Charlie is right, you may be getting some economy back once the motor will turn it's right rpm.
Also check that the hull isn't all loaded with marine growth, that will drag a lot in some boats.
I think you could pay back some boat care in savings in a reasonable time if you are whipping off $50 trips all the time!
My Chevy 350 gets it torque right in the middle and that's a nice low plane around 23 or 25 mph with my boat. I don't know how much effort the motor needs to give to keep your boat moving efficiently but my guess would be 200 to 500 rpm above plowing, just on an easy plane.
I'm not going for a flow meter unless I run out of higher priorities first.
I still want a bimini and some trim tabs. Plus I don't really have the right pitch prop. I have one that I have borrowed but it's not fair to keep someone else's stuff. I have one that's too small and 2 that are too big.
My borrow prop is a 21, gotta find someone to trade my 19 or my extra 23 for a 21 of my own.
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1989 Baja Sunsport 196, Mercruiser 5.7, For Sale
1987 Formula 223 LS with 1997 350 Mag 
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