3 Blade VS. 4 Blade

[CheckmateFever]

I've been wanting to re-prop my Enchanter but i'm not sure what to go with. An Eliminator dealer up the street from me, wich is an alround boat shop, told me i'd see some top end increase if i went to a 4 blade prop, but i wonder if my stone stock 350 can spin a 4 blade up to WOT rpm's? Right now i only get about 4400 rpm's trimmed out with a 23p SS 3 blade prop, not sure if the tach is real accurate, but it feels pretty fast, about 63mph or so is what i'm coming up with (speedo doesn't work), maybe a touch more light on fuel, but i have to use alot of trim, probably to much considering my trim limit switch doesn't work. I want to get more bow lift with out using as much trim, and wouldn't mind a mile per hour or 2 on the top end either. Keep in mind i don't ski behind the boat so hole shot is not as concern, the 23p gets it up on plane quickly and easily. Any suggestions were to start?

[vinny p.]

If you are only getting a 23" 3 blade to 4400 rpm, a 4 blade is not the answer for you. While your mid range would pick-up, top speed would most likely fall off. Remember, slip on a 4 balde would be less than a 3 blade. You would need a very small 4 blade to get any rpm out of it. Maybe a 22" Bravo may work. Keep in mind that a 22" Bravo 4 blade is actually a 20 1/2 " pitch prop. when compared to your 23"

[tyson1198]

I have a 22 4 blade on my 242 and its about 62 mph speedo
And I have been told a 23 3 blade would gain me about 2 mph. if thats true.

[CheckmateFever]

Ok...how about a cleaver? I've heard many a tale that they increase top end speed by a significant amount, but really suffer out of the hole and just about any where else other than top speed. I don't do any skiing behind the boat so hole shot isn't a big deal, but i don't wanna lug the heck out of the motor getting up on plane.

[Kary]

4 blade will give a better holeshot, but not much diff on top end(same pitch). More blades take more HP to run the same-more blades in the water. Stick with a 3 blade if you are tryin for speed, more blades if skiing/tubin'(holeshot). If you are shootin for top end, 3 blade higher pitch different prop profile