I'm running a 23hp Dixie surface drive and am getting good speed around 24mph at 4000 rpm. But when I load the boat down with normal hunting gear load I get around 14-15 mph and the prop almost sounds like its grabbing air. I am wanting to get a more consistent load carrying capicity hopefully around 18-20 mph. Do I need to change a prop pitch or can I compensate with gear ratio? Thanks for any help.

What size boat are you running? I've got a 23 Dixie on a 1744 with a .100 hull and hit 21 to 23 with 2 hunters, dog, blind, 4 doz decoys and gear. My best speeds are between 3800 and 3900 rpm's.

Play with your weight distribution. We run with the decoys, gear, and fuel up front. Hunters and dog all sit from the center back. I know from experience that if I move 18" forward we plow and run about 16.

Sent from my SCH-R950 using Tapatalk

A 16/48. I shift weight around to plane boat better but I don't run that fast with gear decoys and guys.