Marlin 4 blade prop rec...

Its a huge improvement, it feels like a different boat. I never saw 1.4 with the 3 blade props and now I see 1.4 cruising all day, and can slow down and get 1.5 mpg. Running offshore I have picked up a solid .2 mpg on the gauge but the real fuel savings comes from not having to keep fighting to get back on plane running through the chop. For all the gadgets and gizmos I have bought for boating and fishing, theses props definitely make the most difference for the money I spent. Get with Ken from Prop Gods, do a search on google you can find his contact info. I talked my buddy who bought my old boat (Seafarer) into the 4 blade for his boat too, and he loves it as well.
Nick
 
Nik, looking over earlier post, it looks like you were getting a little over 1 MPG with the old props. Have you done any math to see how long before they pay for themselves? This is completely subjective based on usage. What was the trade-off, top speed?
 
Haven't done the math but I put 300 hours on my boat last year. 100 or so of those hours running offshore. But roughly if I gained .2 mpg average for the day and I ran 100 miles that would be a 20% increase in economy. Or 20 gallons/trip, with gas at 4.50 that's $90 a trip. That's 8 offshore trips for the cost for the props. Now give or take that's about it.
 
So, assuming we're talking about approx $1,000 investment. If so, you'll recoup the cost very soon. Can you still achieve max RPM assuring you're not lugging the engines?

In the case of the big 2-strokes, I'm not sure we would see these numbers. Been waiting to push the button on new props but haven't read any real-life experiences. What I have been reading is guys want better hole shots or more max speed. Neither of which interest me. I'm looking to spend less time at the fuel dock. I got a sneeking suspicion gas is going to get higher.
 
I was never able to get max rpm, I think 5900 was all I could get with three blade. I can't remember what rpm I hit testing with the 4 blade but I think it was 5700 and only lost 4 mph top end. The propgods guy suggested I move the engines up a hole but really not interested in that. I started looking because I needed to buy a spare set of props anyway, but now I don't understand why GW even bothers with the three blade. Much better match with the 4 blade, at least for my boat.
 
Cav plates are underwater but don't think its worth raising motors because I'm happy with performance. I get enough lift to plane at a much lower rpm, not sure else how to gauge stern lift.
 
Nik,

Can you tell me in which hole you are what hole you are currently mounted? I have a 2005 Marlin with twin F-250's and I am contemplating the 4 blades. I was told I would most likely have to raise my engines to achieve maximum performance. I would like to use your boat as a basis as you have real figures! Nice improvement on fuel burn.
Thanks
 
Next time I am down at the boat I will take a look, I can't remember off the top of my head. I should be down there by Wednesday. You wont be disappointed with the props, I have no doubt raising the motors might help performance a little, but I wouldn't worry about it to much.
Nick
 
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