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Phil T, thanks for the reply. Yes, the high five was put on by the previous owner. I am considering going to a 3 or 4 blade prop.

My concern with dropping the motor down to hole #1 is that the Merc lower unit has that double cavitation plate/ splash plate. As it stands now, if I do not trim the motor properly, the cav plate "digs in" causing spray at the stern and very tuff steering. However I may try that and just trim up even further. I fear this the higher trim level to prevent the "dig in" with result in the same cavitation problem. No hurt in trying tho. Guess that is why I was asking about the use of hyrofoils to obtain the stern lift, stability in turns and anti-cav properties.