Mark, which prop is that you just put on?? I finally was able to get out and use my new ACME 1847 - it's an amazing difference. You'll love it. As Kraig said above, you will be just fine with 1/2". That's roughly what I have, but a half inch is a mile when you're loading/unloading. I don't power load the last 2 feet either, so nothing is spinning, but when you launch and load, the back of the boat should still be floating, even when you're all the way on the trailer.

Just don't back the boat onto the trailer, and you'll be fine!