23 Inboard numbers with new 16x17 wheel

[riprunner]

Finally after months of research and talking with people from this board as well as others I finally bought a prop for my 23 inboard. I was running a 15x17 LH wheel pushed by a new MPI 350 and was only getting about 18 knots on test day at 3000 RPM and just under 10GPH. I went out and bought a brand new 16x17LH prop that is also the factory spec. Because I have waited so long to see what this boat should perform at I took a couple hours off work and headed to the boat. I went out with my dad, both of us over 240 pounds & full fuel and ran the boat with the above posted number, I’m not sure how hard the tide was running, so that’s one small factor. The marina next door has a travel lift so had them pull the boat and I switched the prop. The first thing I noticed about the new prop was it was much beefier than the prior prop and again I couldn’t wait to hit the ocean and see what she would do. So I get to the break water and push the throttle down. To my absolute amazement I get the same exact $%#%# numbers as the other wheel. Same speed, same GPH, and going the same direction on the same day on the same tide. The only difference is now I get more vibration.

What’s the deal I here….? I expected to get better numbers, or at least worst numbers, but everything was exactly the same even the hole shot. I couldn’t be more disappointed and at close to $500.00 later. I only had a few minutes to test it because I had to get back to my office, but everything was identical according to my GPS & smartcraft gauges. I have charters both Saturday & Sunday so I’ll see if there’s any difference when I add more weight to the boat. I think I need to go for a ride in another 23 inboard to see what the differences are. I have a big tall T-Top, but I just can’t see that slowing me down that much?