1996 Skeeter zx180 Merc 150 EFI SLOWW!!

So I have a 1996 Skeeter ZX 180 with a Merc 150 EFI. I recently added a 6" manual jack plate and have it set at about 3" below pad. I have a laser 23p prop and the boat is only getting about 49 mph at 6000 RPM. I have also tried a 25p and a 24p. The 25 did a little better and got about 54 mph at 5500 RPM but wouldn't plane with 2 people and full live wells. This is driving me crazy, I see guys running these boats at low 60's and I'm having trouble hitting 50!! I have tried adjusting the jack plate up and down and nothing seems to make a difference, I've spent hundreds on new props. Please help any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

How did it run before you put the plate on?

How's how is your compression?

Hull foam waterlogged?

It ran about 52 mph, but the guy I bought it from had a 5 blade prop on it... The compression is good on all cylinders. AS for the hull I'm not sure how to check if its waterlogged? the boat has no cracks or holes in the hull and I've had it in my garage for the past 3 years and it only gets wet from rain, but I dry it out afterward. Is there another way I can look?

A 23 Tempest is the prop you need. That Laser won't lift the bow.

I thought a laser II produced more bow lift than the tempest? it has more rake correct?

I have the same setup with a lazer2 and that's about what I get I have no issues getting on plane.

where do you have your plate set? Also what pitch prop?

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Originally Posted by mrdeath

A 23 Tempest is the prop you need. That Laser won't lift the bow.

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X2 tempest waay better for lift!

Verify the throttle opens to 100% and timing is advancing properly to at least 23*.

23 pitch laser 2 and I jump on plane i do however need to do some adjustment i need 500 more rpms