3-Blade vs. 4-Blade Prop Comparison

After swapping engines, I was curious whether or not changing my prop would further increase the performance of my new motors. Check out this 3-Blade vs. 4-Blade Prop Comparison.
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[@olemissfan81]

2+ mpg at cruise!?! Holy crap that’s amazing! Only benefit I have ever heard from a 4 blade was better outta the hole....lose a little top end and mileage....I could be wrong but that’s what I’ve always heard

[@KeyWestWaterman]

yup I love it! and yea the 4 blades feel a little more "grippy" tiny bit faster out of the hole and keeps the bow down. but in my opinion hole shot isn't important for me, and if I want my bow down thats why I have tabs!

[@hayronalvarez4583]

Love the quick video with little to no bs!!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

try to avoid it if I can!

[@jackieeastom8758]

I thought you were very clear about your comparison on your engines and where the confusion came in is beyond me I thought it was a pretty cool comparison kudos on your new engines!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

lol some people I just will never understand! thanks for watching sir!

[@jmcimba]

Great info, I was just wondering about this a few days ago when I got a new used boat. it has a 4 blade now, and I was considering going to a 3 blade. You saved me a bunch of time with this video, thanks for the info.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

That’s why i made it! Every boat is a little different but they were much better for me.

[@MrSilviable]

great comparison. threw your name out there on a landshark vid. fingers crossed!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

haha I appreciate it!

[@jsmiley5348]

Good stuff man...I'm the one that seen you and asked to take a pic while I was on the Yankee Capt...told ya I support ya bro...keep it up

[@KeyWestWaterman]

haha hell yea! hope y'all crushed it! I appreciate it brother!

[@trustytrucking9917]

That is a very good comparison. And a great pair of motors on that boat. Thanks.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

love them! thanks for watching!

[@sprfish12]

I’ve always wanted someone to do a test like this on a Contender. Hopefully my V8 300 Mercs will be installed in the next couple of weeks on my 25 Open. I’m going to start out with 24 pitch 4 blade props. Had 2016 Suzuki 300’s and decided to upgrade to the newer and lighter Mercs to get some weight off the back. If I weren’t such a speed freak I’d get the motors like you got. They seem to do very well on your rig. Your channel is awesome and the next time we bring our boats down to the keys I’m definitely going to look you up. Tight lines and stay safe. 🤙

[@KeyWestWaterman]

haha that thing is gonna scoot! absolutely love my mercs. just hit 400 hours. let me know how you like them when you get them hooked up!

[@robu3468]

Thank you. I have a contender 28 with T/300’s and was thinking of changing to four blade. I get 2.20 mph at 3500 rpms at 38mph . This helped me!!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

those are amazing numbers! glad it helped!

[@DC-ye8bo]

Hey, What's in the orange box? The curiosity is kill me haha

[@rolandfero9742]

I didn't see it, but most likely a first aid kit. Tight lines 😎

[@KeyWestWaterman]

lol its my "brief case" for work. keep all my important stuff in there, keys, permits, cards, etc.

[@steveshortt90]

Hey mate! Love your boat!! Just as a side note and hopefully it helps, but if you go into settings, network and dampening, you can change the data dampening for the SOG. It will stop it bouncing around so quickly.. basically will average the speed over 1 second then display that figure instead! Hope you're enjoying those 200 V6 torque monsters! 😀

[@KeyWestWaterman]

did no know that! really appreciate it! will have to give it a try! and I absolutely love them! never looking back!

[@paulcoombe98]

Great comparison thanks

[@KeyWestWaterman]

thanks for watching!

[@sammcvea1069]

Glad you got a savings with 4 blade. Good comparison.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

ty sam!

[@jc4liferesearch5]

Good comparison.. Yeap definitely 3 blades for your boat. Thanks

[@KeyWestWaterman]

Yup! Thanks for watching!

[@FlattieDaddy]

Good stuff. I had a boat with cavitation issues once and I ran a 4 blade and it solved the issue. Other than that I prefer 3 blades for a bit faster cruise in most cases

[@KeyWestWaterman]

yup! every boat and situation is different. alot of people think there's one answer when it comes to props. def not the case!

