[Green Heads N Red Fins]

Just another perspective, but what is the condition of your prop?? Speaking from experience, I have a 17x50 GT with a MB 35 HDS....Initially was running 27.8 or better......recently GPS'd myself and 22 was the best I could get...If I had a load forget about it........Measured my prop and I had worn a FULL 1.25 inches off the prop......I only have 45 hours on mine too.....Had problems with high RPM's having to trim my motor all the way down to "grab and go" back firing from bumping the rev limiter.....Like I said, just a thought...hope you get it solved.....I have a prop on the way