2000 Sea Ray 310 DA - T300hp IBs - Thinking of going to a 4 bladed prop ... thoughts?

[ArtWallach]

2000 Sea Ray 310 DA - T300hp IBs - Thinking of going to a 4 bladed prop ... thoughts?
A Prop shop recently told me that i can get my boat running better than new by changing to a 4 bladed prop. I would get better lift at the stern. Now I have to send people to sit on the forward berth to get the bow down... that's with using trim tabs. He states I'd never have to use the trim tabs except to level side to side.
I would get better fuel economy and run at my sweet spot of 20kts at lower RPM.
Has anyone else tried this?

Regards,
Art

 

[El Capitan]

Re: 2000 Sea Ray 310 DA - T300hp IBs - Thinking of going to a 4 bladed prop ... thoug

I admit Ive not owned a 31fter but I do know that a 4-blade prop is specifically designed for optimum cruise speeds with lower rpms and improved time-to-plane. Keep in mind that when you go from a 3-blade to a 4-blade the general rule to follow is that you reduce the pitch by 1 inch. The best way is to try loaners and find the sweet spot for your boat and average load and sea conditions.

The first thing Im doing when I buy my boat is install 4-blades. Best of luck.

 

[04cobra23]

Re: 2000 Sea Ray 310 DA - T300hp IBs - Thinking of going to a 4 bladed prop ... thoug

I recently switched to 4 blades on my 340. I have yet to WOT to see where I am at. With the 3 blades I achieved 3400 rpm/23.5mph and WOT I was spinning 4800 rpm/38.3mph. Much smoother ride, good luck!

 

[Sal A]

I have 4 blades on my 310 and love them ! My cruse speed is 24 kt at 3200rpm the boat jumps up on plane in about 1/2 the time and slow speed much greater control.

 

[ArtWallach]

Re: 2000 Sea Ray 310 DA - T300hp IBs - Thinking of going to a 4 bladed prop ... thoug

Sal A ... Thank you .. fantastic news! Do you have more information to share regarding fuel burn? my prop shop is recommending 4 bladed 16x14's. Do you know what size are your props?
Thanks
Regards,
Art

 

[Sal A]

I don't know the size off the top of my head and the boat is buried in snow. If you call tommy over at www.bosslerandsweezey.com tell him you are a friend of mine he will know the the measurements he is the prop guru. I do know on the trip from Greenport to block island and back I used a 1/16 of a tank less than my brother in law he has the same boat with stock 3 blades ( he is switching to a 4 blade this year )