Prop Size for 23" Inboard

[stuartsmith]

I have 1979 Potter built Inboard 23" Seacraft center console,two years ago I hit a reef with my propeller 17/23 (1 1/4" Shaft), I replaced it for the short term with a 17/18 which had me on a plane very quickly but lacked top speed. I had my prop repaired and it now takes me 4 minutes to get on a plane with over 3 people on the boat and all have to be at the front of the boat.
The original Prop worked fine, took about 40 seconds to get up onto a plane maximum and had a good top speed.
I am seeking the recommend size of propeller for my Seacraft.
I have a Volvo Penta model TAMD 41 D (PD){pleasure duty} Ser# 2204148540 Product # 86866
With a Volvo Transmission model HS1A Ser#3101070142Produc# 873171 Gear ratio, 1.96:1

[ggreeby]

Go back and talk to the people that did your prop. Find out just whatThey did. There is a chance the prop before damage was not truly 17X23. The difference between the temp prop & the repaired would account for large difference in performance. Or try a 17X21 . george.