I have run a 27 hp kohler on a mudbuddy frame for the past several years and have tried both the 9x7 and 9x6 props. Motor is stock other than a stainless exhaust more for occasional saltwater use than any attempt to increase performance. I can honestly say I prefered the 9x7. Although the 9x6 may let you drive the RPM's up a little more, I found that whenever there was mud, sand, veggies, and stuff in the way the 9x7 did better. I also found that the 9x7 seemed to have more torque in the low end. I hunt usually hunt out of the boat and with blind, decoys, and assorted gear on a 14x48 the 9x7 performed better for me. The 9x6 did give me a a little more top end speed, maybe 1 mph, but that was only when the boat was completely empty, blind was off and just me and the dog messing around. Brand new 9 x 7 was turning RPM's in the 3200's but by the end of the season would be up in the 36-3800's as the prop wore down. You can hit a bed of sand in the dark and take off the cupping on the props pretty quickly. Again, personal opinion, but after trying different props I felt the 9x7 was a better all around performer. Once the 9x6 began to wear down, you may get even higher RPMs but I felt the torque for hunting loads was not there. If you guys run a light boat just racing others to your spots or a fixed blind- then the 9x6 may be your style. I found, at least on my rig, the RPM was more limited by the load I was carrying than the prop I was using.
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