Check your engine height when up on plane . . . AV plate should be above the water.

Sounds like you're quite stern heavy; have you tried moving batteries forward up under console? Your 24" bracket does not have quite as much flotation as my 30" bracket, but my swim platform is a couple of inches above the water at rest. It just touches the water with a couple of big guys standing on platform.

Well had my mechanic go for a ride, yes the motor does appear to be mounted too low. They did mount the bracket (hermco) to specification but with the added weight of heavier motor and well and such near transom I guess it just likes to sit right at the waterline.

Anyways going to try to raise the motor mounting to the very top notches, hopefully that will let me run with the jackplate not raised full. I did try a 3 blade powertech prop, not sure of model but a 17 P, and trimmed up it did turn 6k and get up to close to 45 MPH. Jumped up on plane pretty quick too and didn't blow out, ran well - so I'm going to trade in the 4 blade for this one. We were able to see the AV plate but only when running wide open on plane. So hopefully raising it up a little more will be better.