Hurricane Sun Deck boat 18.7 motor hieght

[coffeeguy]

Friend just got an 18.7 Sun Deck. 2014 Evinrude 135 H.O.. 14.8 X17P prop. Presently the way the motor came from dealer has the prop shaft about 9 inches below the pad. It is a heavy boat but has a great hole shot but lacking in top end. I have an manual jackplate which will set it back about 5 inches and allow the motor to be raised to a minimum of about 2 inches below pad. Has any one played with this style of boat? Boat will be more for cruising and fishing then skiing. Just curious to see what others have tried on these styles of boats.

[eli]

in theory jack plate works for moving engine back and higher for better performance
the more buried the lower better hole shot
the higher lower unit better speed
propeller choice will determine height vs slip
aluminum like to be run deep
stainless can be surfaced and depending on style stainless will determine height vs losing bite
and water pressure ,so just because you install jack plate does not mean were jacking motor to where we think we are without testing
and or gear ,extra weight ,fuel,passengers etc