4 or 3 blade propellor on VP D3-190

BartW

BartW

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4 or 3 blade propellor on VP D3-190

The supplier of my new boat (26ft fast fishing boat) with 2 x Volvo Penta D3-190, wants to deliver this boat with 4 blade propellers, "we had the best results with these" he claims.
Q: advantages and disadvantages of 4bl against 3bl props ? (on Diesel engine, max 4000 RPM) /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
I have a lot of experience with 3 blade props on mercruiser petrol engines, I thougt that 4bl has no real advantage? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
Re: 4 or 3 blade propellor on VP D3-190

I though mot D3-190's where on the new DPH duo prop drives. Have you asked the cost to upgrade to one of these - it will give better acceleration and fuel economy...
 
Re: 4 or 3 blade propellor on VP D3-190

My old volvo 290 duo props were crap on 4 blades.

4 blades thiner than 3
one of the 4 blades would regularly fling off.

if you have the choice go for the stronger 3 blade prop.
 
Re: 4 or 3 blade propellor on VP D3-190

Yes I have been thinking about Duoprop (I think it is only DPS for D3, DPH is for D4 and up (?) but the main reason I have chosen the SX is weight,as I am very close to the max 3500kg total towing weight.
But accelaration shouldn'd be a problem, as I am overpowered anyway. Standard available Diesel engines for this boat is from 2 x 117 HP up to 2 x 160. On special order they did the 2 x 190 for me, it's the same engine block / weight as the 2 x D3- 160. So therefor no real need for duoprop
 
Re: 4 or 3 blade propellor on VP D3-190

Yes they were 3 to front and 4 to rear of boat.

It was always one of the blades of the 4 blades that fell off.

No other damage to any blade , they simply fell off.
The blade was much thinner than the 3 blade that did not loose a blade.
 
Re: 4 or 3 blade propellor on VP D3-190

Going for SX single prop drives on a boat like this is an odd choice.

You are saving 5kg each drive in weight over the DP-S, 10Kg in total, which is peanuts overall. DP-S drives would give you better fuel consumption (maybe 10%), better acceleration, better grip in the water, and probably slightly better top speed.

Single prop outdrives are ideal on lightweight runabouts that have a fairly high top speed.

If you insist on SX Drives, I would definitely go with 4 bladed props.

From the VP propellor guide: (link HERE ):

"The SX propeller is available in 3-blade aluminium and stainless steel as well as 4-blade aluminium. The 3-blade SX is perfect for the standard installation and the stainless propeller being the perfect choice for high speeds. The 4-blade SX propeller is the perfect choice when acceleration and remaining planing at lower revs are important."

i.e. 3 bladed prop is best for lightweight high speed runabouts. 4 bladed is better for heavier boats, better acceleration, less slip, but lower ultimate top speed (more blade area in the water).

dv.
 
Re: 4 or 3 blade propellor on VP D3-190

[ QUOTE ]
as I am overpowered anyway. ... So therefor no real need for duoprop

[/ QUOTE ]


IMHO more power increases the case for duoprop - think powerful car on skinny tyres, upgrading to wider tyres lets you apply the extra power better...

I *think* the DPS duoprop drives are all 3 bladers.....but the Volvo prop guide will confirm
 
Re: 4 or 3 blade propellor on VP D3-190

All the stainless props for DP-S are 3-blade.
D0-D4 for DP-S in Alu are 3 blade front / 4 blade rear.

dv.
 
I am advertising my Skibsplast with a 140 Yanmar for sale and stated what speed it would do. Another Skibsplast was up for sale at the same time. Someone has bought that one and contacted me as his boat does not do the speed which my boat does. His boat has a 3 blade propeller mine has the 4 blade one.
 
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