~sun
2008 TR-20X HP, ETEC 250, 3 blade stainless 26 pitch, 1.5" below pad, WOT 5900 RPM at 77 MPH GPS. Will a four blade cut back some on chine walk or will it just dig the nose in more?
Do the props normally run that shallow (1.5" below pad) ? Seems pretty high in the water but I'm used to running 3-3 1/4" Hopefully someone smarter than me can help you out. And welcome to the UB family.
Four blade should give you more stability. While all boats will react a little different (my disclaimer), typically a four blade will lift the entire boat at the same time causing it to level out. This is what gives you the stability. Most people thing the bow just drops but that's not always the case. You may be able to bring the motor back down a bit as the prop will try and ride up. That will be something you'll have to play with. It will definitely bring down your RPM's.
Sounds like you've got the most if not a little more out of that set up, what is your goal in changing props?
Thanks. Goal is best ride, best speed, great holeshot...same as everyone else. Seriously, though, I have handled the chine walk pretty well, got her up to 70.5 with current set up before she got a alittle more than I cared to handle. I figure the four blade will run at 3-4.5 below the pad, and lisft the transom enough to keep at 74 mph stable. That is the goal.
1.5" below pad? What's your water pressure and are you sure you're measuring it correctly? A 250 HO Etec should be able to spin a 28 P right in spec. What gear case are you running? L1, L2, M2? Gear ratio? A 4 blade such as the Renegade will give you a better hole shot and better handling in rivers etc and better all around lift as stated. But a prop such as a 3 blade Raker or Raker 2 will give better top end and bow lift.