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Old 10-02-2017, 10:18 PM   #15
LarryM
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City: League City, TX
Vessel Name: Pelago
Vessel Model: Wellcraft 3300 Coastal
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,069
Quote:
Originally Posted by AKDoug View Post
When researching prior to purchasing my vessel I noted that the claimed specs for 3 bladed props vs four there was a difference in stated fuel economy (with the same engine installed). I get a fuel burn of .42 gph at 1850 rpm's and about 14 mpg with my Yanmar, the four bladed prop didn't fare as well...
Absolutely the same experience with my former boat, Boomarang (a Fales Willard clone) and it's 56HP Yanmar. Switched from a 17" 4-blade to an 18" 3-blade and made a world of positive difference. WOT RPM was the same, but mid to upper end performance was better. My cruise speed of 6.75kt was achieved about 125 fewer RPM. Much better 'bite', same in reverse. The blade design really comes into play here. Between Dave Gerr and Michigan Wheel I found all the information I needed to make the right propeller selection.
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