Little Boat - Big Motor | Prop Testing | 3 Blade Vs. 4 Blade

[@andyr4499]

We build bow riders for gigging the same way, if you don’t know what your doing it will throw you out

[@mritolduso7355]

As expected, the 3 blade performed better, especially on economy! Thanks Aaron once again for an informative video!!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

thanks for watching!

[@randyruney5704]

Wow. Scary from the front of the boat. Love the video of the boat going by. Years ago had a friend from a news station skip work to go with us in the bay. While fishing we saw the station helicopter in the distance. It turned towards us. His roommate on the copter recognized the boat. Came down low & motioned to go which we did. Then dropped in front of us filming the entire time. The video was so cool to watch but he couldn’t give us a copy. Your video just brought back so many memories. Thanks

[@gradybrowning3976]

What a pleasant surprise, thank you Sir! 3 Blade for sure!

[@Beardlovesdog]

The 3 blade prop got a bit better gas mileage as well. Nice safety tips Aaron. I respect that you always are as safety minded as possible and promote that. But you have some fun too. Much respect.

[@tpelton]

i'll just throw this out there, but in aviation, the debate is usually 2 blade vs. 3 blade. and generally i think the wisdom is, that a 3 blade "grabs more" and so is better for takeoff and climb, but a 2 blade is better for go fast in cruise (once you reach your planned altitude and level off), and usually the reason cited is that less blades is less drag, so good for cruise, but, more blades is more "grab" which is better for getting off the runway and climbing. i assume boat propeller dynamics are similar.

[@ranksadventuretv]

Even on a bad day, the view is spectacular❤.

[@johnnyvee9486]

Never would've guessed that the Gheenoe could go that fast! But I guess with enough motor, anything is possible. I love your work area, just pull into some random cove and change the prop! Very Dibbs of you. Cheers!

[@JoseDiaz-yl9sh]

It looks great congratulations great job. Hope that weather didn't do hurt your house.

[@markreynolds2351]

I put a Merc 90hp on my BW 4 years ago. Never thought about the prop until now. I’ll be ordering one for the spring! Thanks

[@comfortablynumb9342]

Looks like the 3 blade is the winner. Cool. That's an interesting little skiff.

[@robertgore8911]

Strange looking set up.Reminds me of an old school Florida mullet boat.Good luck with that on a 2 foot chop.🤠

[@dcardoso44]

Yooooo! I love this. I've been doing the same thing this year trying to get my pitch, trim angles and blade type right! Perfect.

[@anything.with.motors]

The flyby with you standing in the front looks hilarious

[@deniselynch8869]

Definitely the 3 blade looked like it had you up a bit more. Thank you for sharing

[@andywilkerson8750]

Safety Lanyard cord #1, and a vest you can't see sunken logs just under the water in Louisiana!

[@danielgriffis9759]

Excellent point. Logs, trees, wood pallets, etc. I'm imagine some floating objects are hard to detect until you're right on top of them. Yes, even considering the helm on bow.😊❤

[@rumualdoviales2328]

What a view! Thanks for sharing!

[@plantzengineering9925]

I threw the numbers into Excel and plotted out the Speed versus RPM. The data shows the 3 blade will give you slightly higher speeds at the same RPM as the four blade. I'd assume that's in part because the 3 blade has less drag than the 4 blade. Great video, very educational! Thanks for sharing

[@plantzengineering9925]

The 3 blade needs about 3% less RPMs to achieve the same speed as the 4 blade.

[@Aaron_Hanson]

@@plantzengineering9925I imagine that it’s the extra blade creating slight cavitation so the reduction in rpm is a direct result of the ability the 3 blade has to gain friction. I’m no engineer but I have had my fair share of prop testing both driving and being towed by boats. I used to run a 23 pitch during races and a 21 during social season (both 3 blade).

[@plantzengineering9925]

That could very well be the reason @@Aaron_Hanson. I don't have the hands-on experience with testing props so I'll take your word for it. Very interesting stuff, thanks for the comment!

