what pitch prop should i run on my 2.4L

[W.O.T]

i have an 82 baker 18ft. with a 2.4L 200hp merc, right now i have a 24" pitch ron hill prop it runs at about 70mph with a light load. i would like more top speed. should i go with a 26" or 28" prop? what will work best for my motor and boat? what kind of speed should i expect with the two different sizes? any advice on prop brand? i usually never have more than two people in the boat or tow. thanks for your help
http://myspace-785.vo.llnwd.net/00578/58/77/578927785_l.jpg

[STOKER909]

Hey WOT,
I kinda have had the same question with my 20 stoker with 200 merc. I have what I think is a bronson Hill Chopper 25" and I pull down about 80 by myself turning about 6300 rpm. I am seriously about to buy a couple Mercury Lightning ET props one with 28" pitch and one with 30" pitch. I have read so many amazing things about this prop for about a year now that I am convinced that it is right for me. One draw back though, it can be prohibitively expensive at nearly $1000. I have also considered buying a Ron Hill propellers Lightning ET knock-off but have heard some negative things about his props construction so I am not sure who to believe.

[sorry dog]

Ron Hill copies several styles.
I had the Yamaha Drag copy 28". It ran OK and I'd buy another for lake use at the right price. However, the blades were very thick so top speed wasn't good, but it was very durable as a result. I picked up 10mph by going to a chopper 2 but that prop is dog in the hole.
I heard from someone else with the same hill prop that his prop guy said he couldn't thin it to improve it. I don't know why, though.