what model prop did you get... I went to a SOLAS Aluminum 4 blade 5" pitch.. good in reverse, it churns up the water like a SEA TOW tugboat.. but I get vibration... I might try the 3 blade 7" pitch..
I have a four stroke suzuki 9.9. with the OEM 3 blade egg beater...it was whisper quiet but reverse did not exist.
I have the same motor and I too have a lot of water slothing around through the cockpit drains. I am confused as to how a different prop caused the boat to not sit as low in the water? ....but i like it for sure... I would say my boat sits about a foot lower in the water under power...i hate it!
Keep me posted on the fuel efficiency compared to the stock prop. Sounds like you found a winner!!!
I noticed with my new 4 blade 5" pitch prop the transom much lower that ususal.. but couldn't figure it all out and why and wasn't sure about it from last season with the old prop... so.. I think I will have to do comparsiosns and swtitch out the props each for a day and make a close in time comparison... right now we have a hurricae force 1 hbaring down on us in east end LI !!