Can anyone who is using a 4 blade prop respond to this post with your thoughts on the handeling difference on it verses the 3 blade. what size prop and brand of motor you are using. did it help low speed handeling? the prop i am looking at is 11.3x7.1 can any one comment on that? Gone to drink beer be back later.
I tested a bunch of props. Two of them were 4 bladed Solas props.
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In general I prefer the 4 blade to the 3 blade props on the Mac26X for the improved smoothness at idle for trolling. The top speed of the 4 blade props was higher than the Suzuki 3x11.5x10 pitch but lower than the Solas stainless 3x12.5x9 pitch, the differences were small. The Solas aluminum props use a pressurized casting process which results in a prop that will "ring" like a wine glass if struck, the 4 blade prop had this ringing sound activated at 2000 RPM, but staying away from 1900 to 2100 prevented the ringing sound. The sound is not a big deal but I like to know where the sounds are coming from because I listen closely to detect problems. Four blade props have an awsome hole shot and lots of reverse thrust.
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My Suzuki dealer is a big supplier to commercial boaters that use medium sized outboards. I asked him when does the situation call for a 4 blade prop instead of a 3 blade prop. His amswer was that in boats that have instability in turns caused by the prop loosing grip or that tend to cavitate too much he recommends a 4 blade prop.
Its sounds like the four blade prop handles much better at slower speeds (ie. sharp turns and for close docking situations). I know that my three blade on my 60hp yamaha is very slow on backing into my slip. At the end of the season I think I will be switching.
I have a four-blade ProPulse prop on my Suzuki DF50. While I'm sure the issue is related to the high degree of cupping of the blades, my reverse performance went down dramatically when I switched to that prop.
So, your mileage may vary. Your best bet is to try a bunch of props and decide which one gives you the best performance.
Can anyone who is using a 4 blade prop respond to this post with your thoughts on the handeling difference on it verses the 3 blade. what size prop and brand of motor you are using. did it help low speed handeling? the prop i am looking at is 11.3x7.1 can any one comment on that? Gone to drink beer be back later. 
