If my grandpaw could plane out a 16' planked flat bottom skiff (very heavy) with a 1949 10 hp Johnson (he had to sit in the middle seat to do it while alone) with 2 kids in the boat, plus tackle and gas, you can plane that boat. I agree with "roffey". Don't spend money till you feel you need to.
Other thing is getting the right prop. That 50 should top out at 5500 rpm with your usual load. If you have a tachometer, great. You'll do best propping for that rpm or slightly below. It will help in your getting on plane (hole shot) and your engine will run cleaner and longer without having to lug.
If you don't have one set the engine (if no Power Trim and Tilt) to the tilt pin setting that gives you the best wide open throttle operation. Try different holes (tilt angles) till you find the sweet spot.
Then test the hole shot: Dead stop idling in gear to on plane, with the bow dropping back down. If not in the 5-10 second range, you might consider dropping down to the next available pitch prop, usually come in 2" increments. Your prop should be stamped with the pitch or a part number which you can google and get info (usually). iboats sells them and they have a tutorial about props and all. Look under Boat Parts and Accessories at the top of this page. Alum props are a lot cheaper than trim tabs and a lot easier to install. Grin.
Keep us posted.
