4 blade vs 5 blade prop

[tpassmore]

im buying a used 19' w/5.7L mercruiser sterndrive and it ahs a 5 blade prop. not sure why but would you recommend changing to 4 blade or leave as is?

 

[steelespike]

Re: 4 blade vs 5 blade prop

Generally 4 and 5 blade props are for inhanced low end performance usually producing lower top end but quicker planing lower planing rpm etc.
See if you like the way it performs.

 

[tmh]

Re: 4 blade vs 5 blade prop

You should test it out then report back your low end, mid range and top end performance. WOT rpm and speed is important info for prop recommendations also. What type of prop is on now? Brand, material, pitch. You won't get any specific advice until you've answered these questions from testing.

Is it a heavy 19' boat? What's important to you......hole shot, low planing speed, mid-range pop, top end max speed? Prop selection requires prioritizing such things as no prop is "best' for all of them. It would seem the previous owner cared about hole shot and low-mid range most so he selected the 5-blade. Likely wanted good performance for water sports - tubing, sj=kiing, wakeboarding, etc.