330 Express F250s 3 blade vs 4 blade prop

[irishayes22]

Last year I bought a new to me 330 Express with Yamaha F250s. The boat came with 4 bladed props. From what I understand is the 4 bladed props will give you more maneuverability and pick up at lower speeds but you lose top end speed. My boat does not have a bow thruster, so the maneuverability is nice. I am however getting much more comfortable with the boat. On the other side of the scale, depending on weight and currents, I am only getting 20 to 23 knots at 4400-4500 rpms. My question is will 3 bladed props make a significant difference?

 

[wspitler]

When I had F250s on my 330, I’ve since upgraded to 300s, I had the three bladed original props and got numbers very similar to what you are getting with your four blades. My guess is three blades will not make much difference. My three blade props were 17 pitch, don’t recall exactly the diameter but I believe 15 1/2? Due to the different gear ratio of the 300s I went down to a 15 pitch blade as that is what Grady-White puts on the boat with 300s. I kept the three blade 17 pitch originals with the F250s and would let them go for a reasonable price if you want to go that way. They are in very good to excellent condition no nicks or chips. However, I don’t think they would make it make much difference for you. It is important that you can get between five and 6000 RPM at top end. I would look for 5500+ RPM as ideal.

 

[irishayes22]

Wspitler: thanks for the insight. I will let you know if I decide to change. I will check my top end rpms tomorrow

 

[irishayes22]

My wot is 5700 rpms

 

[Ekea]

5700 is pretty good.

twin 250s is not much for the 33 express. thats what i have on my 263 chase which is a MUCH smaller boat. (i am assuming you have twins and not trips)

 

[irishayes22]

Yeah I only have twins. I will eventually repower but hoping to get a couple more years out of these

 

[Automated14]

Last year I bought a new to me 330 Express with Yamaha F250s. The boat came with 4 bladed props. From what I understand is the 4 bladed props will give you more maneuverability and pick up at lower speeds but you lose top end speed. My boat does not have a bow thruster, so the maneuverability is nice. I am however getting much more comfortable with the boat. On the other side of the scale, depending on weight and currents, I am only getting 20 to 23 knots at 4400-4500 rpms. My question is will 3 bladed props make a significant difference?

I think it’s worth a try for 4 blades for docking and midrange. The 330 is never gonna be fast with 225’s or 250’s…even with 300’s mine is no speed demon. I have my 3 blades dialed in pretty good but I’m contemplating a set of 4 blades to see if I like them.

 

[irishayes22]

Thanks for your input

 

[georgemjr]

I ran the stock 3 blades and switched to the Merc Rev 4s. IMO didn't make much difference. I run mine with a little more RPM, around 4700-4900 and get 29MPH, sometimes a touch more, with them.

 

[loubeer]

Re-powered my 2003 to 4.2 L twin 250's. Readings on the attached photos were with 3 passengers and over 250 Gal. of fuel. Props are newest Saltwater series 3 blade 15 3/4 x 15P. I max out about 5600 rpm.

 

[irishayes22]

Thanks for the input guys.