Three vs Four

[scallywag98]

Hi Everyone:
Does anyone have any info on three blades vs four blades on a 1998 Albin 28 TE with the BEAST 6.5L engine. Is there any appreciable speed improvement or manuvering ability to be gained ?

Thanks
scallywag98

[DougSea]

Hi Everyone:
Does anyone have any info on three blades vs four blades on a 1998 Albin 28 TE with the BEAST 6.5L engine. Is there any appreciable speed improvement or manuvering ability to be gained ?

Thanks
scallywag98

I have a 3 blade as I'm guessing most "BEAST" owners do. Don't really know why the Yanmars tend to have 4's unless they're turning the prop at higher RPMs. Not that I know why that matters!

With my 3blade and turning just about 3,550 RPM, just shy of redline, I'm usually doing right around 23kn.

[Russell]

The following is copied from the H&H propeller site : 4-Blade and 5-Blade Props (or multi-blade props) offer advantages for high horsepower outboards. mounted high on the transom, the prop runs closer to the surface, providing additional bite and stability at higher speed. They can also improve out-of-the-hole acceleration, while maintaining plane with fewer engine rpm's. Because there is more drag , multi-blade props reduce top-end speed. A high-end three-blade prop usually runs a few miles per hour faster that the same pitched multiple–blade design.
Since Albins are not ski boats I see no advantage to going for more blades. The most important thing is to have your prop matched to your boat so that you reach the rated RPMs at wide open throttle. If you arbitrarily overprop your boat you risk ruining your engine.

[RobS]

If you arbitrarily overprop your boat you risk ruining your engine.

Plus over-propping reduces fuel economy as the engine will need to use more fuel to reach a specific rpm due to the increased load.

[scallywag98]

Hey Guys
Thanks for the come backs, guess its best to keep what is working. The boat tachs out at the recommended RPM"S so
I'll stay with it!

Thanks Again
Scallywag98

[DougSea]

Hey Guys
Thanks for the come backs, guess its best to keep what is working. The boat tachs out at the recommended RPM"S so
I'll stay with it!

Thanks Again
Scallywag98

If it's not broke...

Just saw that your homeport is Amityville, I grew up there...well, through 5th grade anyway. Very different boating compared to CT. Still remember my address and phone number!