[@LeoUgalde-zg8fc]

Hey thank you so much for the information on both of your video!!.. I have a 262 mako with twin 200 Mercury 2stroke carb. Currently running 32mph at 4K fully loaded and 42 at 5.4K on 21 mirage plus. Burning 1.5 - 1mpg ( I re-wired the boat and added NMEA flow switch to get readings) For a while I have been debating to repower with Yamaha or Mercury and after seeing both of your videos I definitely have my answer !! Awesome content keep it up !!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

glad you enjoyed it! thanks so much 🙏

[@Mike-hb4pc]

I had very similar results on my 29 SeaVee. I had 4 sets of props, one of them being 4-blade. The 4-blade did the worst. (However, on my previous boat, 25 Dusky, the 4-blades were the best). The Mercury Mirage gave me the highest top speed but they would cavitate in a hard turn. I ended up going with Evinrude Offshore. Those props gave me 59 mph top speed and right at 2+ mpg.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

stellar numbers! every boat and situation is different! not one answer for everyone!

[@shingnosis]

You have a "relatively" light twin outboard boat, probably you're getting enough blade surface area in the water without needing 4-bladed props. The issue you run into with heavier boats and 3-bladed props is that you get a lot of slip which is inefficient, and there is less inbuilt lift in the prop (generally speaking). But if you can run 3-blades and you get enough lift and not too much slip that is the way to go. There is also the Enertia ECO prop you could try, it's a very good prop and built to be fuel efficient with x7 alloy for thinner blades. One curve ball you could run into is how your boats runs at a cruise fully loaded with guests, full fuel, fishing gear etc etc. I'd suspect that the advantage of 3-blades over 4-blades would diminish, but like you say every boat is different.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

I run loaded almost every day and haven't noticed a difference! I wanted to try the ECO's but couldn't get my hands on them!

[@Snookchaser007]

Prop choice definitely depends on boat and application of use. My 19’ Spyder flats boat blows out trying to get on a plane in shallow water and in hard turns with the three blade it came with. Switched to a four and dropped 1 pitch and never blows out now and gets up fast and shallow. Oddly I heard I would lose top end but actually gained 2 mph and better turning in the winding channels of North Mosquito lagoon area/Everglades city/ chokoloskee back country. Only negative was reverse is not very effective. 2019 Spyder FX 19 Yamaha F115

[@KeyWestWaterman]

yup! I believe it. every situation is so very different.

[@matthewbrundage2582]

Good info Thanks for sharing Aaron

[@KeyWestWaterman]

absolutely! thanks for watching!

[@charlieakers1522]

Awesome video. Thanks for sharing!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

Thanks for watching!

[@LoneStarCatch]

Good quality stuff. I have a Glacier Bay 2640 Catamaran. I am not focused so much on speed as much as I am about economy and control in the washing machine we call the North Texas Coast. I am jealous of you boys in Florida with your pretty sets. From what I am seeing in this video is you are not compromising a lot between the two when it comes to speed and economy, but IMO control matters where I am. Of course every boat is different.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

couldn't agree more, not one answer! thanks for tuning in!

[@echopeus22]

love it right on - hoping to be in the keys sometime soon

[@KeyWestWaterman]

happy to hear it! thanks for watching!

[@igobygio]

Great content again! Man Ive got to get down and fish with you......

[@KeyWestWaterman]

appreciate it! and you know where to find me!

[@sfowler8942]

Enjoyed it! Considering a new prop for mine.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

thank you! if you run enough its worth checking out! everyboat and situation is different though!

[@josephkey2979]

Good info i got about the same info when my boat was empty but when i had 4 guys and all the gear bait in both livewells 4 blades did better raised my stern easier and pushed the boat better with the load also did better in ruff ruff seas

[@KeyWestWaterman]

yea I ran them both loaded and light. all around the 3's fit me a little better. I don't like stern lift personally. digs my bow and kills my economy. I got tabs if I need em! we run alot in calm seas. I like a little bow lift to get some air under the boat. but we all fish different areas in different conditions! not a single correct prop for everyone! thanks for watching and sharing brother!

[@josephkey2979]

This is on a 27 foot cape horn twin 250s and once the fish boxes are all the way full it doesn't matter anyways. Its ruff always out of mayport jax 3 to 4 - 5 to 6 . Some small windows for a nice flat Atlantic but not many.

