[spareparts]

i don't like advancing them any more than factory spec, in fact i usually back the timing down 2 degrees just to make sure they live. the fuel has changed a bunch in the last several years, this alters the fuel mix, if I was running a light boat(bass boat or go fast), i would play with the timing some( you pay attention to weight on a fast rig), i would probably add some octane booster, and or run higher octane fuel,but for a fishing boat( where the average weight and load change from one extreme to another), i would tend to err on the side of caution( i also step the jets up one size). On that rig, if you want more speed( assuming you get the current setup figured out) step up to more HP, try a bonafied 200/225 XRI( not to criticise your frankenmerc, i've had a couple run pretty good for what i had in them), or step up to a 3.0 225/250. I still think you have something left in the rig you have. If you have the oil injection pulled off, go ahead and spin that thing a little more( keep it under 6000), we used to twist the crap out of those motors, I'd rather have one that turns, then one that lugs. the mirage props you tried, were they Mirage or Mirage plus? We used to have some luck out of Turbo props also, go up one # in pitch over the pitch you have now, stay away from the turbo four blades( never had any luck). I can't remeber if you posted whether you weighed it or not