Actually I'm running a 1:29 gear and the props in the test are forged 35X20X 16.75 (which RS loaned to me till mine were finished) but now I'm running 37X18X16.75. I personally liked the 20's better than 18's.

An MTI In the right hands is untouchable. Good choice.

could be innercooler pickup? I was told on the Bud boat it was a balast tank pick up.

Amen. Before we go changing props I will follow your advice in getting the setup CORRECT! It takes time along with trial as you guys have proven.

I would think its for the engine as it's adjustable to control water pressure.

We'll get the hardware and then inche ourselves slowly on getting the hands! :drink:

MOST have the water pickup as shown, in the bottom, this is what randy prefers. You can raise and lower the tube and minimize any drag, and help control Pressure depending on your set up. That said, they have built some with the pickup on the transom, like what is on the Shocker picture.
As stated earlier, props are very important. This hull was designed with the Herring in mind, however the new Merc CNC's are designed to compete with the Herring. Merc has brought many sets to Randy to test and they seem to be working well. Good luck, and try to test as many different props as you can with different rakes. These boat tend to like alot of rake in my experience.:ernaehrung004:

So the bottom plate pickups are adjustable? How does this work?