I agree with these posts. keep the prop that is spec'd for your engine and boat combo. You want the rpm to be within the manufacturers range. If you lose top end, you will hate it, and you will be over revving the power. If you pitch higher you will increase overall speed at all rpms, but you'll kill the power.
It sounds like you have a good speed for that power and boat size, stick with it.
As john said, you can go with aluminum which may save your prop shaft if you hit anything. Maybe an aluminum spare is the way to go for you. They are muych cheaper.
I use SS and did bend the shaft a few years ago.
But I still prefer SS.
To slow the boat down----drag something---or someone !!!!!
