I have a 2000 35 twin step with 500 efis. It had a 17.5 x dimension, but I raised the drives and motors 2". Still stock bravo 1s with 1.5 gears. So far I have picked up 5 mph, but can't seem to find the right props. I can't get it on plane with 4 blade hydros. 30 bravos and it jumps right up, but runs right at the rev limiters at 87@5500. Just this last weekend I tried a set of labbed 32 bravos, RPMs didn't change but it ran 90@5500. Can't seem to get the RPMs down. Do I need to try 5 or 6 blades? Or try 34s? Don't really want to put out the money for herrings.

how much faster are you trying to go on 500s and stock B1s? lol

The faster the better.

On my 03 35 with a 18.25" X Dim, I got prop blowout over 90 mph using 32 B1 prop. RPM's would increase with no speed increase, I blamed this on the lower gearcase.
Added nosecones to stock lowers and switched to a Merc labbed 32 Maximus 5 blade 15 5/8 dia. and picked up 4 or 5mph top end and 6 mph at cruise speed.
Seems with your raised drives you would benefit from more blades.

Using your numbers your slip is about 17%, which is not terrible, but a little high. 5 Blades may help get that down, are you running stock Bravo 1 drives with small propshafts, or the XR's? The 5 Blades may cause some drive issues. Raising your drives have your props surfacing some now and the load and unload of those surfacing props can be hard on propshafts.

Yes i just have 1" shafts. I figured I would leave it alone until it breaks.

I was planning on doing some nosecones over the winter. I was thinking the mercury 5 blades, they are still a little less than herrings, right? Where do I start with pitch and size?

are the hubs the same for the bravo's and the maximus?

You're saying you have raised your drives and motors up 2 inches...did you really raise the motors and drives or did you just raise your drives 2 inches? What is your total x dimension now?

A five blade max would help, but a six or seven blade hering would be better.

I can tell you are in love with 7 blade herings!