1997 evinrude vindicator prop question

[Loganmoody]

Hey guys I have a 1997 Champion 221 Elite with a 1997 evinrude vindicator 225hp, no jackplate. I hit a stump going 55mph and it tore the crap out of my boat, a total of $7000 of damage. 2 weeks later my lower unit went out because of it and now i had to buy a new lower unit. I had my 4 blade prop turned to a 27 from a 25 and I haven't got the prop back yet but from what I hear, that wasn't my best decision. I'm just trying to get a few more mph out of it. Can somebody tell me if this was a bad idea or not? Thanks for the help

[mdtritn21]

A 6" jack plate would have been a better idea and you might have picked up 2-3 mph.