[@jmac0643]

Those are great numbers!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

very happy with them!

[@michaelcollins6851]

Another good one keep up the hard work be safe

[@KeyWestWaterman]

really appreciate it!

[@HarryCane305]

6:11 results -Thanks Aaron!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

thanks for watching!

[@sethstern6097]

Enjoy the new toys.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

for sure!

[@aquaman461]

Quality content Aaron. Who do you get advice from for props? I know pitch changes can make a big difference but who do you trust? Thanks for the thought provoking aquau dialogue!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

thank you! I talk to alot of local captains. most of us run similar boats. there's also a guy on thehulltruth ken with prop gods I believe. he knows his stuff. I gave him my numbers with these 3 blades and said they would be damn hard to beat based on my prop slip %

[@davidapple7861]

Same results I got on my 33' Palmetto. I spent a lot of money on those 4 blades, had them "tuned" but still the 3 blades worked better out of the box. I am not a mechanic but I think you want your WOT closer to your motors redline which is 5800-6400 rpm. I really enjoy your videos. Great job. Best to you. Capt. David A.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

yup! every boat is a little different, feels good to get it tuned it right! thanks for watching and glad you like the vids!

[@powerboatguy2308]

It's amazing how economical these modern motors are. I had a boat years back with twin 4 liter V8 Johnsons two strokes and it felt like I was flushing a toilet with gas. They were good motors, but it seemed you had to stay within eye sight of the fuel dock.

[@oceanblue8991]

Thanks for posting, impressive economy. Any difference in sea keeping or bow steer with the 3 vs 4 blades?

[@KeyWestWaterman]

very! I think the 3 blades a smidge more loose in rough seas, tiny slower out of the hole. which I don't mind, im not a race boat. all comes down to what you want out of your boat! they are perfect for me!

[@maxmarcus9002]

Was at stock island marina last week on a yankee capts trip. I guess you didn’t have any trips that day as your boat was sitting in the slip

[@KeyWestWaterman]

I'm starting to block days for myself! fishing is hard on ya, especially when you do it every day! hope y'all did well!

[@logandezan8727]

I prefer the three blades. They’re easier on gearcases. Same if not better than economy across the board over 4blades. Nice video capt!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

im a 3 blade fan as well! I like a little bow lift, gets air under the boat better eco. if I want the bow down thats why I have tabs!

[@logandezan8727]

@@KeyWestWaterman from a Avid offshore fisherman up in the panhandle, between you and Dan Mcmahons channel makes me really wanna dive in and shoot some fish! Keep up the awesome content !

[@bobhowlett2872]

Like the posting. Question arises because I'm looking at similar issue but have 250HP V8 Verado. Have Rev4 17P with twin V8 verado. Most rule of thumb is going from 4 blade to 3 blade you need to increase 2 inch pitch, so going from 17P 4B need 19P 3 blade. If your motors have the adaptive latest PCM then Demand power and Demand Guardian may have a play with your motors, but they do with mine. Do you know

[@mattross4626]

Great video! Looking into best pros for my scarab 302 2 250 hpdi’s. Boat is custom rebuilt. Much heavier than factory production 302.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

oh yea!

[@kellyruss6443]

Thank you

[@KeyWestWaterman]

Thank you for watching!

[@antoinerouchon7802]

YES

[@KeyWestWaterman]

haha yes!

[@anthonylentini3487]

Good stuff

[@KeyWestWaterman]

Thanks for watching

[@ronaldbertin9455]

Like the video and not a Merc fan. Keep it up same tech for all outboards

[@KeyWestWaterman]

thanks for tuning in!

[@ski-keser9457]

Great work 👏 👍 👌

[@KeyWestWaterman]

Thanks for watching!

[@bedbathandyourmom6565]

Great video as always. Hey where can I get a pair of your free diving fins

[@KeyWestWaterman]

ty sir! and you can buy them online! alchemy.gr absolutely love mine!

[@justinyablon6668]

I prefer 4 blades on my Contender. I'll take the stern lift and lower planing speed over top end. Hardly ever need to tab down. 25 Open with 200 Suzukis.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

yea everyone has different needs! totally understand. personally don't like stern lift. digs my bow and kills my eco. I have trim tabs so I can use em if I need em! my main concern is MPG which 3 blades won that test. thanks for sharing and watching brother!

