Re: More hp
Hi Scotty,<br /> Your motor is right where you want it. If it's revving at 5000 rpms, then you're running strong and healthy. Lowering your prop pitch might up your revs a bit, but you won't gain any power to speak of - certainly not noticeably. The operating range is basically a "safe" zone so that if conditions change in regard to boat load, going against the wind/current, with wind/current, towing, etc., you're not going to burn up the motor. <br /><br /> If for instance, you try to load up the boat with your buddies, coolers, gear, etc. and try to run wide open across the lake, you're likely not going to see close to 5000 revs and the motor's going to burn itself up trying to get there. In a similar note, if it's currently spinning at 5000 on a moderately loaded 14 footer and you lend it to your nephew to run on a 10-foot john boat with his 90 pounds, it might approach 6000 revs with the same prop.<br /><br /> Bottom line, if you want more speed, get a bigger motor. Otherwise you're going to get into a gray area that can shorten the motor's lifespan in a hurry.<br /><br />- Scott