prop advise for Merc 40hp 4 stroke

[hookum243]

I have a bass tracker pro team 170 tx and it has a merc 40 hp 4 stroke, i have a 13.5 x 26 standard prop and motor is rated to go at an rpm of 6000 max. i am looking to get up on plane quicker and pick up some speed without going over 6000 rpm's i am currently maxing out at 5700 trimmed all the way and about 31 mph tops , would like to run about 35mph. Can i achieve this by going to a 16 pitch prop stainless instead of my 13 aluminum??? or what else could i do that wont harm the motor but get me more speed

[Brummo]

That 26 seems like a lot of pitch for a 40 HP motor. I have a 13X19 on my 75 Optimax. I may be reading this wrong too.

[Brudd]

That prop size has to be e either a typo or measured in something other than inches.

[Skip531]

Your numbers don't sound right .  Check the mounting of the motor. Too deep you drag, too high you get cavitation.  My hole shot improved immensely and my overall speed as well. My motor runs extremely efficient and I blow away the same boats with larger hp.