1.85 gears. Max rpm is 6000 per the brochure, so at 6400 he is getting is probably on the limiter.

Were it mine, I'd try engine height and props, maybe change setback, before spending the money on a short shaft conversion. I just got a short mid 200XS for my SS2000 and have <10 hours on it. So far the mid looks cool, but doesn't seem to transform the boat.

The gearcase can handle the rev limiter rpm. But can it be raised high enough to optimize performance and maintain water pressure/not blow out? That's the question that led to my purchase of a 200XS.

A sportmaster conversion could solve the engine height worry. But it might be more cost effective to just go black.