www.iFourWinns.com

We currently have a 14.25x23 prop on a 4.3GL SX drive and have been happy with the performance other than a rather high planing speed. I top out around 48mph at 4500rpm (GPS)

Since the wife knicked up this prop pretty good last weekend I have to have this one repaired, not a problem. Since I didn't get mad and blew it off as no big deal, she's footing the bill for a possible better overall performing prop for watersports.

The dealer gave me the option of a 14.25x21 3-blade aluminum that may increase hole shot, but from what I've read, I'm thinking a 4-blade may be better for slower planing and better hole shot. ($225)

Another prop store has a 14.25x20 4-blade aluminum that requires a hub kit (is this a good idea?) They offer a trial as long as I pay first and can return it if I don't like it. ($170 w/hub)

I'd like to stick to aluminum since we're not all that familiar with the different lakes we're trying out and can handle $60 to repair a prop.

Any experiences with 4-blades on an 18' boat? Or things I should watch for when trying out new props?

I would really like to be on plane when pulling a tube and can spare a couple mph as long as I stay over 40.

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-Rob.


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

Robbo3,

I need to get a new prop and came across your posting. Did you go with the prop w/ hub setup? I am looking at a Volvo prop and maybe a Michigan Wheel Vortex that needs an XHS hub.

Thanks

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Brian
2007 Four Winns H200 - VP 5.0L GL/SX
2003 Chevy Avalanche Z66
Canyon Lake, TX

Brian,

I'm real conservative so I went for a genuine Volvo one after a recent 'mishap' - all the reports I read were that the OEM one was slightly better than any of the aftermarket ones and it was only a few bucks more. I have used seperate hub props before on my old Merc OB boat (Turning Point) - never had a problem with them at all and I couldn't tell the difference. Certainly not a clear cut situation..!

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Alec

2006 Horizon 190
VP 4.3GL/SX, Sunsport

Robbo 3,

I know exactly what you're going thru right now! I was there at the beginning of this summer, right after I had my tower installed. I was also running a 3 blade 14X23P and it did the same as yours, okay hole shot w/no people, max/wot rpm 4400 at 48 MPH, but with 4 adults and two kids it took a while to plane out.... So I bought an aluminum 3 blade 14X21P, the hole shot was slightly better and it did plane a little faster but the WOT rpm was too high it could easily hit 5000 so you had to be real careful also my max speed went down to 45MPH and it was terrible for wakeboarding cause it would lose plane around 25 mph.. I finally found the right prop, its a Solas rubex from iboats with an interchangeable hub, aluminum 4 blade 14x19P, awesome hole shot with max load of people and it holds plane at 20mph the WOT's around 4400 with a max speed of 44! Of course it burns a little more fuel than the other prop but it's great for water sports and if we just want to cruise around I'll change the prop to a 23P.... Hope this helps!

I've used the Michigan Wheel Vortex (14x20) 4-blade with the XHS Hub for 2 seasons now and love it. It works great for watersports and slower speed cruising.

I tend to put the original 3-blade (14.25x23) back on in the spring and fall when I'm just out wasting gas.

_________________
-Rob.


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

Thanks, I'm leaning that way as well. Hit a stump last weekend and did some damage to my OEM prop. Nice learning experience since I hadn't bought a spare prop yet.

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Brian
2007 Four Winns H200 - VP 5.0L GL/SX
2003 Chevy Avalanche Z66
Canyon Lake, TX

I got mine from http://www.getaprop.com - got a genuine Volvo 14.25 x 23 on sale at the time for $140 - also got a Michigan Wheel 14.25 x 23 as a spare and a couple of prop nut kits. Great service - they shipped them all the way to Australia for $50 or so. Interesting when you look at these two props side by side - the Volvo one IMHO appears to be a better quality manufacture and finish.

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Alec

2006 Horizon 190
VP 4.3GL/SX, Sunsport

Alec and Rob,
thanks for the help, I appreciate it!

_________________
Brian
2007 Four Winns H200 - VP 5.0L GL/SX
2003 Chevy Avalanche Z66
Canyon Lake, TX