I decided to keep the boat, for while anyway.
Picked up a 2006 F250 with 500 hours. First prop test was impressive, using a borrowed Merc 4 blade 19 pitch, got all the way up to 5900-6000. Load was somewhat light; 55 gallon fuel, three 200+ men, no gear, no ice, no fish. saw 47 mph on the GPS. 4000 was over 30 mph, and burning a hair over 8 gph
Ordered a big 3 blade in 21 pitch to see what happens. If I can get 5600 with it (light river cruising load) , then I will keep it and get a lower pitch 4 blade for heavy offshore days.