Try this on.
Gear ratio is simply a factor that relates the rotations per minute (RPMs) of the engine to the RPMs of the prop. Engines have a sweet spot (really a sweet range) where they like to run. The gear ration of the outboard and the pitch of the prop work together so that the motor can run in this sweet spot. The gear ration of the outboard cab not be easily changed but the prop can. A high pitch of the prop will mean more top speed but less acceleration out of the hole. Lower will get you on plane sooner but at the price of top end speed.
Hope this helps.