Props-3 blade or 4 blade

[TigeDuner]

In my search for my next Tige, I found that the 2005 24V that I am looking at has a 3 blade prop while my 2000 2300V has a 4 blade prop. Why the change over the years and is one better than the other for boarding and surfing?

[gman]

I believe it should have a 4 blade prop. 16 pitch if a 340hp.

[spharis]

V-Drive usually have 4-blade
Direct Drive, usually a 3

I had written up the math on how to choose pitch and size in another thread, or how to base a decision rather. Might want to search for it.

***edit***
Found it
http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2660&highlight=prop+slip

[R&T Babich]

What is the gear ratio of the V-drives? Our 2000 21V could have come with a 1:1 or 1:1.46 ratio. The V-drive gear ratio is the biggest factor is determing 3 or 4 blades. Ours has the 1:1.46. I ordered an Acme 537 13.5x16 4 blade for it. If it was the 1:1 Acme reccomended another prop that was a 3 blade. Maybe the 2005 24V has a 1:1 V-drive and the 2000 2300V has a 1:1.46.

[TigeDuner]

Thanks for help guys but I found a different 2005 24V that I am going to purchase. This one has the 4 blade prop.

[dogbert]

I went from a 4 blade back to a 3-blade on my V-Drive. I was able to lower the pitch and gain some top end. It cavitates a whole lot less, especially under load.

[TigeDuner]

Do you think the same will hold true for a boat as heavy as the 24V ???????????????

[dogbert]

Do you think the same will hold true for a boat as heavy as the 24V ???????????????

I would think so. If you look at the pictures in my thread (http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2313&highlight=blade+prop) you'll see the difference in surface area. My dealer was putting them on all their new Tiges as of last year, including all their V-Drives. They like to ride their boats with a lot of ballast, so if they switched, I would think that you would be ok. My boat is pretty heavy also.

[TigeDuner]

Thats great information and something to consider if and when we add ballast. Thanks-

[Tip]

I'm thinking about switching back to my 3 blade, the 4 blade just does not seem to perform as well as my 3 blade did.

[Domsz06]

i have a three blade on my DD and talked to acme and they said even if I load it up, Ishould stay a 3 blade, based on my engine and weight. Just a bit different pitch.