What brand prop is the best?

[kingsfan8888]

I just bought a 98' 2100 tige. The boat did not come with a spare prop so I am going to pick one up and use the current one as a back up. I've heard ACME makes really nice ones but, would like to get a few testimonials. The current one I have is a three blade OJ I believe. What would you guys reccomend.

Thanks in advance

[Harvey]

Acme is the best prop we have tested at the factory. You need a 3 blade #525 if you pick the Acme prop.

[kingsfan8888]

Originally posted by Harvey
Acme is the best prop we have tested at the factory. You need a 3 blade #525 if you pick the Acme prop.

The 4 blade won't work?

[David Baker]

ACME has a 4 blade recommendation also...

http://www.acmemarine.com/html/list.html

[kingsfan8888]

Originally posted by David Baker
ACME has a 4 blade recommendation also...

http://www.acmemarine.com/html/list.html

Is there an advantage to having a 4 blade prop instead of a three blade?

[David Baker]

Call ACME and talk to one of their engineers. They are very helpful. There is also some discussion on their website FAQ.

Q: Which propeller should I choose, the Acme 3-blade or the Acme 4-blade?
A: Theoretically, a 3-blade propeller should always be more efficient than a 4-blade. However, in the past, two big issues have prevented the 3-blade from taking the lead in popularity. The first was a lack of manufacturing precision, which commonly caused 3-blades to vibrate more than 4-blades. When significant dimensional variation exists in a propeller, vibration is generally more noticeable in a propeller with fewer blades. The second reason for the 3-blade disfavor was an almost certain loss of blade area in the transition from four blades to three. Consequently, even though top-end gains were achieved, performance expectations on the low-end were diminished.
Through the implementation of precision manufacturing and design improvements, Acme Propellers are giving the 3-blade the reputation it deserves. Acme is consistently holding tolerances never before achieved in propeller production. This accuracy makes the Acme 3-blade incredibly smooth. In addition, the blade area of the Acme 3-blade has been expanded to equal that of the Acme 4-blade. The translation? The Acme 3-blade has raised the performance bar. From an awesome hole-shot to an unmatched top end, and all the smoothness throughout, the Acme 3-blade leaves nothing to be desired. We believe it has an edge that everyone will appreciate. On the other hand, please do not mistake our excitement as a lack of appreciation for the Acme 4-blade, a proven winner.
It should be noted that this choice might still be mildly influenced by application, because it is possible that the most perceptive users might be able to detect slight differences that cause them to prefer one prop over the other. Even still, the overall performance of either Acme Propeller is paramount, and is that from which dreams are made.

[kingsfan8888]

thank you

[Boarder_X]

I have the ACME 3 blade that came with my boat. I went and bought an OJ 4 blade, when the 3 blade was in the shop, after being bent. I love the ACME, but holding speed while trying to surf (20i) is easier with the OJ.

[ghollow]

I had been using a three blade for years. Switched to a four blade last summer. It gave me a little more top end, but it cavitates much worse. I plan on putting my three blade back on before summer.

[Boarder_X]

ghollow,

Your four blade cavitates more than your three blade? Is this at wakeboarding speed, or surfing speed?

[ghollow]

Cavitates mainly out of the hole and high speed, sharp turns. My three blade never cavitated. My four blade is nibral and my three blade is stainless steel. I do not know if that has anything to do with it or not.

[Boarder_X]

That probably is the difference.
Both my probs are NiBrAl. I do not want to mess anything expensive up. I have bent them both. The stainless will not bend as forces are applied to it. That's why it performs better. However, since it doesn't give, it will pass the stress of hitting something on to your tranny or even drive shaft. I can't afford for one of those to get messed up.

[whitlock87]

My understanding is that there is a lot more to it then people are saying.
There are a few things that will mater to which prop is best.
1. Boat size
2. Engine HP
3. Carb or efi
4. Gear reduction in trany and V-drive.
5. WEIGHT that drive the boat at.
6. And most of all what do you use the boat for.
(If you just course around or do a lot of towing)

I know that both Tige and Acme do a lot of testing on this. I would call the guys at Acme and ask them for their input.

When I wanted a second prop, I went to Acme web site and answered their question form. The next day a got an e-mail that gave me there recommendation.
http://www.acmemarine.com/html/contact2.asp

[Steve Walsh]

Removing Prop Problem

I have a 21V 2001 Tige . . . my current stainless steel prop was put on when I bent my original brass prop 4 years ago . . . wanted to put the brass prop (yes, it has been repaired) back on but cannot place the prop remover on properly . . . there is not enought room between the prop and the shaft sleeve to place the acme prop puller . . . what now???? Any ideas????

[lee]

Steve,

You might need to try a harmonic puller. With it you Dont Use A Dead Blow Mallet, Use A Regular Hammer And Just Give It Three Maybe Four Light Hits And It Should Come Right Off. It Was Very Slick How The Thing Works. Make Sure To Leave At Least 1/4 Inch Gap Between The Prop And Puller So It Has Room To Vibrate Off.