Requesting Prop selection help

[ARVoyager]

Hey,
I recently purchased a 22 ft 2002 Voyager tritoon, with lifting strakes and a 90 hp 2 stroke merc. With my family of five (2 adults, 3 preteens), 30 gallons of fuel and an ice chest, my garmin shows 25 miles per hour. With just my son and I, it manages 27. Here are some specs:

michigan wheel 15P 3 blade aluminum prop, a little dinged up.
Tritoon with freshly cleaned toons,
lifting strakes on the inside of outer toons and both sides of middle toon.
Max RPM on the tach showed 5600. I suspect it isn't entirely accurate.
2003 Merc 90 hp 2 stroke, recently tuned up.
2002 22 foot voyager tritoon, not sure of the weight.

The question is, will a 17 pitch stainless prop have any appreciable benefits?
Also, what's the easiest way to verify an accurate RPM?

I appreciate any information you fellas might have!

ARVoyager

 

[Robbabob]

Re: Requesting Prop selection help

Welcome to iBoats!

you gave a lot of good information... based on typical items required to help out, http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=287818

Confirm if your motor max rpm. If 6000, going to a 17P prop will reduce rpm and speed; not the direction you want to go. Going with a 13P would increase toward the max rpm and thus allow the engine to operate in its sweet spot more often.

Now, you also mention a SS prop. "Usually" a dinged up prop will increase rpm and hurt performance (speed). Depends on the damage whether rpm is raised or lowered, but performance will be reduced, regardless. SS may not be of much benefit with your setup.