Another prop question

[joshmon71]

Dont swap props till the engine height is good. When running on plane the cav plate should be just skimming above the water. NO tabs involved, WOT, trimmed down, start trimming up slow, when cavitates then back down. get a gander over the stern and see if cav plate is above water. You said it was below but might be misunderstanding. if you turn on plane, if you have a little bit of cavitation, but not when straight, that is about right for height as well. I have a mirage plus 17P not on it right now and the boat gets wot 6300 RPM, 1977 SC 23. Prior owner had some prop work done so it is not stock. I put on a merc rev 4 17P and get about 5850RPM. I may swap this out for a rev 4 15P though.

For fishing I want a 4 blade for low speed plane and better hole shot, but for going fast and efficient a 3 blade. No prop does everything its a compromise.

Sounds like you can bring the engine up 1 notch....having the cav plate under the water when running is a big drag. Not sure who rigged it, but mfrs seem to err on caution side of life and rig lower.

A 4 blade may allow you to go a bit higher, but in my case I swap props around so no dicey.

I might be selling my new this summer 4 blade Merc Rev 4 17P as well....prob not right prop for you though-you lose about 400 RPM I think from a 3 blade. Unreal hole shot and low speed planing, and better handling near the dock, def a big fan of the Rev4.