I know most of you speed demon's are running 3 blades as they are the fastest and same case on my boat how much top end do you guys loose when going up to a 4 or 5 blade?

I only lossed 2-3 MPH when I went to either a 4 or 5. a 5 was overkill for my boat because of the weight and I run a 4 now.

Just wondering if it's the same with bass boats when going up a blade. I know Vic runs a 5 when he runs big water on his Ranger.

I don't chine walk at all

 

I know most of you speed demon's are running 3 blades as they are the fastest and same case on my boat how much top end do you guys loose when going up to a 4 or 5 blade?

I only lossed 2-3 MPH when I went to either a 4 or 5. a 5 was overkill for my boat because of the weight and I run a 4 now.

Just wondering if it's the same with bass boats when going up a blade. I know Vic runs a 5 when he runs big water on his Ranger.

I don't chine walk at all

If I had more time and money, I'd demo a 4-blade in various pitches to find out how they would perform on my hull. Only trouble I might have is the 4blades lift the stern a bit more and I'm already on the razor's edge for water pressure so a 4-blade might not work for me at all.

Couldn't help but notice your sig ...are you running a Ranger bass boat or a fisherman/multi-species? Reason I ask is the latter don't won't chine much if at all. My father runs a Ranger Fisherman with a 200 Opti and it's one of the best riding/easiest driving fishing boats I've ever been in. It does not chine walk at all - even trimmed way up to maximize speed which are well into the 60's GPS.

 

If I had more time and money, I'd demo a 4-blade in various pitches to find out how they would perform on my hull. Only trouble I might have is the 4blades lift the stern a bit more and I'm already on the razor's edge for water pressure so a 4-blade might not work for me at all.

Couldn't help but notice your sig ...are you running a Ranger bass boat or a fisherman/multi-species? Reason I ask is the latter don't won't chine much if at all. My father runs a Ranger Fisherman with a 200 Opti and it's one of the best riding/easiest driving fishing boats I've ever been in. It does not chine walk at all - even trimmed way up to maximize speed which are well into the 60's GPS.

I have the biggest fisherman they make an 08 621 (21'3) with a Merc 250 Pro XS, I had a 23P tempest but now running a 21 Rev 4. I also tried a 23 P high 5 to much bow lift a little overkill since so much of my hull is always in the water,the boat is one heavy tank, which attributes to why it's awesome in the rough stuff. pics are in my gallery I think

 

I went from a 3 blade to a 4 not because of walking but because I needed the lift when running the rough stuff on Erie. I only lost a few MPH top end but gained alot faster hole shot and alot of lift.
I'm running a 487VS Ranger Bassboat

 

My Blazer 210 ProV w/250 Yamaha OX66 would walk at about 75mph. I had to drive/steer it to get it up to 84/gps.

You control speed with trim - not pedal. Getting off the gas at speed, while on the pad, can have serious consequences!

A four blade prop will lose about 2-3mph but will walk less and give good lift and control for heavy seas.