3 or 4 blade prop?

[Bilopete]

I just purcased a 2nd hand SeaJay 4.3m tinny with 35 evinrude.
The boat came with a 3 blade prop on the motor and a spare 4 blade prop.

Most of the time the boat will have 2 adults, 2 children and a baby.

I have read that a 4 blade prop is often better when the boat has a bit of weight in it, so should I change the 3blade to the 4 blade.

This is my 1st boat so my knowledge of props is VERY minimal i.e. I know what it looks like and where it goes!

CHeers

[fish-n-dive]

There is a major prop manufacturer that can be found in most fishing & boating publications. If you contact them and give your boat/motor/application details they will give you the best advice available.............;)

PS: sent you a PM

[plaztix]

The pitch of the prop is also a major factor in its suitability for a particular application.

No doubt one will probably be slower, which will give you better bottom end and effectively haul the bigger load more efficiently.

Best bet, try both and see how it feels.

[Hookin]

From what I understand depending on the pitch of each prop the 4 blade will give you more torque for hole shot or "get up and go" when the boat is loaded up,

The 3 blade will give better handling and all round preformance with lighter loads, it may even run a little faster at WOT.

Best way to find out for sure is try them both out, load the boat up and go for a spin take note fo how quick it gets up on the plane and what it handles like, then back to the ramp unload and do it again empty, then back to the ramp again change props and do it over again both loaded and unloaded.

Testing them will take all the guess work out of it and you will feel the differences and be able to comfortably choose which is best for you.

Cheers
Hookin