[@rickshearer6359]

Wow!! That's a little DRAG BOAT!!! I RECOMEND A LIFE JACKET...AND A PARACHUTE...JUST IN CASE YOU GET EJECTED!!!! THAT'S FAST ON THE WATER!!!....I had a friend that had a drag boat....I went for a ride...one time only!!! We did 0 to 100mph pretty fast !! It scared me! It had a blown 396 in it...chrome headers....motor was custom built for it!!!

[@MichaelSmith-uu2sw]

Not sure if you are reading any posts. Just got back from fishing outer banks in some wicked surf so just catching up on your videos. Was going to mention your last video when you were jigging. I starting using the Nomad Squidtrex Vibe lures while jigging and they have been money for me!

[@jjsager1]

Cool video Aaron

[@russpost2557]

They had mullet boats where you stand ot sit up front, motor was up front also. With banning gill nets these boats are mostly gone .

[@highcommander2007]

This is a cool video, I dont think ive ever seen anyone doing various prop tests like this.

[@wimtheeuwen7315]

Rokkit kit, an awesome fishing and spear fishing channal out of Australia did it a few monts back with his new boat and engine.

[@bjet80s]

If you do decide to build a bow rider i suggest riding in a mullet/gigging boat first. They are on a whole different level of control from a helm and you better hold on....they will throw you out. Ive owned 5 gheenoes but this one by far is my favorite Aaron. You and Sammie built a fine machine!

[@kaibryant8434]

Holy shi- your Gheenoe slides Aaron, kinda jealous tbh. Thanks for the knowledge on props tho, great video.

[@OCDgamer234]

Nothing better than this. Enjoy life man!

[@tylersizemore166]

I’d love to see you do a flats fishing video for reds bone fish or permit sight fishing the flats off that gheenoe

[@johnq.public2621]

Aaron, Have you checked out the Sharrow prop yet? Perhaps a jack plate as well?

[@rodneyalaking8241]

Yeah, jack plate. Maybe some Lenco trim tabs, too.

[@johnq.public2621]

@@rodneyalaking8241 Oooohhhhhh, nice!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

I have not, they are pricey!

[@dhooter]

Tempest if you can find one are great at bow lift. Maybe a five blade also.

[@rustbucket9318]

Thinking of staying in the boat if something gets dicey I know you have the wheel to hold and the throttle but instead of the throttle maybe a dedicated "oh shit" handle would be good on the right side of the helm. And 43 mph is fast in a little boat like that, my late grandpa's old Skeeter stick steer I called the coffin would go about 30-32 and it felt like 50.

[@lewisspeed3041]

Very informative,that lil boat can move

[@TheDrPopEye]

Nothing like a double sky in the morning!

[@OZD-mb2bs]

Great video! That boat could cruise at 30 all day, plenty fast.

[@MrJackg3]

My super 18 did 52 with a 75 HP. And I still had some throttle left it was sketchy! I can’t remember what pitch I was running I think 19 pitch.

[@TomS-i6e]

Need to play with pitch. Everybody is spot on for blades (bigger/heavier/larger boats run 4/5/6 blades for that reason), but on a boat that size/weight, you need more pitch. If you can hit max RPM, keep going up in pitch till you can't, then you can back down. Buddy had a 18 foot center console with a 90, and it would hit 40, so you have a lot of extra HP waiting to be used.

[@rickcreel3657]

the pitch has a lot to do with speed. getting the right picth for your boat maybe a challenge. maybe a prop shop can let you try many different pitches until you get the right one. i used a 9 pitch wide blade when hauling a load and a 13-pitch when fishing in rocky bottom.

[@ThaiNguyen-wg3uy]

Always love your vids as always keep it up! This will be a bad analogy, but it looks like a Hemi engine in a Honda civic!!!

[@thesaurus688]

I want to hear about the new motors on the contender

[@mickemike2148]

Anyone else here that is nerdy enough to just love stainless steel props? Considering the fuel prices today, I'd say go for the one that give you the best fuel efficiency at the speed that you cruise.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

amen to that!

[@justdoingitjim7095]

The ads were blocking the lower 3/5ths of the readings. Only the top two were visible.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

I just fixed it! sorry about that!

[@jimmyera3779]

Did you ever consider an outboard with jet drive vs traditional?

