4 blade propellers

[93SkiNautique]

Just wondering if anyone has put a 4 blade prop on there boat instead of the factory 3 blade, if so what is the performance like? Do you notice much of a difference?

[DynaMike]

I have a 4 blade stainless on my 98' 196. The performance is fantastic. I have heard the 4 blade cuts down on rooster tail , it seems to be true in my case. My CC shop service guru told me a new ACME 3 blade would be like turbo charging the boat. I dont see how it could get much better.

[TRBenj]

My dad put a 4-blade OJ and then a 4-blade Acme (#422) on his '92 after running the stock 3-blade for several years.

The OJ made a nice improvement over stock, but the Acme made an even bigger difference. Going to the Acme from the OJ saw big gains in smoothness and acceleration, with no loss on the top end. Both 4-blades improved the wake (cut down the rooster tail) but the Acme was noticeably better.

That being said, Acme now recommends their 3-blades over the 4-blades, at least on the direct drives. I just bought a 3-blade (#470). Acme says if I were to install it on my dad's '03 196 that it would add 1 mph top end, improve the wake and have no loss in acceleration compared to the #422 4-blade on there now. Im expecting to see big improvements when I put it on my '90 to replace a 4-blade OJ thats been reworked.

[roadkingpuck]

We have a 90 SNCB and switched from the stock 14 X 16 prop to the Acme 612 (3 blade). Huge increase in performance; better hole-shot; smoother acceleration and seems like the wake has flattened out a little as well. I didn't think a prop could make that much difference. We use the boat primarily for slalom skiing. Not sure if prop would be as much a benefit for boarding or footing.

[Aarons01]

what do the new 3 blade acme's run? #470

[TRBenj]

Take a look at our Group Buy section. We have a discount for Delta Propellor, so I just paid $302 for my #470 (shipped).

Roadkingpuck, I would love to compare notes with you on your prop once I get my 470 on. I wanted the 612 but Acme said they stopped making them this year. The 470 is the same with 1/4" less pitch, so I expect them to be close. At some point when I do some upgrades I may have them add some cup to get a little more top end.