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I put the foil back on and just ran the boat with the Mercury black max, 15 pitch, 10.125" diameter. Results identical to my post #14 (which was with the new prop and the foil).

With the foil and Black Max combo, the boat is more stable (little to no porpoising) at planing speed and tracks straighter at slow speeds. Great maneuverability at the dock, the boat is extremely responsive and predictable vs the old 4 blade propeller. With two people onboard, the boat would not get out of the hole at wide open throttle unless I moved one passenger forward of the console and even that was slow. The old 4 blade 12 pitch would plane more easily, even with 4 people onboard. Once on plane with the new prop, I did see nearly 28mph on the GPS at about 5200 RPM and a little over 29mph at 5350 RPM with one person onboard. Had to keep 15-16mph to stay on plane which is a little faster than with the 4 blade required. Cruised comfortably right around 20-21mph.

Bottom line regarding the foil & Black Max combo - it is better with the foil than without.

If I had to pick just between the new Mercury black max, 15 pitch, 10.125" diameter and the old 4 blade 12 pitch I'd keep the Black Max due to the better control/maneuverability around the dock. The biggest loss keeping the new prop is my lack ability to get the boat on plane (or get out of someones way if need be) with 2 or more people and I would like to regain that ability.