this may be a dumb question but i just purchased a boat and it came with 2 props. The motor is a 115 Mercury 4-stroke and it has a new 4 blade prop on it currently but it also has a 3 blade new in the box. My question is what is the difference in performance between the two so i can decide which is better for me? thanks
4-blade: Better hole shot and performance in rough water. More bow lift. Lose some top speed.
3-blade: Better top speed.
Try them both and see what you like better. If you’re towing (tubers, skiers), the 4-blade will probably be a better choice, but you’ll have to see what works best for your situation.
The difference comes in Hole shot, boat control, and top end performance.
The 3 blade will usually give you a better top end performance (speed. The 4 blade will usually be a couple mph slower, but have much better control on the throttle. As an example, here on Lake MI, if your out in big north-east rollers, you can feather the throttle easier to ride those big waves like a surf board. The 4 blade has much more cupping area to grab and throw water. The 3 blade would give you more thrust and less control to feather your speed to ride a wave. Most guys I know that run 4 blade props fish larger bodies of water that often will get rough.
Quote:
4-blade: Better hole shot and performance in rough water. More bow lift. Lose some top speed.
3-blade: Better top speed.
Try them both and see what you like better. If you’re towing (tubers, skiers), the 4-blade will probably be a better choice, but you’ll have to see what works best for your situation.
Agree. Also the 4 blade will stay hooked up better in tight turns. More bite in those situations where you are cruising around and at the last minute see someting in the water you need to avoid hitting.
-J.
Quote:
The difference comes in Hole shot, boat control, and top end performance.
The 3 blade will usually give you a better top end performance (speed. The 4 blade will usually be a couple mph slower, but have much better control on the throttle. As an example, here on Lake MI, if your out in big north-east rollers, you can feather the throttle easier to ride those big waves like a surf board. The 4 blade has much more cupping area to grab and throw water. The 3 blade would give you more thrust and less control to feather your speed to ride a wave. Most guys I know that run 4 blade props fish larger bodies of water that often will get rough.
Randy – as always – you are spot on. Clearly a man who has experience many things in the great outdoors.
People always ask me why I run a 4 blade on my bass boat – then they ride with me in 4 foot rollers. Then they quickly learn why I run a Champion….
Dog 
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this may be a dumb question but i just purchased a boat and it came with 2 props. The motor is a 115 Mercury 4-stroke and it has a new 4 blade prop on it currently but it also has a 3 blade new in the box. My question is what is the difference in performance between the two so i can decide which is better for me? thanks [/quote
might be a dumb answer..either props stainless or both stainless..changes the answer
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