New Prop-3 blade or 4 blade

[kopy kat]

I have a '99 SeaRay 210 BR that is used on Lake Tahoe at 6200 ft. elevation. The motor is a 350 EFI 260 HP with an Alpha 1 drive currently using a SS 17" pitch prop that tops out at 4500 RPM and about 42 MPH.<br /><br />Here's my question--since I am looking at a new SS 15" pitch 3 blade to bring my RPM up to around 4600-4700 (the factory range is 4400-4800)- I am also considering a SS 4 blade for the smoother ride, better hole shot, and better "grip" on turns. I have yet to find a listing that will tell me what pitch to order on a 4 blade running at the 6200 ft elevation level. Does anyone have knowledge or recommendations? Also, any idea as to how a 4 blade would affect the top end speed? Thanks, Larry

 

[Boatist]

Re: New Prop-3 blade or 4 blade

Kopy Kat<br />I am no expert on props but on my 21 foot boat a 2 inch change in pitch makes a difference of 400 RPMs, so you would go from 4500 to 4900 RPMS.<br />On my boat have two props a 13 1/4 by 19 and a 13 by 17. The 19 pitch run at 4200 RPMs and 38 MPH the 17 pitch runs 4600 RPMs and 35MPH.<br />What I have herd about 4 blade props is better hole shot but less top speed.