1996 200 EFI rpm question

[Rscottdds]

I have a 1996 200 EFI. The stated rpm range is 5000 to 5800. The prop I have on it now gets me to 5800. Is it better to prop closer to the middle range or even the low range or is it OK to keep things as is? What’s the advantage of going up in pitch to drop rpm’s?

 

[Quicksilver]

It's better to have it near the upper range this helps it breathe and hole shot, lugging it at the bottom range is not good for crankshafts etc. I think you're right in the zone now. Merc made a 40hp. twin in the 70's that kept breaking cranks, they found that owners were over-propping them causing failures.