I had issues when I repowered in 17 going from a 3.3 liter to 4.2. my 3.3 would spin up to 6,100 rpm with both the Yamaha saltwater series two and power tech os4 props. I buy the 4.2 and the dealer mounts it on hole 1 on the outboard ,which is the lowest deepest hole. I can't get the motor spin up past 5300 or so. Tried both Yammy and Power tech..so, I move it to hole two on the motor ( from the top) and did see appreciable gain in performance. This boating season I asked my serving dealer to raise her one more to hole 3.
I ran the boat Sunday for the first time but I was in the ICW between Flagler and St. Augustine and I didn't run her WOT,but at 3800 RPM I was cruising at 30-31 which took me going to 4000 RPM to break 30. I would suggest I am seeing noticeable performance gains. Ken at prop gods suggested if my antiventilation plate is below the water while on plane that's it too deep. I observed mine just at or slightly above the water line yesterday while on plane. Now the 228 is a bracketed boat and that rule of thumb keeping the antiventilation plate even with the bottom of the keel at the stern I am not sure ever applied.
I think without any knowledge of your boat the sweet spot for the boat is either hole 2 or 3 and not the last hole raising your motor to highest possible point. Please post your findings when you splash her.