For skiing you do want a prop that pushes you passed that top end. That gives you the hole-shot you're looking for. Your current prop is pretty much a standard 'Vengance' style prop. But I believe it is pulling too many revs, hence the great response out of the hole.
If skiing is what you're primarily doing, consider a Laser II or even a High-five. Both these props have vent holes in the prop, allowing the engine to spin up without load before taking a bite... Hole-shot is unbelievable. I put a Laser II on my boat years ago, just to see what it would do... Talk about 'light the blue touch-paper and retire'...And the High-five is even more aggressive! One of the best props I ever used was the old 4 blade SS, 'Offshore' series. I believe it's now been replace by the Revolution 4. VERY difficult to make that prop ventilate (which is what you are getting, not cavitation).
Ventilation is when air from the surface is sucked down into the blade area. Cavitation is when the water on the low pressure side of the blades boils and the blade loses grip. The end result is the same, the engine revs, the boat stops. But the fix is very different in each case, which is why you need to know which one it is.
Very difficult to find a single prop to do all things. I think the closest would be the Laser II if you want to ski and cruise. Just remember to put the vent plugs in the holes before you go cruising... And I would definitely go up at least 2"... And yes, with the bigger prop, your top speed will increase..
Chris........
