How high can I go? Boat is a 98 big step 42, stagger, ssm #4's, 19.5" On center for the drives. I'm planning on running 5 blades.
I've had some people tell me 7/8" above the bottom and some people tell be 1 1/2" above. I want the boat to plane but don't mind it taking some finess to get up. There is a lot of info on #6 stuff but I dont have the setback that they have. Any feedback would be appreciated.

My 07 factory set up looks like 1 1/2" above , we just lowered it to 1" to reduce slip at high speed . Won't have results to post till spring . Another local boat runs at -1" and has less slip ,along with more bite and trim ,

What drives. How far apart are your drives? What props are you running?

Staggered #6's , 38 pitch 6 blade

Thanks for the info.