1994 Stratos 284 w/ 150 Intruder Setup Questions

[bassprokd]

Alright...bought the boat last spring and looking to tweak the setup a bit. The centerline of propshaft is currently 6 1/2" below the pad! I know that is too low so I'll be raising it up. From what I am hearing I need to be somewhere around 3 1/2" below pad...please confirm.
Also, the motor came with a 23p x 13 1/2" renegade 4 blade prop. Did some research and ordered a 24p x 14 1/2" raker as I am trying to get into the 60's.
Now for the jackplate. I have a 4" jackplate from my skeeter that I previously owned that I have been thinking about putting on. I have also been considering buying a 6" jackplate. What kind of performance difference am I going to see between the 4" and 6" besides costing me over $200 compared to free?
The boat currently runs 58 at about 5700 rpm. I believe that raising the motor up 3" should help me some alone...what are your thoughts. I really appreciate it!

[ep72]

Get a 6" plate and set the motor @ 3.75" below pad to start with. The 6" plate will make the boat handle better than the smaller one. You can find used 6" plates often in the forsale forum. I would think you will see low 60"s speeds with the Raker. And dont forget to take the weed ring off the LU before running the Raker.

[StratosDadRI]

I second everything ep72 stated. I have a 96 278 with a 150 Intruder. You will need a differnt thrust washer for the Raker. Good thing its the cheaper one, your Renegade is the smaller $$$ one. The Raker may only turn 5400-5500 but thats fine as the 150's make their power in the 5200-5400 range.

Keep the boat light you will see a good 6 mph differnce between your light fishing load and 2 big boys and BPS, full fuel tank and the livewell full.

[bassprokd]

I really appreciate the advice! Can't wait to get back out on the water again!