[@randaltotten9358]

They lose a little speed and Power but better for saving the grass Flats and manatees but don't do good with plastic bags

[@KeyWestWaterman]

alot of areas here jet drives are prohibited.

[@jimmyera3779]

@@KeyWestWaterman I was just curious. You seem like you do all your homework before a big purchase. I figured there was a logical reason

[@Bass_attack7755]

Jet drives are inefficient and have many issues. You can't just pop the impeller off and install a new one like a prop outboard

[@aarontrenton1730]

Definitely 3 blade for the win. I already had an opinion but I’ve never owned or ran a gheenoe. I do however run a 4 blade on my 24’ bay boat. I sacrifice fuel economy and top speed but I gain holeshot while loaded with fuel and passengers. I never would have thought your gheenoe would need a 4 blade but I did consider the fact you put your helm at the bow. So what I did notice.. Is that with the 3 blade at top speed. You had a slight porpoising compared to the 4 blade. Did you happen to mess around very much with the trim as you were testing both props?

[@marcostreet3169]

Your results were blocked out by your video thumbnails. Was curious how the fuel consumption/speed/rpm compared.

[@robertfernandez3741]

Hey Aaron I love these type of shows I was wondering why you never talked about repairing your contender Love the show keep it up

[@RCGache]

I am an engineer, so I love that nos. graph you did at the end of the video--easily and quickly informative. One thing, KZbin puts end screens at the end of your videos which blocked the graph content. I had to download a copy of the video (I have a Premium Subscription that allows me to do this) to see the full nos. spread on the graph. Downloaded videos do not have end screens. Apparently, only the content creator can control if these end screens appear.

[@blauer2551]

I minimized to read comments went back and they were gone, so I could see it all

[@luxorbill269]

4 prop looked smoother in the drive by. Cool and different type of boat. A lot of wind in your face at 43 MPH.

[@RIMHQ-YT]

I have a 16 feet Fletcher arrowsport with a yamaha 2 stroke 115hp on it. Chinewalk at almost 50 knots and with a 23p aluminium.

[@JGrimm420]

You should tell the stories behind those fish tails hanging on that tree and include any clips of you have them. Love the vids

[@jeremyjmailloux]

I'd try a 17p 3 blade Mercury prop. Probably get you the best mpg and cruise speed at 3500-4000 that your after.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

yea I was looking for a 17 to try, slightly bigger would push a hair faster/more efficient at cruise but lose a tiny bit of rpms at top end which i'm not concerned with. Hopefully can find one!

[@goaski474]

Love to see you try out a Sharrow!

[@Bear304inc1]

Gotta be an awesome ride! Like skateboarding on water!! Subbed… Also if it were me I’d run the 3 blade about 25mph,, that fuel economy is important if you spend a lot of time on the water…

[@triplea333]

Anyone else noticed that cuda jump out of the water @7:21? Or jack crevalle?

[@Elodarian]

Have you seen those new props (I think they're called helical) that have rounded tips?

[@johnnorris1227]

You talking about Sharrow props???

[@KeyWestWaterman]

I've seen them, don't have any hands on with them.

[@Elodarian]

@@johnnorris1227 I saw something about them being used on DRONES and then about on boats... Always wondered why people don't use shrouded propellers out there, to reduce animal strikes to manatees and turtles?

[@pierricleopold6363]

Thérèse à fish Thatcher bloc in the background at 7:22😂

[@savage8329]

Good motor I work for powersports in Cincinnati well Cabelas and I love our mercury motors

[@Bass_attack7755]

Honda suzuki or Yamaha are much better and more reliable

[@ericdornfeld4848]

What is the gear ratio on that drive? According to Mercury prop slip calculator, you are going faster that that 15p can possibly go. -3% slip. I must be missing something. Thanks!

[@stevenratcliff8956]

You need bow lift. I’d try an 18 Raker v4. That’s the lowest pitch it’s made in Thing has super grip, you should be able to turn it 5700ish

[@jaadmaan8156]

Now we’ve got to see a sharrow blade comparison!

