2014 z7 prop slip

[AndrewM-Fishing]

2014 Z7 150 ProXS new to me. Motor serviced and checks out. Tempest just got cleaned up and balanced. Hull/pad are clean, confirmed no hook before purchase. For what the boat is I'm not disappointed but once she gets loaded up for the season I don't think I'll me getting close to max rpm and from my understanding these opti's need to spin. Probably have to drop a pitch for summer. Any thoughts on getting the slip down a bit? There is some paint flaking off the lower unit, could that be causing slip?

solo
1/2 fuel
P2P 3 1/4
RPM 5500
54 MPH
24 Tempest Plus
19 slip

[Pulsare2020]

Have you tried to lower the engine a bit? Do you have a transducer or pitot tube mounted in line with the prop (that sometimes causes excessive slip). Not sure if flaking paint could cause it but nicks in the lower unit or skeg might contribute. Not sure if a lower pitch will change the slip, but it is worth trying to get your rpm up closer to the top rated rpm. That alone might improve the top end.