best prop for 97 SN - 3 blade v. 4 blade?

[gphayes]

I am looking for real-world experience/advice on the next prop for my 97 SNOB.

I am currently running a 3-blade 12.5 x 15.25 prop that is now dinged and must be refurbished or replaced.

I have read in other PN posts that the "gold standard" for this hull seems to be the Acme 422, 4-blade. But have also heard from some lake buddies that the 4-blade prop throws up a significantly harder wake and that the difference in hole shot is negligible.

Before I drop $$$ on a new prop, I wanted to see if anyone out there can compare/contrast my options. Thanks in advance.

[gphayes]

So after talking to Acme - here's what I learned:

- lower rotation speed seems to be the only factor to improving slalom and trick wakes (argues for the largest prop, most cup that will give you the hole shot to get you out of the water)
- 3 v. 4 blade is largely a matter of personal preference from a skiers standpoint - some prefer the feel of 3 others prefer 4
- 3 blade is considered more fuel efficient and provides less hole shot v. 4 blade

So with this advice, I am having my 422 refurbished and adding some cup to reduce the RPM - I am hoping this will do the trick.

If anyone is interested, I'll post my experience after the prop is back and on the boat and add to the collective wisdom of PN.

[Mikeski]

So after talking to Acme - here's what I learned:

I am having my 422 refurbished and adding some cup to reduce the RPM - I am hoping this will do the trick.

.

Probably not a great idea. I did the same thing with my wakeboard boat and it basically destroyed the prop. Never ran nearly as smooth with the repaired prop. I would suggest you get a new prop and keep the repaired 422 as your backup.