There are three primary dimensions used to describe inboard boat propellers, which can be used to derive the performance of the prop for a specific application. Those measurements are diameter, pitch and cup. These are typically listed in the following format: Read More

Check out this How To Change a prop using the Acme Harmonic Puller video. Don't let a dinged up prop ruin your time on the water or worse, the entire weekend. Learn how to change your own inboard boat's propeller quickly. If you are prepared with an extra prop and tools to get the job done your time off the water will be a great snack break. Watch and learn.

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One of the most important propeller specs for boaters to understand is pitch. The actual pitch dimension is measured as the distance a propeller will travel in inches when one full rotation is completed. If you have a 13.5” x 17.5” 4 blade propeller it will travel 17.5” in a single rotation.

By increasing the pitch greater top speeds can be accomplished. Boaters looking for higher speeds for waterskiing, barefooting, or cruising across the lake will benefit from this performance characteristic. The down side is a loss of power at the low end. This is commonly known as hole shot which is when the transmission is engaged to initially pull a rider up behind the boat

Most wakeboarders and wakesurfers are looking for the opposite affect and choose a lower pitched prop. By lowering the pitch the amount of power that can be used instantly increases. This is beneficial as this characteristic will allow the boat to obtain a desired speed more quickly when loaded with more ballast weight or at higher elevations when HP is decreased. The downside to lower pitch is lower top end speeds that can be achieved when running at wide open throttle.

Think of pitch as the gear you want to start in when driving a car. If you have a higher pitched prop you are starting out in third. You will be able to gain more top end speed but it will take you longer to reach that point. If you choose a lower pitch it is like starting out in first gear. You will go fast very quickly but your top end speed is significantly lower.

There is a common misconception that 4 blade propellers deliver increased performance and are more efficient than 3 blade propellers. There are quite a few older forum posts and other guides that claim 4 blade props are needed when wakeboarding behind a ski boat or older model v-drive with a 1:1 gear ratio. Read More

This simple "How To change your inboard boat propeller" will save you time before you get underneath the boat. Don't let a damaged prop ruin your time on the water. Learn how to change your own wakeboard boat propeller in less than 10 minutes. Always be prepared with a backup or replacement prop and prop puller to get the job done. Don't worry about paying someone else to install your new prop upgrade. Watch and learn to do it on your own!

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One of the most common questions we're asked is what is the difference between a 3 blade and 4 blade propeller, and which one is right for me. Outside of the specific diameter, pitch and cup of a propeller, this is definitely the most common question, and the first one that we're asked as customers begin the prop buying process.

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.

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Still not sure what's right for your application? Let our wakeboard boat prop finder tool help you figure it out.