Steve,
I also have a 60hp Merc 4 stroke. Mine is on a 17ft.
Lowe bass/john boat.
The prop is 10 3/8"x16 pitch and its a little slow to plain with two people, gas... the max rpm is 5200, good top speed though.
I have a 10 3/8"x12 pitch I put on and will try out the next few days, I will let you know. I am hoping for faster hole shot and 5700rpm at WOT.
My boat has a shallower V and probably weighs a little less than yours, but by no means feels under powered. Oh and I am at 3400ft elevation.
This is my first experience with a four stroke outboard and so far I LOVE it! fuel mileage, quiet, smooth...
I was told slower hole shot... over the two strokes, so it's just as I expected, the good definitely outweighs the bad.
I suspect if you can get yours sorted out you will love it.
