I have a 1998 Volvo Penta 5.0 Gi (PBYCCE) engine with a DuoProp (DP-SM) outdrive in a Monterey 242 mini-cruiser. Although VP specs say it should get up to 4800 RPM, it maxes out at about 3700 and top speed of about 40MPH. Its running with F7 propellers, and I've been advised to try a smaller prop (F6 or F5). One friend suggested I test by running without the back prop at all and see if RPM improves. Another lent me an F5 back prop, to try with the F7 front prop.
Are either of these ideas worth trying? Or could doing so have negative long-term impact on the outdrive?
Are either of these ideas worth trying? Or could doing so have negative long-term impact on the outdrive?