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| Hello!!
Much of what is said is right on the money about pitch and diameter. I happen to run a 50 hp Johnson and have an 11-3/4 x 17.
When choosing a prop, there are a few more variables you should consider. First, is your normal boat weight and load. If you have a heavier boat or a heavy load, going to a smaller pitch will serve you well. You should also consider what RPMs your motor is running at. If the prop is pitched too high, you will shorten the life of the motor since the motor has to work harder to turn the prop.
Second, is what kind of performance are you looking for. If you want speed, you will sacrifice on hole shot (how fast your boat will pop up out of the water and be on plane). Higher pitch means poorer hole shot, but a small gain in speed.
With your motor, A steel prop will not gain you much of anything but a more durable prop. There are steel props out there, but they can get expensive and you will see very little in performance gains.
As for a 4 blade prop, you will gain in how the boat handles in the water: Cornerning will be better most, but you will sacrifice speed, since there are more blades in the water.
Steve
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