[@violetsydney4942]

3-Blade Propellers Higher top speed: 3-blade propellers generally have a higher top speed than 4-blade propellers. Better acceleration: 3-blade propellers also have better acceleration than 4-blade propellers. Less drag: 3-blade propellers have less drag than 4-blade propellers, which can lead to improved fuel efficiency. More efficient at higher speeds: 3-blade propellers are more efficient at higher speeds than 4-blade propellers. 4-Blade Propellers Better handling: 4-blade propellers provide better handling and stability, especially at low speeds. More grip in the water: 4-blade propellers have more grip in the water than 3-blade propellers, which can be beneficial for boats that are used for towing or carrying heavy loads. More efficient at lower speeds: 4-blade propellers are more efficient at lower speeds than 3-blade propellers.

[@alexisnogueras9400]

Omg I can't believe a 90hp! Mine has a 25hp only. Did you reinforce the transom?

[@hectorsuarez1227]

The choice is clear. 3 blade for the win 👍 The 4 blade did plant the bow a little better. You were hopping around a bit at top speed with the 3 blade. I’m sure it’s not a big deal at cruising speed.

[@Mike-hb4pc]

I'm pretty sure that could be remedied by trimming the engine out better. Maybe a set of trim tabs? (don't know how that would work on that kind of a boat though)

[@michaelsachs-gp8qh]

😮 wow did not realize the bow dug that much from watching your regular vedios. It would have been nice to have the same camera angle on the two drive by's, but the 3 blade propeller bow shot the bow looked higher and the boat look like it would be more stable than the 4 blade propeller might be in choppy water.

[@juanziegler1471]

did you trim it out for top speed ? seems sad but weight of 4 stroke doesnt help yet its the future our 19 ft aluminum center console got 38 mph in trim w 70 HP 2 STROKE jOHNSON IN THE 90S

[@ScottStrange-k8o]

Nice video. How is the water quality? I've heard it's been cloudy.

[@AdventuresCG]

Just the other day I saw what I believe was a super 18 with a forward console. It was a little more closed in like the crabbers us here in IRL. Is that one custom as well?

[@KeyWestWaterman]

I had one on my old boat and never used it.

[@HarryCane305]

That does look nose down. 1st pass. 2nd pass looked worse, choppy. whoa, I didn't expect better fuel on the 3 blade.

[@brianseitz7792]

The data comparison at the end of the video is covered up by KZbin's "next video recommendations" which covers part of screen during the last 20 seconds.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

Damnit 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@sr2Xvet]

7:19 fish jumps nice

[@jimrowland6089]

It looks like it rides well at 40 but I bet it rides a lot better at 25mph. I am in Bass Boats fairly often and hull design has a lot to do with speed and comfort. Boates that ride well at high speed don't do super skinny water very well. Still looks like Harley designed that one to have a nice helping of both worlds. Floats super shallow, stable, and handles a bigger engine just fine. Gheenoe is and will always be one of my favorite boats on the water.

[@FlipCouvillion]

When you showed us the results from the 4blade my guess was that the 3blade would do 44🤙 close enough lol

[@stereolababy]

so you don't adjust the trim at all? like put it at 4k rpm and see if the speed goes up or down

[@KeyWestWaterman]

yea I was playing with the trim the entire time.

[@gwagb27]

Normally 4 blades have better lift and turning bite. And better low end holeshot, but I think the way your boat is setup it kind of counteracts the benefits of the 4 blade. Good info though.

[@timlong1462]

I thought the 4 would be ideal for this application too. Generally they describe 4's as having bow lift, not stern lift. That is due to the fact you can trim them significantly higher before ventilating. Even after ventilation a 4 with some cupping will provide lots more thrust than a 3. I've got a cupped 4 on my 14ft with a 25 hp and it runs 27-28 and will run 25 with half the prop out of the water and a low water scoop. 3 blade wouldn't come close to that.

[@clebermachado]

What are your thoughts on the sharrow propeller??!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

I don't have any! haha if I ever get my hands on one I'll let ye know.

[@davecfishing7907]

why no jack plate in that skinny water

[@glockshooter187]

Man 42 feels so fast standing on a bow rigged boat doesn't it? I've spent alot of time of the bow of a gillnet/ castnet boat. It's fun being up there till it get choppy. Lol

[@joeponder9668]

Hope you enjoyed it?!? Act like your no body…. I am playing prop games with my grand pa bass boat now. Do you have a site or matrix where I can get close?

