3 or 4 blade on a cruiser

[Bandrews7]

My boat originated in Colorado so it was set up with F3 propellers based on the thin air and wide-open throttle. In order to maximize performance I do need to swap the blades. The question is three blade or four blade? They would be going on a 28 foot four winns Vista.

[BroadHopper]

You may want to go down and inch and try that. i.e. current 3 pitch is 23' the 4 blade pitch is 22'. The reason is the extra blade provide more 'bite'.

As to model, some provide more bow lift, some stern lift and others are neutral. It would be a trial and error fit. I would contact the manufacturer as to recommendation.

[DickR]

You may want to go down and inch and try that. i.e. current 3 pitch is 23' the 4 blade pitch is 22'. The reason is the extra blade provide more 'bite'.

Whew! a pitch of 23 or 22 feet! If that prop is correctly sized and the engine is turning 3-4000 rpm, that boat must be supersonic!

[BroadHopper]

Definitely need to be invisible at that speed! :D

[znh]

One more for going with the factory recommended replacement. Changing pitches and blade styles and all that can mess with how the engine was matched to the OEM prop. Try calling Melvin Village Marina, they are the Four Winns dealer on Winni and are always very helpful...

[jrc]

You may try asking on the ifourwinns.com website. I get a lot of got info for my boat there. If you asked a few weeks ago I could have told you what props I have. I know they are three blades but don't remember the pitch. Now they are underwater.

You might also try Fourwinns themselves, they can tell you what props the boat had from the factory. My boat will run close to 5000 RPM at WOT, as it should, with factory props.

You can also try calling Winnisquam Marine, they did sell Fourwinns and know them well.

Do your research those props are pricey and overloading your engine can cause issues.

[salty dog]

I would do a baseline test run. Take the boat to WOT; see what the mph is and at what rpm. Then see if that matches the factory specs. Find out how your model is propped OEM at sea level. If you are currently running in the acceptable range you might just leave it alone. However, 4 blades can get you on plane faster and they may give better performance/economy at regular cruise speed (but not higher top end).

[Dave R]

"F3" say VP DP to me. That means you already have 6 big blades (or 12 if you have twin engines) in the water. You don't need any more blade area than that.