Just bought this very clean 1999 Trophy 2002 Walkaround...the engine has even compression (115-120lbs), runs great and seems to have plenty of torque...the boat came with a Michigan 15x17 3 blade and will only turn it at 5000 rpm at full throttle, 2 people, 3/4 fuel...I changed the prop to a Turning Point 15 x15 4 blade (with relief holes)...this prop really helped the planning time and lowered the rpms necessary to stay on plane but it too will only turn 5000 rpm with same load and trimmed up just short of ventilation...this shows 33.5 mph on the gps...since this engine is supposed to turn up to 5600, I suppose my question goes out to owners of like units...is this normal performance or ?????
.....thanks for the input. I am going to take the whale tale off that the previous owner put on and see if that makes a difference too. I don't like running a Merc in the bottom end of the rpm range...not sure how the newer ones handle it but I learned on the old ones that loved to burn pistons when they were lugged. Thanks for your help.