www.iFourWinns.com

I know that there are a lot of posts on the subject of 4 blade props, but I am looking for some succinct advice and any help is greatly appreciated. I have a 2007 220 horizon with a 5.7 liter volvo and a volvo outdrive. I am currently running with the factory prop which is a 19 pitch (it could be 21, though). I am interested in quicker hole shot and the ability to stay on plane at lower speeds without sacrificing too much top end. It is currently put up for the season, so there are a lot of variables that I am not sure of at this time.

Questions-

1) Will a 4 blade make a noticeable difference?
2) Any idea of exactly what I should look for? brand, size, pitch, etc?
3) Any recommendations on where to find the prop (best pricing)?

Thanks in advance for any help.

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2007 Four Winns H220

That is exactly why I purchased my 4-blade prop, and noticed a big difference on top of reducing the amount of wandering at idle speeds. However, I can't say how it would work on a 22' boat. It takes about 5mph off of my top end and 99% of the time that is ok.

I have a 14x20 aluminum, but for your size motor, a stainless steel prop would be a better place to start, you would see less of a performance decrease due to the flex in an aluminum prop.

If you have a shop specializing in props close by, they'll be the best resource. My local shop allowed me to test drive the prop before purchasing. They're also good to know when you inevitably hit something with it.

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-Rob.


Current boat: 2011 Yamaha AR210
Previous boat: 1998 Horizon RX 4.3GL SX

Thanks for the insight, Rob. I definately want to stick with stainless steel. Just curious if anyone with a 220 H has replaced their factory 3 blade prop with a ss 4 blade prop.

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2007 Four Winns H220

Been there... done that!

And here is my advice:
First, make sure the prop you have now gives you close to the desired performance. Plug the numbers from your runs into the prop slip calc. The more props/data you have to try, the better! Use the prop slip calc to ensure you are not going to over-rev the engine!!!!!
http://www.go-fast.com/Prop_Slip_Calculator.htm

If going to a 4 blade prop, remember as the pitch increases, the diameter decreases. This means you may be losing a little bite/ blade area at top-end. As you indicated, hole-shot will be improved, as well as slow speed control/stability, but expect to lose about 2-3 mph with the same pitch prop as your three blade.

Personally, I was slightly disappointed with the performance of a 4 blade on my 210SS. Instead, I stepped up from the 19P 3bl SS to a 21P hi-five. I actually only lost about 2 mph (now 53 mph at WOT/ 5400 RPM), and gained incredible hole-shot and stability. Not to mention insane control when making hard turns at high throttle/speed. I have always used these guys close to me, and find they are a very good price...

http://midwestpropeller.com/

Good luck!

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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 Walt. Hi five? You have my attention. Would I just look for a 21 p hi five prop or are there specific diameters? Is the hi- five a mercury product and will it work well with a volvo outdrive?

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2007 Four Winns H220

Not to mention some of the best customer service you'll ever find. It's a father & son company that works on props sent from all over the world. I live a few miles from them.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

If the prop accepts a hub kit, you would just need to purchase the Volvo hub. I had to do this with my prop.

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-Rob.


Current boat: 2011 Yamaha AR210
Previous boat: 1998 Horizon RX 4.3GL SX

I am running a 4-blade Merc. Rev4 prop and love it. Gets up on plane faster and has better slow speed control. Of course my boat and engine are completly differnet than what you have. It will alos cut down on your top speed.

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1998 Baja Boss 252 7.4L MPI Bravo 1 (SOLD)
2007 FW H200SS 5.0GXI (Sold)
2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 Crew 6.0L (tow vehicle)
1991 FW 170 Freedom 4.3L (SOLD)

+1 to Mike and Walt. I, too, am a brainwashed MW Propeller guy. Great to deal with every single time I've used them.

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Paul
2007 Four Winns Horizon 220
Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI w/ Bravo III Drive
2004 Ford Explorer Limited (V8-AWD)
Pomme de Terre Lake (Southwest Missouri)

Thanks for all the responses. When it comes to adding anything performance related to my boat, I am all emotion and no common sense. The words "insane hole shot" have got me jumping up and down. I want to feel more acceleration and the hi 5 has got me pretty excited. Anyone else running with a hi 5 prop?

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2007 Four Winns H220

Walt- Got a question for you. I just spoke with Mercury to try to get a part number for the high 5 that best fits my boat. You said that you stepped up from a 19 pitch 3 blade to a 21 pitch high 5. Since I currently have a 21 pitch, they told me to drop a pitch to a 20 and that the high 5's only have even pitch numbers. Does this make any sense?

Thanks in advance for any light you can shed.

Never mind- just spoke with the guy at mid west. He is recommending the 4 blade since I don't do a lot of pulling- just the occasional tuber or wakeboarder.

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2007 Four Winns H220

Actually, the four-blade props typically come in even pitches, while the high-five is generally only in odd pitches. I don't know why. I have noticed more 4-blade pitches available, but can't fully describe the performance gain in the High-five. Based on my own experience and your current prop, I would go with the 23" hi-five, but only after trying out a few other 3 blade and perhaps even 4 blade props and plugging into the prop slip calc.
Pay attention to prop diameter too! You could end up losing blade area because the diameter gets too narrow. Going down in both pitch AND diameter is a recipe for over-rev'ing the engine at WOT.

_________________
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.

Man, I really want the high five for the acceleration. I was ready to go with it, but the guy at Midwestpropeller discouraged me from getting it. ?We have about the same boat-same year, almost the same size, but yours has more power so I would guess that your experience should be somewhat similar to what I would experience. I have had several boats, but never took the time to consider props. Also I am an old football player (not very old, just mid 30's) with very bad knees (many surgeries) so I will not be doing too much stuff in the way of water sports. I just want to be able to push the throttle down and get some exhilaration and also cruise for long distance at around 30mph without having to continuously adjust the throttle.

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2007 Four Winns H220

I hate to beat a dead horse, but I am still having a hard time choosing between the 4 and 5 blade. Based off of Walts comments, I really want to go the high five route. The extra money has me a little cautious. Has anyone else used the high five on a comparable boat and power package? Walt- any difference in fuel economy when comparing the 3, 4 and 5 blade?

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2007 Four Winns H220

I don't have a 377ci for fuel economy! For me it came down to being able to accurately control my speed in a very narrow band at planing speed, without really sacrificing top-end. IMO the 4 is better than the 3; the 5 is better than the 4. If I were you, based on your statements thus far (running a 3 blade 21p at present?), I would try the 4 blade 22p first. That should be about the same top end, while improving hole shot. Try that for a season or two then, if that is satisfactory, and you must have a high-five, go to the 23p.

_________________
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.