Numbers for a 20 I/O

[stevebrownell]

I'm running a 4 blade aluminum 14.5 x 19 prop on my 20 I/O, 3.0 L. Mercruiser. Top speed is about 27 kts. Does anyone run the same setup, and would I gain anything on the top end if I switched to a stainless prop? Figure I'm looking at $350-$400 for a new prop, so if the gain would be minimal, it probably does not make sense. I understand that the 4 blade prop is considered a good all around compromise for this set up. Any insight the learned-ones on this board could provide is greatly appreciated - I'm stumped when it comes to the arcane science of prop selection. thanks.