small vs. large blade chopper

[boatn70]

whats the difference between a small blade chopper and a larger blade chopper. is there a bow or stern lift difference. what other characteristics should i know?

which is best for a heavier boat like a 21 checkmate and why?

[chris_lacey]

The small blade chopper was developed for inline6 engines and has much smaller blade area as well as 1/2" less diameter as the large blade V6 chopper.

On a light boat (like a Vector or V-King) a small blade chopper is often used where large blade area is not need to carry the bow weight. The benefit is better acceleration.
A large blade can sometimes be run at a higher transom height due to the larger diameter and better weight carrying capability.

Both types of chopper are considered "bow lifting" and the high blade rake angle is evident.

[pyro]

Big-ear chopper's blades are 5" wide, small ear choppers have blades that are less wide, like 4 1/2". Up until a couple years ago, big-ears only existed up to 28". The 30's were all narrow-eared. Now I hear they're making wide-bladed big ear 30's. I would love to try one someday. I have a big ear 28. I have tried a small-ear 30. The big ear 28 has better holeshot and acceleration, more bow-lift, and less slip for top end. The small-ear 30 I tried wasn't any faster than the big ear 28, just more slip, same rpm. Horrible, almost impossible holeshot, and very neutral bowlift, not as responsive to positive trim. Big-ear definitely has better bowlift.

[chris_lacey]

I also ran tried a 30 small, and had better overall results with a 28 big. I could run the 28big higher on my jackplate for more rpm, but at leass trim so it was actually a little faster than the 30.
For acceleration runs I liked the 26small.
On the V-King I had no holeshot issues with small blade choppers, even the 30.