I guess it's pulling to the right, this is because you have a right hand rotation propeller, which is normal.

Some motors have a trim tab that can be adjusted to help cure this.
Check your owners manual.
Happy Boating,WWW

That is a good brand of bottom paint.
BUT often paint is formulated for particular areas of the country because of different types of problems such as barnacles, algae, etc.
Ask around and buy one suited to your particular area.
Later, WWW

I have a Minn Kota Model 35 with 24 lb thrust.
It stopped on me the other day and I know the positive alligator clip is weak, so I reached down to check it and got some hot fingers!
I pulled it off and took to the oars.

After 10 minutes of that, I decided to try again; so I wiggled the positive clip as tight as I could get it and it ran for about 3 minutes and quit again.
Again the clip was hot, hot enough to melt a little plastic bag touching it.
I brought it home and hooked it up under good tight clamps and let it run for a few minutes, I am not sure you can run them out of water or not, but the clamps stayed cool.

My questions are:
could it have been faulty connections that caused the heat?
Is it Ok to test run out of water?

Sure, it's okay to run your ELECTRIC motor out of water to test it as it doesn't have a water pump.

A loose or corroded connection can definitely cause, or create enough resistance to melt wires and hinder or stop a trolling motor from operating.

Clean wires and add new connectors... then go fishing.
G Luck, WWW

I have just purchased a 1978 Bayliner 18' Admirality with a Volvo Penta I/O.
The engine is a aq-140 and the drive is ag-280.
What is the horsepower of this motor and what prop should I use?

I am having trouble getting up on plane and the boat just doesn't seem that fast.
From what I can tell it has a 14/17 aluminum prop 3 blade, the edges of the prop is rolled over so I know I need a new one so should I go to a 4 blade?
Thanks for your help

That is a 140 HP Volvo.
The damage to the prop alone could be your problem.

Check around your area for a prop repair shop, they can re condition your prop for 1/3 the cost of a new one.

With a heavy load you may have to try a lower pitch prop.
A four blade prop usually is a waste of money on your style boat.
Good Luck, WW

The most important thing you need to know is to use a zinc-chromate primer on the bare aluminum.

After that you can use primer fillers and finish coats you desire.
Good Luck,WWW