,to 21mph but the but reacts to slow maneuvering so much better now (read easier to trailer).