Drive ratio
#5
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Typically, although there are exceptions to the rule, using more reduction to spin a larger pitch slower is faster (less propeller drag because blade speed is lower through the water). The exceptions are when a particular boat "likes" certain pitches because of bow lift vs stern lift.
#7
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Wether your boat likes a bigger "diameter" or not could depend on drive height, prop pitch, turning in vs out, etc. Typically you change 2 pitches with a change from 1.5 to 1.62 (bigger, 1.5 ratio running a 30 then a 32 might be about right for a 1.62).
#8
Registered
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My 41 has 3a and when it had 850's with 1.62 gears, I lost about 6 mph. Aceleration was great, top end was terrible. I changed gears to 1.48 and got my top end back, my new motors are 1000's and I'm saying with the 1.48