New propeller question

[Pnltbox]

I have a 2007 2120sc with the F150, I have read many threads on here about props, Saw a thread about the Reliance 14.5 x 15 (68f 45970-00-00) and how good it was, I called the local Prop dealer to get one, explained what was happening, No hole shot, WOT rpm is 5100, @ 30mph (gps) fuel burn @ 15.1 gph, thats with 1 person and 3/4 full on fuel. The Dealer said not to go to the Reliance prop, but to go to a Power Tech FCE 4 blade in 14 x 14, said he had installed a lot of them on Parker 2120's when he worked in Florida.
My question is, Has anyone ran this prop, does anyone recommend it? Are Power tech props any good? any advantage to the 4 blade? I am so confused.

 

[windknotnc]

The whole diameter and # of blades thing irritates me too. If props were not so expensive I would just buy 3 or 4 and find the one I likes best. I hate spending $300 and get no better performance than I have now. I started a thread a while ago on 23DVCC with hopes of getting enough data to make a really good selection but it has not helped.

 

[markman03]

Ken at propgods might have some information on that prop.

 

[jeffnick]

I tried 15 different props on my outboard, plastic to stainless, 3's & 4's. I ended up with the 3 blade aluminum that came with the boat.

There's much besides the prop style/pitch that can contribute to poor performance...contaminated fuel, motor tune, hook/rocker, dirty bottom, bent/nicked prop.

 

[warthog5]

You forgot motor height.

 

[DaleH]

I'll 2nd buying through Ken @ propgods as they have an exchange rogram where you can get another prop or props, until you find what is best.

And I also run PowerTech props and now run one of their 16" diameter 4-blade props made just for Suzuki motors and it is de bomb!

Your RPMs are waaaaaay low, you need to be within 200 RPMs of max given the scenario you provided.

 

[Pnltbox]

Thanks, i will get ahold of Ken@ propgods today and see what we can do. thanks again
for the info.

 

[Pnltbox]

Thanks, i will get ahold of Ken@ propgods today and see what we can do. thanks again
for the info.

I got ahold of Ken @ Propgods, Great Guy. He stated 4 blades give sternlift, and help you stay on plane at slower speeds. A lower pitch prop will help with the acceleration, and a 4 blade will help with the lower speeds.
The prop he was talking about is the 14 pitch SCE4 from Powertech. So thats the way i will go.

 

[DaleH]

With my PowerTech 4-blade wheel installed …

SAT with 3 adults aboard, fully loaded for a fishing trip.
WOT = Turned 38-39mph (clean bottom) for 5900 RPMs (redline = 6100)
Cruise = 4200 RPMs for 26-27mph
MPG = 2.5
Performance averaged both ways in the tide ... the top speed (or lack thereof) confirms to me that Parkers just are not Go Fast boats, haha!

SUN with 9 aboard (8 adults, 1 kid), cruising/beach trip
WOT = Turned 37-38mph (clean bottom) for 5900 RPMs (redline = 6100)
Cruise = 4200 RPMs for 25-26mph
MPG = ~2.3-2.4
Performance averaged both ways in the tide

Results: Much heavier load (4 on bench seat across the stern, 2 in cockpit on chairs, me in cabin and 2 in the tower (1 adult w/ kid) ... and yet I only ran 1mph slower at cruise and at WOT with the much heavier load. My overall fuel burn efficiency for SAT’s fishing was 3-mpg (more speed cruising), while for SUN's cruise/beach trip it was almost 4-mpg (there was more headway speed cruising around, less ‘run & gun’). On SUN I did have to trim my OB down & in more than I typically do when usually planning out, but she got up to plane just fine w/ that heavy load.

Lesson learned: To me this example shows definitive proof that the right 4-blade wheel can carry a tremendous loading as compared to a 3-blade.

 

[Pnltbox]

Got the new prop from Prop gods, 4 blade 14 x 14 stainless , Huge improvement in the hole shot, WOT RPM's have been raised from 5000 to 5600 and top speed is now 33.7 (gps)@ 15.7gph with 100 gals of fuel and gear on board, at 4300 rpm @ 10gph @ 30 mph. 4000rpm @ 8.3gph @ 25mph and at idle 600 RPM's 2.5 mph @.6gph perfect for trolling for Salmon, thank you Dale for all the input, and for hooking me up with Ken @ Prop Gods.