[@gigeconomy8677]

I miss the stick steer!!

[@polishchachafishing]

Looking good big guy❤❤

[@careaganwilliams2544]

Always good stuff!

[@rowlandkimbrough6049]

Try a Mirage 3 blade 17 x15.5 before you decide on prop. Not sure if is made for the 90.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

thats what I have on my big boat, 225's I don't think they will fit a 90.

[@buttdreads]

Really nice boat

[@mod_incllc3235]

Slightly better MPG and top end speed with the 3 blade but from the video at least you were running nice and flat with the 4 blade and definitely porposing with the 3 blade.. Maybe just needed to trim down a bit.

[@miffy8241]

Is that a command thrust 90hp or standard gear case?

[@KeyWestWaterman]

standard.

[@randyhenderson2377]

Aaron, I'm really surprised that your boat hit that speed, knowing you are hauling around your giant, "you know whats". I mean, that's got to be only for the young and fearless standing on that bow at 42 or so mph.

[@javierartile6761]

good afternoon brother, where can you buy a boat like that?

[@KeyWestWaterman]

we built this one custom in the mold, so unfortunately nowhere. unless you built it yourself.

[@Sps1756]

Whats up man, you look as though you have lost some weight , you good ? Oh have you ever thought about putting a dolfin, you know a hydrofoil on motor 🤔 i don't know all the dynamics of the boat , or if it would work for you. But I thought it would look cool skimming across the top of the water when its glass.

[@tonygville2969]

Go with the gut 👍✌️🙏 Viva Cristo Rey ✌️

[@mikesamir7751]

What happened to your other narrow boat?

[@KeyWestWaterman]

Sold it

[@shawnaustin8957]

Just riding out getting it

[@francus7227]

If you fish artificial with a trolling motor.... and you want a Gheenoe 18' ..... Get the side steering.

[@kenhuynh275]

Isn’t the bow get really bad in wave?

[@michaelbrown1015]

Wanting stern lift on a bow heavy boat is the exact opposite of what you want for better handling and performance. You should easily be able to run a 17p 3 blade on there and have the power to spin. General rule of thumb wheh trying to get General similar performance from a 4 blade a 3 blade, as in comparable rpms at WOT is to go up a minimum of 2 prop sizes. ie, 15p 4 blade to a 17p 3 blade, and vice-versa. You should Always get a higher top speed with a 3 blade. Better hole shot with a 4. "Should" be better cruise economy with the 4 as well, but in that size/weight boat it's probably negligible, especially if the 4 blade is giving you more stern lift, which is further exacerbating your bow plowing. I'd be curious to have you try a 17p 3 blade. I'd also be curious to see how the boat would respond to dropping that thrust pin a notch at a time with the 16p and 17p blades, to see what handling characteristics become like. Great video and cool boat!

[@THESLlCK]

That's terrifying I want to try it

[@wrightackle1]

It is your call. I would stick with the four blade. On the drive by there was very little difference in the bow attitude. With both props it seems like you are running downhill.

[@REPR100]

Wholly smokes, like a little rocket ship, I’d definitely be scared driving a gheenoe that fast

[@richardvila3]

Good test, be safe

[@peterparsons7141]

Keep testing, the amount you sail your boat it will make a huge difference over the next five years. You rig runs good, but I think you can do better,,, try some extremes,,just to see. I’ve found that the documents just don’t cover unique configurations like you have. Plus it’s pretty cool when you find some combination that fits perfect.

[@vernongandy9026]

There might be a reason in the boating industry why the control console is not in the bow. I hope nobody builds an accident waiting to happen. As long as the water is glass, it is ok.

[@kimbryangella9716]

I think the engine is struggling with those blades.. you can still reduce the size of your prop..

[@zekeharley]

just a comment, you can't see your stats at the end due to "next up" video links, not sure if you can shut that off or maybe its youtube doing it.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

Crap! maybe try pausing it, I didn't even think about it sorry!