3 Blade prop to 4 blade prop

So, let me be sure I have this right. You have a boat you like but it's overpropped. You just paid $3.5 million. You'd recommend selling it for $2.7 million and buying another boat you don't like rather than repitching the props. Yes, I know you were joking.

Unfortunately, I've been around so many cases of wrong props on new delivered boats. On small boats on the lake it was a regular issue with US builders and it appeared to be worst, or at the very least most noticed, in higher performance boats. However, recently, I've seen the problem from several well regarded builders in the US, Europe and Asia. In some cases, I think they're testing with virtually no load on the boat. Other cases, I have no idea what their problem is.

Now, I will add one issue on new boats and that is that many I've had have gained performance, gained RPM, during their break in and up to their first 50 hours. However, if RPM is on spec at the outset, I'm happy with gaining 50 or so.

I'm afraid in that size range and that price range, you'd likely have to choose the lesser of evils as none are buttoned up as tight as they should be. These are production models and the quality assurance isn't what it should be. However, when we look for brands to buy, they're not as bad as others. Sad we have to look at it that way.

Both are long term, well known builders. I've seen it on several new yachts from Europe.....air temp/water temp are much colder than South Florida. They zealously propped it where it barely made RPM's there, then 30F hotter air temp and 20F hotter water temp and motors make less HP. I've seen it on half a dozen new builders over the years.

I've spent my life trying to learn as much as I can, but choosing a prop still confounds me. As you point out though there is so much more involved besides 'a 4 blade prop will give more at the top end and a 3 blade prop more in the mid-range'. For some things there are just so many factors to consider that you're just better off putting yourself in the hands of the professionals.

I'm interested to hear how you make out, I'm on Long Island too. My 1990 46 has 692's and 3-blade props with "26" and "25" both stamped into each hub. I only got 20 knots out of her this past summer after purchase, and I'd like more. It's been recommended that I have Johnson Machine in Freeport take a look at my wheels. I have no idea if they are original or not.

I had to leave Whaleneck because of the southerly weather exposure, my starboard rubrail got destroyed back in November, and I'll be looking for a new home. The engines spun right up to 2300 with no problem, I suspect I'm under propped.

not sure, I think your cruise with the 92s should be closer to 24-25 knots

i damaged my rub rail in that storm also.
One section is like $300 and another $200 for shipping, it comes in 20' lengths.
I got the exact stainless insert at Freeport Marine.
i have not ordered the rub rail yet.

I ordered the Rubrail with a minimum purchase of 20 ft but had it cut into 7' lengths for shipping. I may have some extra left over I can give you. And yes I am hoping for 24-25 knots, my props are at Johnson Machine in Freeport now, going to add a little more pitch

Nice to see some local south shore Posts on here! Bit of a thread derailment but you can find me at Tobay more often than not. PM me if you'd like to share contact info offline.

He deciphered the stamps and said they were originally 26"x26". somebody removed an inch of pitch, probably when the previous engines were worn out. These 6-92's have only about 500 hrs on them. They ran right up to 2300-2350 rpm without delay. Top speed I ever saw was 20k. Going back to 26x26

1100 HP should be able to get me 24-25 knots without a struggle. We shall see