My 98 Sabre with a 150 Merc has a 24p Trophy on it. During heat of the summer with a good load (2 guys, full of fuel, good amount of tackle) if I get on it and am not paying attention the motor can turn well over 5800rpm's and still be climbing in rpm's and speed. All vent holes are open I'm not worried about speed, I want good hole shot and protect the engine. 5600 is redline according to the engine spec. All vent holes are open and I think my holeshot is pretty good( never had anything to compare to). Should I go up to a 25-26 pitch or just not go to WOT. Cost is a big issue, so any recommendations on brand? Should I stick with a Trophy or is there something better for less $.

In order of importance

1. Protect the motor

2. Holeshot

3. Cost. Money is tight I'll have to sell this one to get another.

1. Protect motor by running within it's recommend RPM range so if it recommends 5600 stick within 200 RPMS of it ideally right on it at WOT.

2. Ideal holeshot depends on load, prop type/ specs, load balance, air temp, prop to pad, etc. Ideally for top end you want your boat with weight loaded towards stern , weight towards bow helps holeshot, but too much weight can be dangerous since the bow can dig and make high speed steering sketchy. Also 4 and 5 blade props really help with holeshot, as does reducing pitch, but problem is that you'll gain RPMs on pitch reduction.

3. I really like Powertech props they make a trophy copy called the TRO4 that is great. I run one on my boat with great success. Give them a call and ask to speak with a technical sales rep explaining your situation or you can send your prop off to a tuner such as Mark Croxton.

From your description it seems like you can afford to go up in pitch a bit, especially since you tend to lose RPM in hotter summer weather, so you should gain even more RPMs as weather cools.