Prop Advice

[SummerIslander]

If you're looking for better driveability under varying loads at lower cruising speeds, and NOT top speed, a 4-blade prop is a good choice. A 4-blade has more "grip" on the water and will definitely help you plane faster and stay on plane at lower speeds and under heavy loads. It improves low and middle-range acceleration. A 4-blade also helps with watersports because you can hold it on the edge of plane at lower speeds without falling back off plane, typically 2-3 mph slower than with a 3-blade prop. That can also mean a lower cruising speed on plane if you want to drive around in a leisurely fashion. The speed reduction for an equivalent 4-blade is around 3-4 mph at top end for most boats.

On my 20ft 1977 bowrider (2800 lbs displacement, 200hp v8), I went from a 19" pitch 3-blade to an 18" pitch 4-blade and got the results described above.

An equivalent 4-blade prop is one pitch size smaller than a 3-blade (for some reason the 4-blades come in even pitch size #s, 3-blade in odd pitch size #s), so for instance if you have a 19" 3-blade now, try a 18" 4-blade and see if you like it.

Aluminum is the way to go on Winni with all the rocks, at least where I am and with various family boat drivers with rocks their heads. Cheaper and repairable too.

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by SummerIslander

I
Aluminum is the way to go on Winni with all the rocks, at least where I am and with various family boat drivers with rocks their heads. Cheaper and repairable too.

I hear that (love the rocks in their heads!!), but for better performance, especially with a V8, SS deflects far less.

[Shreddy]

Problem solved. Bought a new boat...has stainless

[robmac]

Congrats on your new boat! Hope you make new memories with family and friends out on the water

[Rich]

Nice! What did you buy!

[Shreddy]

Originally Posted by Rich

Nice! What did you buy!

Four Winns 240 Horizon (2006). Very happy with the upgrade and looking to put her in the water this weekend hopefully. I had no complaints with my earlier model, just wanted something a bit newer, more efficient, and better features.

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by Shreddy

Four Winns 240 Horizon (2006). Very happy with the upgrade and looking to put her in the water this weekend hopefully. I had no complaints with my earlier model, just wanted something a bit newer, more efficient, and better features.

Congrats! Don't expect a massive difference in efficiency. The 240 will likely use more fuel per mile than your old 220 since it's heavier.

[Shreddy]

Originally Posted by Dave R

Congrats! Don't expect a massive difference in efficiency. The 240 will likely use more fuel per mile than your old 220 since it's heavier.

Thanks, definitely not too worried about that aspect. I've always been of the mindset that if you can't afford the tank of gas, you can't afford the toy. Efficiency - I was looking for more of a cleaner drive, a bit faster, a bit smoother (although, now that I think back, the 92 is actually pretty smooth).

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by Shreddy

Thanks, definitely not too worried about that aspect. I've always been of the mindset that if you can't afford the tank of gas, you can't afford the toy. Efficiency - I was looking for more of a cleaner drive, a bit faster, a bit smoother (although, now that I think back, the 92 is actually pretty smooth).

Longer and heavier should make it smoother. HP makes it faster. Did you get a lot more power?