[@EPstroker]

@@KeyWestWaterman stern lift usually helps economy getting more boat out of the water and less wetted surface. If you didn't have enough bow lift you may have had dud prop or 2 that needed more cup in the blade tips. The barrel flare ring on props is what gives stern lift. The cupping in tips gives bow lift. Not a know it all just trying to help. I come from the bass boat world and try to set up for max efficiency......good balance between hole shot and top end.

[@sasquatchwithinternetacces2940]

Have you looked into the sharrow props? From some testing ive seen they offer a huge increase in economy without really losing any performance.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

I have not I will check them out!

[@sasquatchwithinternetacces2940]

Didnt expect a response on a 9 month old video. Love the channel, my favorite spearfishing channel by far, keep up the awesome work! But really do yourself a favor and look into the sharrows. In most applications it gets on plane almost 1000rpms sooner, has about 35% better fuel efficiency through the midrange, has a higher speed throughout the rpm range, is smoother, handles better, and it goes on. Dont work for them but put their prop on my 30ft inboard and the difference was incredible.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

@@sasquatchwithinternetacces2940 just looked them up I’ve heard of them a while back heard they are crazy expensive! Will definitely check them out!

[@yoancaballero5986]

Great video!!! I own a 2007 angler 2600 with twin 250hp Optimax I currently have 19 pitch mirage plus doing 40 miles at 4000 rpm, my open throttle is 5200. I was thinking of changing to 17 pitch 4 blades props. Would that be a good change?

[@KeyWestWaterman]

im not knowledgeable enough in the prop department to say for sure. but im pretty sure optimaxes should be turning more than 5200! sounds like you could go down a couple pitches and see what kind of numbers you get!

[@anything.with.motors]

What i want to know is at 2000rpm. Hauling or pulling like a 5+ ton steel boat witch is better

[@tailintheduckers8178]

Hey Aaron capt Brandon here hope to shoot fish this year with you🤙

[@KeyWestWaterman]

I look forward to it brother! thanks for watching!

[@leegoe3304]

Thanks for sharing. Do you like the mercury over Yamaha?

[@KeyWestWaterman]

I do! very happy with my Mercurys!

[@hookdontail4623]

Waiting to test my new 19 three blade. Single motor.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

hope it ends up working out! im a 3 blade fan!

[@TheOlRazzleDazzler]

Nice video. 1.4 wide open ain’t shabby bro. Did you notice any difference climbing out of the hole?

[@KeyWestWaterman]

not at all! but yea probably a smidge slower out of the hole but barely noticeable. which isn't an issue at all for me. people talk about hole shot like its something super important. beats me! I plane out 10 times a day at most. would save me a total of 10 seconds that day lol

[@mrbill1683]

What did you do with the 4 blade props? spares, or sell? (or return???)

[@KeyWestWaterman]

I was borrowing them from the marina! gave them back

[@user-ke2nv7cr5k]

You should be doing your prop testing with G3 computer plug in

[@NTCOX]

U the man!!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

haha appreciate it!

[@hemipower63]

My friend, how about a little Kite fishing. I’ll bring mine if a get a discount 😝

[@KeyWestWaterman]

haha not a huge fan of kite fishing, mainly catching sails. which I don't eat. but we shall see! maybe i'll do a little this winter!

[@tommytriglav5181]

Lol you say that you charter better put 4 extra bodies in there and run those test again. Lol

[@KeyWestWaterman]

Lol

[@theborg269x]

Lacking info what's the diameters?? If running top of rpm range u need 3 blade 1

[@KeyWestWaterman]

I can't remember off the top of my head.

[@kalsaumesatungiamata9066]

Why did you select Mercury for your repower over Yamaha?

[@KeyWestWaterman]

their new line has insane economy! saving a ton on fuel. also lighter than my yam 150's. almost 600 hours on these mercs without a hiccup.

[@nelsonlima8477]

I'm an old fart and I like the way you talk straight all talking God bless you man and your beautiful family I like the video that your wife doesn't with a with that thing if you put in the water

[@KeyWestWaterman]

haha thanks for watching! appreciate it!

