What would you guys do?

[kwluis]

I just took delivery of a SC 23 with 225 opti.
The boat with 140 gal of gas and 2 people would only hit 5010 rpm max and just over 35 knots. The manual says that recommended full throttle range is 5000-5750 rpm and suggest that it runs WOT in the upper half of that range. The prop that the dealer put on there is the Mirage 17P. I am on the low end of the WOT rpm range that the manual suggests, I just don't know if that is good. I just can't go to the dealer and ask for a new prop either...they are located approximately 4 hours away.

My question for you guys is what would you do? Would you change the prop for an extra 700 or so rpm or just leave it alone? A new stainless prop is pricey and I am happy with the speed, performance and hole shot. I figured since they have sent out so many of these engines propped like this, that it would have the correct prop from the get go. Is the mirage 17P about the right prop? Is it possible that all I need to do is check the throttle adjustment in the engine? Is it bad for the engine though leaving it the way it is? Am I making the engine work harder? Am I taking the life away? I don't want to hurt the engine.

Thanks,
Luis