Prop advice... need more stern lift... Add hydrofoil?

[pjbrownva]

I have a 1984 V20 cuddy with the 60 gal in floor tank.

My motor is a 2003 Johnson (Suzuki) 140 HP 4-stroke.

I added Bennet hydraulic trim tabs, and they are great....

However, at speed, I usually have to have them about half-way down to keep the bow down and avoid pounding.

Since the trim tabs provide noticeable drag, I realized that I need more stern lift... either via a different prop, and/or maybe adding a doel fin.

My first preference is a different prop. Right now I have a Suzuki 17 pitch x 14" 3 blade stainless steel prop... it's made for that motor.... RPM-wise, I know I can go down to even a 15 pitch... but I'm thinking that a different prop design would be better... one that provides more stern lift than factory prop.

In my mind, I would like to be able to cruise without using the trim tabs, and have the bow stay down, or only have to barely use them... that way I've got less drag.

Thoughts? Advice? Experience?

P.S. -- I like the doel fin... I've had them on fresh water boats... I just don't know if they are bad in salt water... For example, are they bad in a following sea? I'm wondering if (just like trim tabs) the waves and sea could push down on the doel-fin, and increase the risk of taking a wave over the stern.