Jeff,
Carbed or efi?
Checking spark plug color is a good indicator if you are rich/lean.
Don’t ever run lean unless you like extra holes in your pistons.
Every inch of pitch you drop is good for about 100-200 increase in rpms.
First thing to do is find your manufacturers recommendation of where your motor should run at max rpm, then let’s talk.
Most motors are in high 5k range.
A high performance motor will be in low 6k range.
You need to be propped so at the lake you run the most your rpm is in the manufacturers rpm range.
If ran too low of rpm for long periods of time, damage will occur.
Remember, an outboard does not have a transmission, only a clutch.
Carbed or efi?
Checking spark plug color is a good indicator if you are rich/lean.
Don’t ever run lean unless you like extra holes in your pistons.
Every inch of pitch you drop is good for about 100-200 increase in rpms.
First thing to do is find your manufacturers recommendation of where your motor should run at max rpm, then let’s talk.
Most motors are in high 5k range.
A high performance motor will be in low 6k range.
You need to be propped so at the lake you run the most your rpm is in the manufacturers rpm range.
If ran too low of rpm for long periods of time, damage will occur.
Remember, an outboard does not have a transmission, only a clutch.