??? for the Yamaha guys

[AquaholicFishing]

Been contemplating switching my original 3 blade aluminum prop to a stainless 4 blade. Was wondering if any of you have done this and what you gained from it. Talked to a guy at the Timonium Show and he said that I would lose some top end speed but would get a better hole shot and better fuel economy. Don't think he would try and jerk me around but just want to see if you guys think it is worth dropping the $$$??? Thanks

A little more info. I have a single 200 pushing a 24' Striper WA that weights I think around 6000 fully loaded.

[hrdcor32]

No so sure with the yamaha, but with my evinrudes the four-blades will give you a better hole shot and keep you on plane at lower speeds. You will lose a little off top-end, but how much do you stay at WOT anyways?? Not sure about the fuel economy either, haven't had enough test runs to figure that one out yet.

[flatbottom]

he is right. If you do it right (rockhounds dad) is the guy you want to buy from. you will not lose top end either, at least I did not. 6100 on a light load PM rockhound for the phone number. The extra blade allows me a pinch more trim out when needed to scat. Plenty of stickem power when running the inlet at Indian River. I bought the aluminium 4 blade. I run some shallow water in the spring fishing.

[AquaholicFishing]

Thanks guys. Not really worried if I lose a little on the top end. Think I may have run it at WOT maybe 7-8 times just to see what she would put up numbers wise and make sure my RPMs are staying in the right range. Flat, 6100 sounds a little high for WOT. Mine is recommended to stay between 5300-5800.

The biggest thing I want is the better fuel economy, which I guess being able to stay on plane at a lower speed would accomplish.

[flatbottom]

sorry Allan I assumed you had a 4 stroke...my bad

[gottaflylee]

Allan, Don't know how much off shore you do but the thing I like best about the 4 blabe is the "grip" I get in a following sea. My boat does not side slip as bad as it did with the 3 blade. I think you will like it.

[AquaholicFishing]

I usually do a fair amount offshore. That is definitely another advantage that I had not heard about, think I'll put that on my spring shopping list. Thanks Guys.

[ocnslr]

You would see an improvement if you just went to a 3-blade SS prop, as the blades can be thinner and still flex a lot less than the aluminum.

You will see an even greater change going to a 4-blade SS prop.

We had a single 250HP Yamaha OX66 on our Islander 270. Original prop was the Yamaha 3-blade SWS 15.25"x17". Overall, a good prop, but pushing a lot of boat. We saw improvement in holeshot, mid-range cruise and BITE in rough or following seas when we went to a 4-blade, Powertech OFS series prop. I strongly recommend the Powertech props.

See is a local prop shop will work with you on trying some props out. The understanding is you will return them undamaged, and eventually purchase one from them if you find one that works for you.

Brian

[AquaholicFishing]

Thanks guys, been debating this for some time and think it's time to switch.

[jawz12]

the idea of swapping out props is an interesting thing...here goes...
if you lose 1-2kts on the top end,it will be alot....
swapping the yamaha wheels out for merc wheels is the way to go...the yam wheels are kinda like elephant ears....most of the customers i have,i've swapped them fro the yam wheels to merc wheels and i've experienced excellent results.....the merc revolution 4 is an excellent choice for that boat.....drop me a line and i'll give you a size to try out.....