To me it sounds like you have your idle set to high . when you are at idle (neutral) what is your rpm reading ? should be no more than 1000 rpms. I have a 15 hp honda and i can troll down to .05 mph but i also have a 25 footer. Try lowering the idle before spending $$. Just my opinion.
Jersey Jim
With a foot of snow the whole state of NJ will be shut down . With a inch on the ground most people can't even drive ! lol I have a 12 pack of samuel adams winter ! Just for an emergency,I will survive sharky.
Jersey Jim
I run 4 riggers off my boat all the time . I have 8'6' beam also but my riggers are 5 footers and I use the pancake weights on my side riggers and i bend the back fin slightly . this gets them even further away from you boat. The back riggers should be your deepest . once in a while the riggers cross but that happens to everybody in nasty currents.
Jersey Jim
I have a 25 footer with 250 Yamaha she cruises well at 25 mph top end about 36 mph and that loaded . I had the option to go with twin 150'S . But i wanted a kicker motor for trolling. pros and cons love my outboard for early season fish when its cold out all you have to do is let the water drain out . good to go . Very easy to work on not much maintenance. Cons little had working around the motor to net fish and can't run a center rigger.
Jersey Jim
Ok Pete i'll give you two years out in the sticks and redneck will start rubbing off on you ! Let me break it down for you . Becoming a NJ redneck . The first thing you will do when you come home from work is not give your wife a kiss hello. you will go in the back yard to make sure your corn pile is nice and high. Second you will make sure you can see your corn pile at the kitchen table . Third you will always have a weapon load ready at all times. Fourth you will have a spot light on your corn pile so you can see whats hitting it in the middle of the night. This is only the begins of becoming a NJ redneck .Good luck on your new home ! Need any help just give me a call.
Jersey Jim
I had the pleasure of going out on this beast of a boat . Let me tell you this boat laughs at 4 foots we fished it all afternoon with out any problems what a sweet ride . You can leave a beer on the gunnel and it don't even move . I wish you the best of luck with it Pete.
Jersey Jim