I spent some hours with my 26 daytona with a 525efi and 26 pitch four blade and 1.36 gears. When I would go to take off push the stick forward the bow comes up but the rpms don't move no matter how much gas you give. After about 5 or 6 seconds the motor comes to life. I have a lot of black soot on my transom after boating. The dealer when I bought the boat told me that that was normal. Any feed back?

welcome to single engine cat land. the prop has so much bite that it absorbs all the torque the engine has at low rpm and holds the rpm down below the sweet spot. once the boat starts to move forward, the back starts to lift and brings the prop closer to the surface where it sucks air and breaks loose. then the engine spins faster and enters its "torque curve" where it now has the power to push the boat over the hump and onto plane. The lighter you load the boat, the quicker this will happen. stick 5 adults and full tanks in it and it will take longer. try using a slow rolling start method with the drive tucked under and then as you gain forward speed, apply more power. this will stop the bow from shooting up right away and burrying the prop deeper.

will going to a 25 pitch prop help?

Yes and move all the weight forward that you can.

I would try a 28 Pitch prop.... What is the speed of the boat at the maximum RPM? RPM? and SPEED?

I would get your motor checked by a Authorized Mercury Marine Dealer.

I Ran 4800 Rpm At 82 Mph. Took Along Time To Get There.

GARY 1.36 GEARS ARE HOLDING YOU BACK. I WOULD GET THE PROP LABBED AND CUT DOWN THE DIAMETER OF THE PROP TO GET A BETTER HOLE SHOT AND MORE RPMs

OR GO TO 1.50 GEARS AND A 28 PITCH PROP. 1.50s WILL HELP A LOT TO GET OUT OF HOLE AND CLIMB TO TOP SPEED, MUCH MORE RESPONSIVE TO THROTTLE. 1.36s ARE BETTER FOR BLOWERS OR TWINS

boat is under warranty, don't want to go into it. Waiting for end of summer so marty in omaha can get me a twin. The 26 was to get my feet wet and through the summer. So far I have been impressed with this 26 though and the 525.