What would be the diffrence between a 3 and four blade prop which would be better to use?

Question

What would be the diffrence between a 3 and four blade prop which would be better to use?

Answer 1

I am not an expert but on my pontoon forum it seems the 4 blade is best if you tube or ski. It gives more hole shot compared to 3 blade. I believe you will loose a few MPH with 4 over a 3.

Answer 2

three for speed. four for power to ski or tow.

Answer 3

You can look at the blades similarly to cylinders in an engine, the more you have, the more power you have (if all the blades are the same size).  The downside is that more blades equals more work needing to be done by the motor, just like how an engine with more cylinders is harder to start.  Also, 2 larger blades can equal 3 or 4 smaller blades.

I do not know specifically of any research done on this, although there probably is, but fewer blades probably cause less turbulence in the water.  This could lead to better performance, and even a smoother ride to a small extent.

Answer 4

With a 3 blade a prop you usually go faster depending on the motor size but has higher vibration.  A four blade prop offers more torque out of the engine with less vibration but the speed may decrease a little.