Guys,
I've done a bunch of online reading, on this forum and others, along with specialty propeller websites, etc, and feel confident that I understand how a propeller works.
I have a 2014 FW H190 with a 5.7L 225 V8 Volvo SX drive. Currently, I am running a 14.25x21 prop. I have read all of the suggestions on checking to see if my boat is propped correctly, using WOT speed and engine RPM, however, I have never done this, mostly because I have never felt the need to run my boat wide open. I've opened it up once or twice, easily got to 45-50MPH (GPS) before I backed off, and I am pretty sure there is another 5-10MPH to be had, but I never run at these speeds. We cruise around at 30-40ish MPH if we are trying to get somewhere quickly, which seems to be plenty fast enough. Otherwise we putz along the shore looking at houses, or go 20-30MPH skiing and tubing. A lot of anchoring and cocktailing too!!!
I'd like to prop the boat to get a better hole shot, as to more easily get a skiier up, get a tube on plane faster, etc.
So, thinking of going to a 14.5x19 3 blade, or a 4 blade with similar properties.
First question, are the claims regarding a 4 blade prop true? Such as planing at lower MPH/lower RPM, less vibration, more stable in turns, etc? I would definitely be interested in all of these advantages. Are there disadvantages that any of your know about with a 4 blade propeller?
Second, if I pitch down to increase hole shot, but still maintain the same cruising speeds, my engine RPMs would increase some, but, as long as I do not bounce this thing off the max RPM (Owners manual states WOT 4400-4800) I should not be worried about any engine damage, correct? I would also imagine since this engine is fuel injected & computer controlled, there is likely a rev limiter programmed in the PCM to prevent over-revving (just an assumption though). Fuel economy is not a concern, when the boat needs gas I put some in
Any input you would like to provide is welcome. I may post more questions as necessary, depending on the responses posted here.
If you feel it is absolutely necessary to go out on the water and run her at the limits, to see how the thing is propped, I certainly can, however, when we've been boating around I doubt we have even hit 4000RPM's, I think it is around 3600-4000 when we are at a comfortable running speed, and as stated before, have not really felt the need to go any faster.
Thanks!
Steve