Hello, I'll get straight to it. I'm a rather new owner and have a 1987 Regal Royal 250 XL with an 87' OMC 5.0L 230 HP +Cobra drive. The boat weights 4000lbs, but with gas, people, etc. I'm sure I'm pushing close to 5000lbs or more. WOT is supposed to be between 4000-4400. I only can get 3800 or a tad below, around 29-30 mph. I plane out ok, not quick, but ok. I am running a 15 x17 3 blade Mich. Alum. Wheel. My engine and drive are in good working order and the bottom of the boat is clean (fresh water lake). I do not have trim tabs, but am about to have 18x12 Bennett?s installed. My question of course is Prop and blade choice. I have done the "Prop Wizard" and spoke with different prop guys. From each I get different choices. One says 14.7x 19 3 blade, another says 15 x 15 3 blade composite (I think for my weight composite may not be a good choice), another says 14.7 x 19 4 blade, another says 14.7 x 15 4 blade. I will admit that a 4 blade is attractive because of the following: I am a new boat owner who has to back into my slip, get used to docking for gas, etc. I do not care about top speed; rather I care about getting on plane, staying there at low speeds, getting in right rpm range, pulling a 2-3 person tube at safe speeds for kids, and getting good gas mileage while cruising. I know, I know, I want my cake and eat it too. My question to all of you is simple, which prop to you think or know by experience is best for me and my set-up? I know there will be different opinions, but that's what I am looking for to help with this infernal decision. BTW, I do not live near a prop shop that will let me try props out. I wished I did, but sadly, no. Thanks for your help!
