What is the max HP rpm for your engine? Let's assume it is 5600, you have answered my question in saying that you get the max efficiency at that rpm. I don't need to see a graph to tell you that if it is rated for 40 or 60 at 5600, then every rpm above it is dropping off. Otherwise it would say 60 hp @ 6000. The difference in lower as apposed to higher rpm is that the engine is still pulling and making more power as apposed to 6000 where it is done and declining. Set all that aside and just do the math on this instance. If I am going 28.3 at 6000 but 30.4 at 5200, which would you prefer? Another thing to explain my train of thought is that if it is doing 30.4 at 5200 and I haven't reached max HP rpm, how fast will it go at max rpm range? I know it goes slower above that number. Drastically so. Everything being equal, the boat should get faster than 30 as I get closer to the max HP rpm since it is still climbing the hil to max rpm right? So why not shot for that? I have gone to 6000 and seen it decline so that isn't right either. I'm sure it will be a great ski prop and should sit at 5600 - 5400 with two people in the boat and a skier pulling the boat back. At that point, speed doesn't matter as long as the skier is able to stay on top of the water. And if it has the sweet spot it will also be getting great Gas mileage while doing so.
Do me a favor and see if you can get the same prop but two inches higher in pitch. I bet you get closer to 40 or even above and you'll get better gas mileage. Don't just assume that the prop you had laying around is good enough. Shoot for the max rpm hp number and the boat will be a better all around functioning piece. I don't claim to know anything about props or these etecs yet but I understand horsepower ratings. I have been playing with muscle cars and drag cars my whole adolescent/ adult life. No difference from a boat to a car as far as a dyno reading. You shoot for the sweet spot to put the most power to the ground that you can at all times. I hope you understand where I'm coming from. Let me try to find some dyno charts to show you the dramatic decline an engine takes after peak hp. A common term is that the hp just drops off the table as an explanation of power loss after peak rpm.
I agree with you on the 5200 prop being woefully under rpm once a few people and a cooler are put in the boat, that is why I am still searching for the "right prop". Thanks for your help and I truely appreciate the difference in opinions. It often times solves the problem just by hearing a different point of view. Keep them coming