Re: prop size
It sounds like you have a prop with a decent amount of rake in it, which is lifting your bow high. I don't know what the real RPM or lower gear ratio is, but what I found in my database says it should turn 4,500 to 5,500 RPM and it shows the gear ratio as 1.86 to 1 with the boat weighing in at 2,350 pounds empty. if it is a 1998 too. If i use these numbers asd a starting point, and add the motor, 40 gallons of fuel, a couple of people and sundry items I come up with a total weight of about 3,700 pounds. If I also use this weight I find that if you change to a 17" prop in the same model of prop you have now, your RPM will rise to about 5,200 to 5,300 RPM with a speed of about 40 some miles per hour. But if you change models of prop to something with less rake it is hard to tell, because I don't know what other geometry of the prop changed as well. Using the 17" prop you will get on plane much quicker.
H