Prop: Alum -> Stainless question F115

[sandiegosteve]

I was talking to the dealer and the Yamaha rep happened to be there the other day. My F115 has a 17" pitch, 3-blade aluminum prop on it.

WOT, I get about 5500 RPM in flat water, but I don't see that very often. In the usual swells and chop my main problem is that I could use a little more power right at about where I want to plane off...

They both said a stainless 15" pitch would probably be a good call. Less flex and more low end.

Does that make sense? I think that my WOT would go up, possibly too high... is that a problem since I don't run it that high very often? What are the considerations when going from aluminum to stainless? Is 4 bladed even an option... (need to look into that, but I'm assuming 3 blade at this point)

Thanks for your thoughts in advance.

[boats.net]

Using a prop with less pitch will help increase hole shot and raise WOT rpm's. You can use a four blade prop if you want, they are generally better hole shot but less top speed from the 3 blades.