Back

Do I Need a 4 Blade Propeller for Wakeboarding?

4-blade-propeller

Do I Need A 4-Blade Prop?

A lot of boat owners have a common misconception that 4 blade propellers deliver increased performance and are more efficient than 3 blade propellers. There are quite a few older forum posts and other guides that claim 4 blade props are needed when wakeboarding behind a ski boat or older model v-drive with a 1:1 gear ratio.

This was indeed the case a few years ago but all of that changed when Acme started the implementation of precision CNC Propeller manufacturing. Thanks to Acme Propellers the 3 blade is gaining the reputation it deserves. The Acme 3 blade prop has an awesome hole-shot with an unmatched top end speed. What is truly amazing is the smoothness throughout the rev range unlike the hand finished props of the past.

What are 4 blade props good for?

If your boat does have a gear reduction, typically 1.23:1 or 1.5:1, the transfer of the motor's power to the water will allow a 4 blade or even 5 blade propeller to obtain better performance. Reduction gears also provide the ability to run greater propeller diameters which in most cases are more efficient.

Which Prop is Better For Your Boat: 4 Blades or 3 Blades?

In short, the perfect prop for your boat is not determined by the number of blades the prop has. It is determined by how you use your boat (cruising, wakeboarding, slalom skiing, etc.) the elevation at which you are riding, your speed requirements, and the amount of ballast you are running in your boat. For a more in-depth look at props, check out our popular Props 101 article.

 

Searching For A New Prop? Use The WakeMAKERS Prop Finder Guide

 

Input your year, make, and model information to receive specific prop recommendations for your boat.

 

Shopping for your next prop has never been so simple, quick, and easy.

 

Try the WakeMAKERS Prop Finder Guide»

 

Check out our full selection of props at WakeMAKERS.com

 

Free shipping on orders over $99

  

Shop Props»

 

wakemakers-props

Related Posts

Wakeboard Vest, Life Jacket & PFD Buyer's Guide
Wakeboard Vest, Life Jacket & PFD Buyer's Guide
Choosing the right vest is a key aspect to having an enjoyable day on the water. The WakeMAKERS Vest & PFD Buyer's G
Read More
Buyer's Guide: How-To Buy the Right Wakesurf Board in 2024
Buyer's Guide: How-To Buy the Right Wakesurf Board in 2024
Find the perfect wakesurf board for your ability, wave size and riding style with our easy to use Wakesurf Buyer's Guide
Read More
Top Wakefoils of 2024
Top Wakefoils of 2024
Experience the thrill of wakefoiling with our selection of the best foil surfing packages. Whether you're a beginner or
Read More

Post Comments

1 Item(s)

Brilliant article on propeller which is an indispensable part of ships and boats. Without the propellers there will be no movement of the boat. Thank you for the post.
———
WakeMAKERS replied:
##- Please type your reply above this line -##

Hello-

We appreciate and value you as a customer, and would love to hear what you think of your experience. Please take a moment to answer one simple question by clicking either link below:

How would you rate the support you received?

You can copy the following URL into your browser to rate:

https://support.wakemakers.com/requests/312284/satisfaction/new/8MmWq3hX4cs603OB5OHXGkQiV?locale=1

Here’s a reminder of what your ticket was about:

Sunny, Nov 15, 2022, 8:25 PM PST
———
WakeMAKERS replied:
##- Please type your reply above this line -##

Hello-

We appreciate and value you as a customer, and would love to hear what you think of your experience. Please take a moment to answer one simple question by clicking either link below:

How would you rate the support you received?

You can copy the following URL into your browser to rate:

https://support.wakemakers.com/requests/314284/satisfaction/new/i3NtW6iQ0PQpnKNdB9OyNBzRn?locale=1

Here’s a reminder of what your ticket was about:

Sunny, Jan 12, 2023, 12:02 PM PST

Krish Salian
posted on Jan 23, 2023 2:02:50 PM

Submit Comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.