Need help with prop selection

[stratos 284 dc]

I am a first time bass boat owner. Just bought a 1994 stratos 284 dc with 150 intruder. The boat is in great shape, an runs good. It has a raker2 14 1/2 by 24 prop. The boat comes out of the hole in like 3 sec. Runs out at 55 mph (gps) at 4600 rpm. Now that seems a little low by what i've read other boats are running at. Im looking for more top end and to get the rpm up. So does anyone have any suggestions. Im going to install a jack plate but not till next winter. Just lookin to get a little more out of her.

[lkhartwl]

a 24 raker is going to be the way to go but you really need to lift the engine. I find it hard that a 284 did not come with one most came from the factory with it as standard equipt. you will also need to put in a water pressure gauge as you need to keep the pressure at no less than 18 lbs at wot ( wide open) best is in the low 20 lbs. getting a jack plate is the most important thing as the only thing you may do is lift the engine a hole on the transom but to do that it is the same as putting on a jack plate and a smaller pitch ( 22) prop will run ya the same price as a new 6" plate 2-300 dollars which would bring your rpms up but your hole shot may suffer and also your top end. 60 is a good speed for that boat as it is heavy ( dual console) as compared to a single console. it will not be a speed demon never happen unless you up the hp and such. sorry but 60 -62 mph is about the best you can do with the hp you have.

[netweid]

I have a Stratos 278 with an original Raker 14 1/2 x 24 and it is banged up and still turns out 59mph gps at 5200+ with no jackplate. I am actually fixing to have mine worked by Mark over in the "Props" forum and from some of the reading I did today it appears that the difference in the Raker and Raker2 is that the Raker2 ears were heavier/thicker. Do some searches (archive and recent) and search for Prop and Raker in post body. Seems like everyone is running a 24 Raker or a 23p Renegade.. Talked to another guy today that has a 23P tempest that he liked really well here on BBC.