mtntrogger
Seaman Apprentice
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2013
- Messages
- 41
Im sure this is simple question but I dont really understand too much about props.
So I have a 2001 Four Winns Horizon 180 bowrider. Its got a Volvo Penta 5.7 with Sx outdrive. It originally came with the 5.0, but the PO had the 5.7 put in in 2016.
It currently has a 4 blade 14.75 x 15 prop that is pretty dinged up. Im wanting to replace it. She came with 2 other 3 blades which I havent tried out yet. I believe one is a 19 pitch and the other is a 21, both are also 14.5" not 14.75 ( I think).
I opererate the boat at varied altitudes between 7,000 and 10,000ft above sea level, with the annual trip to lake powell at 3,700 ft.
I mostly use the boat for wake boarding, but occasionally just cruise around , most often at low speed. I like how fast the 4 blade gets up to plane, but dont really have a frame of reference, since I haven't tried the 3 bladed props yet.
My question is basically, what is the difference between these props performance and fuel economy wise ? I realize the higher pitch props should have a higher top speed, but is there a better size or pitch for my current application ? Which ones are best for fuel economy ? Could I go bigger (15") ? What advantages would there be ?
Thanks again for anyone who takes the time to rely to this, I appreciate all opinions
So I have a 2001 Four Winns Horizon 180 bowrider. Its got a Volvo Penta 5.7 with Sx outdrive. It originally came with the 5.0, but the PO had the 5.7 put in in 2016.
It currently has a 4 blade 14.75 x 15 prop that is pretty dinged up. Im wanting to replace it. She came with 2 other 3 blades which I havent tried out yet. I believe one is a 19 pitch and the other is a 21, both are also 14.5" not 14.75 ( I think).
I opererate the boat at varied altitudes between 7,000 and 10,000ft above sea level, with the annual trip to lake powell at 3,700 ft.
I mostly use the boat for wake boarding, but occasionally just cruise around , most often at low speed. I like how fast the 4 blade gets up to plane, but dont really have a frame of reference, since I haven't tried the 3 bladed props yet.
My question is basically, what is the difference between these props performance and fuel economy wise ? I realize the higher pitch props should have a higher top speed, but is there a better size or pitch for my current application ? Which ones are best for fuel economy ? Could I go bigger (15") ? What advantages would there be ?
Thanks again for anyone who takes the time to rely to this, I appreciate all opinions