I have an 08 Ranger Z20 with a newer 2017 Merc 250 Opti.  I had the same motor before but an 08.  The motors weigh the same, however with my new motor i am getting a lot of water over the back every time i come off pad.  Doesnt matter if i do it slowly, the trim is all the way down or if i do it slowly and then goose it a little.  Any suggestions or advice?  I do have it on a manual jack plate but it is at the same ht as the old motor that i never had this issue with.  TIA

Water inside the hull, flooded foam with water or other extra weight near the back ??  Just some thoughts here...neighbor has a newer 4 stroke outboard and a side by side comparison to my two stroke shows more of the engine hanging to the rear of the mount on the four stroke than on the two stroke which would create more weight hanging rearward from the transom.  Not sure but does this newer motor have more overhang toward the rear than the previous model !!  Thats all I got....

Transfer cargo weight forward, perhaps invest in lithium batteries.

My boat does it as well but never to the point that the bilge pump picks it up.

When you come off plane, push the throttle a little bit so you move forward as the wake approaches your transom.  Or come to a more gradual stop.