[bnr@dur-a-flex.com]

I am in the market for new props and wanted to see if anyone has feedback on the best size, number of blades for a 4300 Open, year 2000, with 3196 CAT engines.  Right now I am running 3 blade props 27x36 with a full cup.

Heard if I go to a 4 blade option I could pick up some mid range speed and smoothest.

[rbiddle]

I have a 2001 43 Open with 3196 Cats, I installed Acme 4 blade props last summer and it made a nice improvement in cruising speed and top end. I picked up 4 mph in top end and engine load reduced for cruising which saves fuel. Jim Thelen at Acme is who I worked with and then dealt with local prop shop for the order.
Acme part # 3234 --- 27.00 X 35.00 CR4B 2.25 .045Cup, .85 DAR, 6.75” hub length, nibral, fully CNC machined, better than S Class, box-to-boat ready
Acme part # 3235 --- 27.00 X 35.00 CL4B 2.25 .045Cup, .85 DAR, 6.75” hub length, nibral, fully CNC machined, better than S Class, box-to-boat ready

[bnr@dur-a-flex.com]

That is great info...I am working with them right now...What do you cruise at normally? I am running at 1850 rpm's, which is about 67% load and around 21 knots.

[rbiddle]

So when I run by myself at 70% 1900rpm 26 knots. Also boat runs smoother, a little less vibration, and gets up on plane a little quicker. When I run with my friend,older 43 open, we run at 21 knots, 60% load 1750rpm. Fuel burn at 34 gph. Fuel burn at 70% is 40 gph.

[bnr@dur-a-flex.com]

Really appreciate the information.