It does sound like the prop. But then, the quest for a half-knot more speed is fairly Quixotic in my world. Yes, there is the humiliation, on the five-hour morning motor to Catalina (often no wind in morning), to be passed by 30-footers throwing a bow wave and pushing 6.39 knots. They will get there first. They pull slowly ahead, and guests watch them for hours thinking Thelonious is old and slow and ready for a Viking funeral. Hurry!
I have a sailor prop too, 3-blade, and on the E38 can hit 7 knots in flat water. All it takes is a lot of noise and the transom burying.
I cruise at 6, just because its quieter.
Of course we don't have current here, or tidal schedules to keep. Still, the speed difference doesn't really amount to much if you apply personal cognitive therapy, and it saves the expense of a new propeller.
I have a sailor prop too, 3-blade, and on the E38 can hit 7 knots in flat water. All it takes is a lot of noise and the transom burying.
I cruise at 6, just because its quieter.
Of course we don't have current here, or tidal schedules to keep. Still, the speed difference doesn't really amount to much if you apply personal cognitive therapy, and it saves the expense of a new propeller.