www.iFourWinns.com

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

Every prop is different, so comparing 3 to 4 blade is like comparing apples to hubcaps. No two are alike. No two act the same. No two pitches are equal to each other.

This right here has your name all over it:
http://www.mercurymarine.com/propellers ... olution-4/

Couldn't tell you what pitch, would need accurate WOT RPM, GPS, and drive ratio. Probably 19. The Revolution 4 is the best prop on the market for sterndrive bowriders doing exactly what you want to do.

_________________
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

If you want to pop the boat on plane ASAP and don't care about top speed, the more blades on the prop hub the better. I'll forever be singing the praises of the Quicksilver High Five. It's worth every penny.

I have an almost identical setup to you & went with the Solas HR Titan4, 14x21.
I was over-revving by about 250RPM at WOT, so you may consider a 14x19p.
It now planes noticeable slower, stern lift is great (doesn't fall off plane) and top speed is actually faster that the old 3 blade 14.3 x 21.

_________________
2011 Four Winns H180 SS.
Aussie built Mustang 2800.
SOLD - 1997 Four Winns Horizon RS

Your boat usage is identical to mine and I'm very happy with the Mercury Hi5 prop.

_________________
2011 H200
MerCruiser 5.0 MPI/Alpha 260 hp

Hi Guys, I know this sounds like a dumb question, but can you put a Mercury prop on a boat with a Volvo SX drive?

_________________
Mac
2007 Four Winns Horizon 190

Yes, with the right hub insert.

_________________
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

I determined my boat was propped correctly with the 14.25X21 3 blade prop, so I decided to go with the more blades is better theory. I installed a 14x20 4 blade. Definitely better performance out of the hole, when skiing, tubing, etc. Have not gone wide open with it to see if top speed has been affected, not too concerned about top speed.

Thanks,
Steve

More blades isn't always better.

Depends on the prop. Bolt on a Solas 4 blade on your boat and it will make everything worse.

_________________
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