BIG can of worms

[bravo1218]

I would like opinions, you know what that means
I am looking to replace my prop with a composite one. Now for the the questions.
I know there are lots of different ideas on what is right and it depends on boat, engine, use etc. And I also realize it is give and take, you will gain here and lose there. That is what I am trying to figure out.
2 blade vs. 3 blade
more inches (78) vs less inches (76)
What in general what will I gain and lose with different diameters and 2 or 3 blades, asumeing my engine is can turn them
Thanks for all replies
Tim

 

[bondsman]

hey bravo, it depends on what you want to accomplish the longer
the blade the more mass you have to spin up. the more blades the more
mass you have to spin up.how much power is your motor producing and
at what rpm all makes the choosing of the blade you use.but to get to the answer you probably wanted was the adding of a blade gives you more air push at low rpm thus getting off the ground quicker or plaining you a
little faster but sacrificing top rpm of your boat props efficeincy.instead of
getting max push at higher rpm with a two blade.but another issue is cost,
3 blades are more money than 2 blades.

 

[nebraskaairboater]

I was always told to turn the longest prop you can fit in your cage. I have also heard that some composite props have vibration problems if you use the 2-blade configuration. Most push from a prop comes from the center of each blade so it makes sense (if you can turn it) that the longer blades will have more "push".

Just my opinions.

Dan

 

[Waterthunder]

If you have any fillings do not run a wide blade two blade. The narrow blades seam to balance out better in a two blade configuration the wide blades have to many harmonic and balancing issues.