www.iFourWinns.com

my boat has a 13-1/4 x 17 on her now which can turn at about 4900rpm(4200-4600wot recom) but would like to improve hot shot,mid range and fuel economy. been looking at 4 blades but getting lost in the mumbo gumbo.....help please

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1988 freedom 160 3.0

Changing props is like changing gears in a car. 1st gear gives you acceleration, but not mid range or fuel economy. 3rd gear gives you kinda all 3 (factory prop), and 5th gear gives you economy, mid range, but no acceleration. There's no magic behind it, you still got the same boat/engine/power no matter what prop you install.

What you're asking for is a different engine, not prop. There isn't a prop made on this planet that can give you all 3 things you're looking for, but a nice fuel injected 4.3 can

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1981 Columbia 8.7
2015 Yamaha FZR - 87mph - sold
2006 Yamaha GP1300R - sold
2003 Chaparral 215 SSI - sold
2009 Stingray 195CS - sold
2000 Four Winns H180 - sold
1976 O'day Daysailer II - sold
Rick's Four Winns H180 Mods/Upgrade Thread

Based on what you have said, you are slightly "under-propped", as indicated by exceeding recommended WOT RPM. My suggestion is to go to a 19P SS (3 blade), with a slightly larger diameter, if possible. This should bring you down about 200 RPM at WOT. This will probably not change your hole-shot, but keep you from over-revving the engine. I would spend the time to dial in the correct 3 blade combo for your style, then step to 4 or 5 blade configuration.

First, do a search... we have beat the subject to death on 3, 4 and 5 blade props.

I've run 3, 4 and 5's. I'm a big fan of the Hi5. My 21P 5 blade gives me the same top end speed, RPM, and cruise as the 19P 3 blade, but with much better acceleration, and improved handling/less cavitation in tight turns.

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Walt B
"Debt-Charged"
Black '07 H210SS
6.2L Bravo One turning a 21P HIFive
Wakeboard Tower with Perfect Pass Stargazer version
Missouri River; Kansas City, Mo.

thanks for the info walt! oh and my 3.0 isnt your normal 3.0! 4.3's get walked on by my motor daily. walt, i also hear great things about your prop, my only problem is that a hi5 is like its name says, high!

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1988 freedom 160 3.0

They are a little more pricy than typical stainless, but not too much more. I see the HIfive as only about $20 more than a hi-end 3 blade SS. Go to midwestpropeller.com as they have a price match garantee.

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Walt B
"Debt-Charged"
Black '07 H210SS
6.2L Bravo One turning a 21P HIFive
Wakeboard Tower with Perfect Pass Stargazer version
Missouri River; Kansas City, Mo.

I also have a Hi 5 on my H200 with a 5.0 GXi. I also bought a 3 blade aluminum and it was crap compared to the Hi5. The Hi5 IS worth it.
Try looking on Kijiji. It is surprizing what you can find there adn cheaper than new. Look for nicks and dings on it to see if has been abused.