Re: prop ???
Yes you are moving a lot of things around.
Blade material, numbers, and technology all will effect your performance results. Changing from Alum to SS usually results in improved performance and increased speed with the usually thinner blades, not counting any "rake" the SS may have that the alum doesn't.
SS props are usually cupped which helps bite in turns and rough water...additionally at higher rpm's acts like approx 2" of pitch increase. Ported props give you better hole shot....like a 2" decrease in pitch but the same top end. 4 blade props grip the water better so the load on the engine is higher which means you may have to drop a couple of inches to maintain your current rpm's if that's necessary and the accompanying loss of WOT speed.
Soooooooooo. The only real answer is to "borrow" the prop, don't damage it, get your numbers and then decide if you want to take it back for something different....course you have to buy from a dealer who will allow trials,which usually costs more initially....but for my $$$ a few more bucks up front to get the prop that satisfies you is well worth whatever you spend.
My 2c,
Mark
