Currently have a 500 caddy with a 2:1 reduction, 2 blade water walker. Redline rpm is 4200 and cruise about 3200. If I switch the prop to a 3 or more blade that should help with more power correct? Also what will it do to fuel economy, increase or decrease? Also will it lower cruising rpm? Any advice greatly appreciated, still new to the airboat community. so much to learn.
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3+ blade help
- Thread starter GAFF SHOT
- Start date
SWAMPHUNTER45
Well-known member
Power is made at the engine and multiplied by the drive. More info on the prop would be helpful in looking at your situation. The overall length of the prop, current pitch setting and blade model (width) will help people to offer an informed opinion and provide their advice.
Are you sure it is a true 2:1 ratio ?
If your currently able to turn a 2 blade to 4200 the only way you could successfully add a blade would be to dramatically reduce pitch, diameter or blade width. When running a Cadillac your best resource for information will be Mr. Branch (352)797-9910 he keeps tabs on prop and ratio combinations. Primarily with Sensenich but he has had his customers run Whirlwind and WaterWalker.
If your running that 2 blade prop way over pitched then you would be a candidate for a 3 blade. If your not over pitched then you may be lite on power. One thing a 3 blade may give you is a lower cruise rpm but really I would need to see how the boat ran to offer serious advice.
Are you sure it is a true 2:1 ratio ?
If your currently able to turn a 2 blade to 4200 the only way you could successfully add a blade would be to dramatically reduce pitch, diameter or blade width. When running a Cadillac your best resource for information will be Mr. Branch (352)797-9910 he keeps tabs on prop and ratio combinations. Primarily with Sensenich but he has had his customers run Whirlwind and WaterWalker.
If your running that 2 blade prop way over pitched then you would be a candidate for a 3 blade. If your not over pitched then you may be lite on power. One thing a 3 blade may give you is a lower cruise rpm but really I would need to see how the boat ran to offer serious advice.
SWAMPHUNTER45
Well-known member
I call him the "WIZARD" !
It would be worth the money to have him look your engine over and offer up his opinion if he would have the time to do that anymore.
As of lately he turns down a lot of work because he has a line of people waiting on new engines. If your gonna be a Cadillac power boat it is worth the trip to see his little shop.
It would be worth the money to have him look your engine over and offer up his opinion if he would have the time to do that anymore.
As of lately he turns down a lot of work because he has a line of people waiting on new engines. If your gonna be a Cadillac power boat it is worth the trip to see his little shop.