www.iFourWinns.com

I have a 2002 Horizon 220 with a 5.0 GL Volvo. Currently using the stock prop, 14.5" x 19 pitch. I want to go to a 4 bladed prop and after looking into it a bit, I beleive a 14.25 x 21 four blade will give a little out of the hole without giving up much top end speed. Any suggestions/comments? is it worth making the change? I have to fix my prop anyway, so I thought this would be a good time to make the change. I want to stay away from a Stainless Prop.

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220H

Stainless steel props although very expensive are very good and generally give superior performance. As a general rule the higher the pitch the higher the top end but the " Hole shot " suffers because of it. If you lower the pitch hole shot improves but top end is reduced and the chance of the engine over revving increases
hope this helps

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Ardy
Adelaide South Australia
Red H180 3.0 Merc

I agree with ardy, stainless is a better prop, it has less flex that will help.

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2006 300 Sundancer
2007 Trailblazer LT V8
2004 Grand Prix GTP Comp G (For Sale)
Previous Boats:
2006 255 Sundowner 5.7GXI-G
2000 CrownLine 202BR
1994 Baja 180 Islander
1980 Galaxy 18' BR

Thanks for the input. I am hesitant to change to Stainless, not so much of the added expense, but because I have heard many stories of trashing outdrives if you hit something with the prop. I would rather trash a AL prop only, as opposed to an outdrive. I boat in New England (NH, MA, ME) and many lakes are very rocky. If you clip something underwater, it is likely not sand.

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220H

I follow that principle - mainly because my wife can find ever submerged object in our local lakes. I consider the prop sacrifical. But wish I could use a SS for sure.

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2006 FW 203 FS
2005 Dodge Laramie 1500
2003 CRF 247F SuperMoto racer
2001 CBR1100XX

I've heard this same line of thinking many times over the years, but I don't buy it. Stainless steel is not indestructible. I've never seen any evidence presented by anyone credible that proves a negative comparison between the two.

To answer your question, that 4th blade is going to hurt your top end. I'm not sure that changing pitch is going to be the answer, though. It almost seems as if you'll be offsetting one v. the other with what you are trying to do. If true, I think it is a waste of money when compared to just repairing your current prop.

Any way you could rent/demo the one you're looking at instead of having to buy it?

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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)

As far as destroying your outdrive, SS props have the same break-away hub the alum does so that excuse doesn't fly with me. A friend (inadvertantly) tested this out once, and both tore a blade off, as well as shredding the plastic hub. No drive damage. I even tore a piece out of the skeg a few years later, without causing damage to the drive.

As far as finding the right prop pitch.... We have more posts related to that then jokes about Mike230 waxing his boat ....Sorry, couldn't help it!

http://www.go-fast.com/Prop_Slip_Calculator.htm

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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.

H220 is a large boat for 5.0 GL SX….. You would want a SS prop especially for a 4-blade prop. 4 blade aluminum prop will flex much more than SS one and you would not get a superior performance you would need for 220 from 5.0. I would carry spare aluminum prop if you want to boat on questionable area or lake. Unlike DP drive, Changing SX prop is a breeze so I would recommend have a few props.

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08 H260 VP 8.1Gi DP.....Previous
2013 Crownline E6 Merc 8.2MAG BIIIX, DTS/SC

I don't think you want to go up in pitch.

I was using a 3-blade 21" on my h190 with the same motor you have. I bought a 4-blade 19". It definitely takes off quicker but I lost a few mph top end. I think it revs a little high with the 19". Ideally I'd like a 20". These are both aluminum, but don't be afraid of a stainless. If I were you I would try a 19" 4-blade. Is there such a thing as an 18" ?

I like my 4-blade. I can't wait to get it back in the water!

Good luck.

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2002 Horizon 190 5.0gl

I think what you are wanting to do would be just fine....with good results.....to each his own!

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Paul F.
So many lakes so little time!!

2008 Four Winns 210 SS -- Red
5.7L Gi/SX - Volvo - 14 3/4 x 21 ss prop (62 mph)

I agree with the others that say to not shy away from a SS prop due to damage of the outdrive. Most modern SS props have a hub that slips on impact preventing drive damage. For example, there are the XHS type hubs that are interchangeable but also provide drive protection which slip on impact.

The Volvo Penta SS prop I bought recently off the Internet was only $75 more than an Aluminum prop from a local prop shop. It has a rubber slipping hub to protect the drive. I suppose my little 3.0 liter H180 will perform a little better this summer due to less flex but imagine you guys with more cylinders and heavier boats will really see alot more performance switching from alum to SS.

Seems like all the higher performance boats go with SS.

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-2006 H180 VP3.0 SS 21p

Just getting back to review messages. Thanks to all for the great input. I think I will take another look at SST props; have some time as I still need to pull off the shrink wrap and start getting her ready for the summer.

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220H

Planning on buying a 4 blade stainless from hillmarine.com

They recommend sticking with the same pitch as your normal 3 blade

My brother bought one from them & is very happy with it.