13x 16 prop vs 14x16

Mojo · Criminal Joined: 21 Apr 2003 Posts: 65 City: Arlington

hello there...

I bought a 4 blade 13x16. Just took off the 3 blade I have now and did not realize that size is 14x16

1994 ski nautique.

What is the difference?

MrBlean · Posted: May 09, 2004 12:11 pm Post subject: Prop difference

The first number is the diameter, the second, the pitch. You have purchased a smaller diameter prop than nthe one fitted. However, as the 4 blader has a larger surface are, the end result may be the same.

Why did you change in the first place? Was it for performance reasons or was the 3-blader damaged?

absolutofft · Outlaw Joined: 12 Oct 2003 Posts: 162 City: Langley

4 blade props typically offer better acceleration and speed holding.

Mojo · Criminal Joined: 21 Apr 2003 Posts: 65 City: Arlington

Thanks!

Actually...

My 3 blade is dinged in a couple of spots. It would have cost me about 80-100 bucks to fix.

For about another hundred (ebay) I got a 4 blade which should (I'm hoping) out perform the 3 blade as mentioned.

Speed control is the main reason for the interest. My boat gets off the hole pretty good even with the added weight, however, holding speed can sometimes be a challenge.

MrBlean · Posted: May 10, 2004 12:34 am Post subject: 3 v 4 blader

There are numerous contributors to this site who swear that a CNC machined Acme 3 blader is far superior to any other manufacturers' 4 blader.

In addition to its dimensinal accuracy, one of the main benefits of 4 over 3 blades is the ease of balancing the prop. However, once you have dinged an Acme prop, I cannot see how the CNC benefit is of any value 'cos I don't know how you can CNC a repair????

I ungraded to an OJ SS 4 blader from a slightly damaged OJ nibral 3-blader. It's definitely better but how much of this is down to the reduced vibration, how much is down to performance improvement - I simply can't answer with any certainty.

I, too, never had problems with hole shot so I wasn't seeking an improvement in that area. Vibration was my issue. And an SS 4 blader hand carried from the States was significantly less expensive than a new nibral 3 blader in the UK. For me, it was no-brainer.

I still had my 3-blader repaired to act as a spare.

boarditup · Addict Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 731 City: Allendale, MI

Two points:

Acme CNC props can be repaired. There are a few shops with the machinery to do it. Call Acme for the list. They are re-balanced within factory specs before being sent out.

Second, props have been rounded up for a while. The reason was hand finishing. Acme started the trend of actual diameter measurements. So a 16" Acme is a 17" hand finished prop in terms of diameter measurement. The latest OJ CNC props are stated in actual measurements, but most other props are still rounded up.

MrBlean · Posted: May 10, 2004 8:23 am Post subject: Prop repairs

Mojo · Criminal Joined: 21 Apr 2003 Posts: 65 City: Arlington

Well.....took the boat out for the first time after the prop change.

Speed holding was great !! ....much much better.

The only thing was that it felt like my hole shot (weighted) was not as strong. What are everyone's thoughts about moving up to a 14x16 4 blade?

Nauty · Addict Joined: 12 Feb 2004 Posts: 827 City: Lake Dallas

I'll give you $50 for it.

Mojo · Criminal Joined: 21 Apr 2003 Posts: 65 City: Arlington

SOLD!

Yea right ! Wink

farrisoip · Newbie Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 49 City: okc

Where is a good shop to get a prop fixed. I have a new Tige, it is a brass prop three blade but I am not for sure on the size and pitch. Can you guys direct me on buying a better prop or having this one fixed? thanks

Mojo · Criminal Joined: 21 Apr 2003 Posts: 65 City: Arlington

Went witha 14 x 16

Selling my 13 x 16 on ebay if anyone is interested....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2478497991&sspagename=ADME%3AB%3ALC%3AMT%3A1

Will also list in classified section

Joe

Mojo · Criminal Joined: 21 Apr 2003 Posts: 65 City: Arlington

SOLD TO NAUTY....

BUT NOT FOR $50. Very Happy