[@jimalden7130]

Always ran 3 blade on 27 proline

[@KeyWestWaterman]

I love my 3 blades!

[@korndawggy1801]

I think I would like a four blade better for my tiller steer boat just to get the bow down a little more at cruise.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

yup! its a little different for every boat!

[@SIPATAHONA]

Gpod my friends

[@KeyWestWaterman]

thanks ofor watching!

[@SIPATAHONA]

@@KeyWestWaterman oke

[@ZoneTelevision]

Longer Hull with a narrower beam will also go faster and get better fuel econ.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

I believe it

[@joechicktellsem]

What’s your trim at?

[@KeyWestWaterman]

trimmed out just before it starts to cavitate, can't remember what the trim number was

[@Kliph4ShariLove]

From what I have fround the 3 blade is more about speed and fuel economy and the 4 blade is more about heavy loads and torque. Love your vids and your douwn to earth concept of content!!!! New sub and I will be witch for a LONG time!!!!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

that sounds right to me! really appreciate the feed back and thanks so much for the sub!

[@kingrob4180]

Lol.. I would love to know why these trolls would even bother giving a thumbs down on a video like this.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

lol who knows! gives them joy I assume!

[@jml7916]

I don’t do nice fancy boats like you but old, crappy Bayliners with I/O drives. On my very underpowered 23’ cruiser with a 190hp 4.3 merc, going to 4 blade helped get the struggling beast on plane. Top end was never a concern because this boat needed to be under propped just to get going and was always cruised at 24mph. On my 19’ Capri with a 230 hp 5.0 I use 3 blades for economy and top end. This boat is the opposite and the hole shot is fantastic. Why they ever put a 2 barrel 4.3 in a 4000lb boat, I’ll never understand.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

the world may never know!

[@nelsonlima8477]

1.93. Is Dan good

[@KeyWestWaterman]

very very happy with it!

[@warrenedmunds6316]

Money in your pocket

[@KeyWestWaterman]

amen!

[@spinfishingtr]

Speed and economy values are OK but what about torque you feel?? I preferred 4 blades.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

they feel plenty for me, I normally run 5 people load with fuel and ice and have no issues. I run my boat daily.

[@naturesounds8456]

I think 3 blade with a bit higher pitch cruising better.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

bigger pitch too big my rpms are right

[@nelsonlima8477]

If you maintain the bottom of the boat nice and cream it's better God bless me a good man

[@KeyWestWaterman]

haha yea my bottom is pretty dirty, could use some love. numbers would be noticeably better!

[@reelfinatic9439]

Not sure if you noticed but you’re trim was off slightly

[@KeyWestWaterman]

Yup!

[@Evan721sxm]

I wonder if it would be different if you were loaded down...full of fuel, people, gear. I think the 4 blades would perform better then.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

I had 4 blades on my Yamahas and wasn't a fan of them. I ran loaded all the time with them. but who knows.

[@Respecet1981]

Enertia 19p will be great

[@KeyWestWaterman]

Ran 19 mirage they were wayyy too big. Enertia are similar props i believe with a larger diameter if i remember correctly.

[@Respecet1981]

@@KeyWestWaterman mirage 19x15.2 Mirage 17x15.5 Enertia 19x14 Enertia 17x14.5 Enertia echo came with very large diameter 16 inches

[@toddwhite3217]

You need 19P ... 3 blade ... WOT is to many revs.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

19 is much too big tried them, only turned 5600 light load. I normally don't ever run as light as I was in this vid.

[@toddwhite3217]

@@KeyWestWaterman well 5600 is right where you should be ... triming the motors is also key and really affects the performance and speed and your results ... thanks for reading my post and responding ... i have many 200s and 225s merc outboards, I never liked the 17p, just saying... i like to see 50+ mph at WOT ... i will even run 21p on my twin 225 optimax's pushing a 31' chriss craft ... anyway good luck from Little Torch Key...

[@AmericanOutdoors1]

Prop changes for peanuts.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

peanuts ad up in my line of work.

[@georgespangler1517]

Making vedios with who cares attitude won't get you likes and the attention you require

[@KeyWestWaterman]

lol okay