Another Prop Quandry-I/O Alpha

[oldfielder]

With a rash of recent fuel problems (fixed now, hopefully-fingers crossed-ethanol sucks), I've been thinking about my prop. Nice non-sequitor, I know.
I'm running a 17 Quicksilver SS prop with my 250 hp Alpha setup. I'm coming in just below the bottom of my rpm WOT-the suggested range is 4400-4800-I'm getting about 4300 when everything is right.
I'm very happy with the feel of the boat-jumps right on plane with the right throttle, slices through chop at 4000 rpm when I need her to, and cruises nicely at about 3200 rpm.
So, should I worry about straining my engine too much with this 17 degree prop and start experimenting, or should I leave well enough alone?
Thanks
OF

[Jon G]

My experiance with props/engines has been best when I propped for the TOP of my RPM range. The engine that came with my boat was mint except that the last owner over propped it and when I bought it I got 22hrs out of it until a rod cap came loose. The first thing I did when I bought it was re prop it but the damage was already done from the previous owner. With my current engine a DF140 the first prop I tried put me right at my minumum rpm range and I used it for a while before trying the next smaller prop and what a differance. It put me at he top of my rpm range and I noticed that the hole shot was way better and that a given cruising speed my throttle lever was back from where it used to be, the engine didn't have to work as hard as it used to and I ended getting better fuel economy. Now when my boat is fully loaded it turns in the upper end of my rpm range and its perfect. There is nothing harded on an engine than being over propped, try droping two inches of pitch and see what happens. Its definatly better to be near the top if the range than the bottom.