Re: prop
with the 4 cylinder 3.0L, you will need to choose between hole shot acceleration and top speed. The right prop for the job depends on what you prefer. The size prop you need will depend on the boat but if you're turning 5200 rpms wide open then I'm guessing yours is an 18 inch pitch 4 blade prop. There's nothing wrong with that, just as long as you know you are sacrificing top speed for low speed acceleration and performance. Also know you don't want to run the motor too fast, if it maxes out at 5200 rpm then that's not too bad but you don't want to run it there for long periods of time. Ideally you should keep it under 5000 rpm.
Four blade props usually have their pitch at 16-18-20-22 whereas three blade props run 17-19-21-23, but there can be props having any size pitch. Bottom line is you will have to find out what your prop is to make a smart decision and not waste money.
The oem 3-blade props for the 3L are usually a 21 inch pitch, at least mine is, and will result in wide open throttle rpms around 4600 rpm. If you are running an 18" pitch 4-blade prop, you will get more top speed if you run a 20 inch pitch 4 blade prop however the boat will be a little slower getting on plane. You will have to try it and decide for yourself if the performance it gives is what you want.
I have a 2002 19' bayliner, with the same engine, and the oem 3-blade 21" is about the best for all skiing conditions including deep water slalom starts. The extra bight a 4-blade prop gives is not a good thing because the 3.0L 4-cylinder is short on low end power, unless you run a lower pitch and sacrifice top speed like you're currently doing.
