prop setup

Question
I have a 2008 Nitro 929 and I'm trying to slow it down and get a better ride and hole shot. Its a 250 Merc XS and I put a 4 blade on it but when I take off the front goes up about 4 feet and between 3000 and 4000 revs it over revs.
Question: Do I need to lower the engine and does anyone no exactly where I should lower or raise it to?. It has a Manual jackplate on it.

Answer
Hi Bud...Thank you for selecting the undersigned to reply to your question.

I'm not a mechanic, however, next time the boat is in shallow water or out of the water, make certain the engine's cavitation plate is flush with the very bottom of the transom, which will ensure the prop is adequately submerged, and not partially surfacing and drawing in air.

The pitch & diameter of the prop play an important role relevant to top end speed versus quick planing on rapid starts during acceleration, and satisfaction is achieved by trial and error testing. In other words, a quicker hole shot to a planed position, means loss of top end speed. When you reach 2500, 3500, and 4500 rpm. with different props, check your speed and suit yourself as to whether you've reached your objective.

Properly trimming the engine is extremely important when attempting to plane as quickly as possible. Consider water foils or wing-type adaptors attached to the cavitation plate. They're designed to assist boats to reach a planed position earlier.

In the final analysis, best you consult a qualified local marine mechanic who you feel you can trust and comes highly recommended from sources who have utilized their services in the past with success.

Safe Boating
Ron