If you're looking for better driveability under varying loads at lower cruising speeds, and NOT top speed, a 4-blade prop is a good choice. A 4-blade has more "grip" on the water and will definitely help you plane faster and stay on plane at lower speeds and under heavy loads. It improves low and middle-range acceleration. A 4-blade also helps with watersports because you can hold it on the edge of plane at lower speeds without falling back off plane, typically 2-3 mph slower than with a 3-blade prop. That can also mean a lower cruising speed on plane if you want to drive around in a leisurely fashion. The speed reduction for an equivalent 4-blade is around 3-4 mph at top end for most boats.
On my 20ft 1977 bowrider (2800 lbs displacement, 200hp v8), I went from a 19" pitch 3-blade to an 18" pitch 4-blade and got the results described above.
An equivalent 4-blade prop is one pitch size smaller than a 3-blade (for some reason the 4-blades come in even pitch size #s, 3-blade in odd pitch size #s), so for instance if you have a 19" 3-blade now, try a 18" 4-blade and see if you like it.
Aluminum is the way to go on Winni with all the rocks, at least where I am and with various family boat drivers with rocks their heads. Cheaper and repairable too.
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