Re: side spray
Adjusting the angle of the motor does that. Theoretically, the antiventilation plate parallel with the bottom of the boat would give the most efficient thrust. But the position of the weight in the boat has to be compensated for. When the operator is in back operating a tiller on the motor, the motor usually needs to be tilted in one hole towards the transom. With the operator forward behind the windshield, the motor needs to be tilted one hole away from the transom. I'm talking about motors with tilt pins instead of power trim.
Power trim allows you to optomize the angle for any given condition. Generally you holeshot with the motor tucked all the way in (DOWN). Once on plane, trim back (UP) to lift the bow and gain speed.
Raising the motor and lowering it on the transom also makes a difference. Theoretically, the best position for the antiventilation plate on the motor is even with the bottom of the hull. Raising the motor up reduces drag which allows for more speed. But it is easy to have the prop suck air in sharp turns and rough water. Lowering the motor down keeps the prop in the water better in sharp turns and rough water, but you'll go a little slower.
Planting the motor further into the water should give you more leverage to get the bow up. Up on the transom would give you less. However the few MPH you go faster with the motor set higher will raise the whole boat higher in the water and the spray will start further back.
Lower is better for pulling skiers. Higher is better for raw speed.
I always advise having two props. One for speed, one for load. You have room for more RPMs, so your second prop should be an inch or two lower in pitch. It never hurts to have a spare if nothing else.
It's all in trial and error and fine tuning for you particular needs. Hopefully these help.
