Extension Boxes on 36 Outlaw
 

I know this has been discussed before, but I want to start over here and get fresh information.

We are pulling the 500 EFI's out in two weeks to change the cams. While the engines are out we will be doing some glass work on the bottom of the boat.

This will probably be my last chance to add extension boxes. I like the IMCO units and have talked to Frank at IMCO Neveda and he says my stock drives WILL be too deep, and recommends that I go with shorties on the boxes.

If that is the case this will be more money then I want to spend.

My questions is for you guys that have boxes on 36 Outlaws is:

1) Do you think they are worth it?
2) Are you running standard length drives?
3) Do you have any words of wisdom?

Thanks Dock

Re: Extension Boxes on 36 Outlaw
 

Dock,

When we were at the factory, when ours was being built, Doug Smith told us we should have gone with the boxes. Said they "were worth 4 to 6 MPH".

Just for what its worth.

Mark

Re: Extension Boxes on 36 Outlaw
 

Mark,

I appreciate the information. If anyone knows it should be Doug Smith.

How long ago was this and were they talking standard length drives?

Thanks

Re: Extension Boxes on 36 Outlaw
 

Dock,

Ive seen alot of your threads. why not just add whipples or prochargers? wouldnt that be easier/cheaper?

I think thats my next step. While my valve springs and head gaskets are getting done, Im having the cometic gaskets put in, so its ready. now i just need to find a deal on em.

Re: Extension Boxes on 36 Outlaw
 

Dock,

For what it's worth-- Every fast Outlaw I have ever seen has boxes on it. Call Hawkeye in Iowa. They have done a bunch of boats that I have seen at LOTO. They all have boxes (mostly Stellings and shorter drives) and are turning some big props. One boat I saw at my condo had boxes, lowers and was spinning 36" props.I am sure it had blowers too. I will eventually add boxes to mine as I know that the X dim is to conservative and the box is a great aid to speed and handling. There was a 32 Outlaw for sale on boattrader and it said it was custom built for Doug Smith. It had a notched transom which is the same thing as a box.

I say go for it and we'll wait for you're results.

Smitty

Re: Extension Boxes on 36 Outlaw
 

I have 2 friends that have
36's with Stellings boxes,
( I have a 33 with Stellings boxes)

Both 36's have standard length drives.

1 is a 2000 with bulldogs,
it runs 74-75ish.

It was ordered with 1.36 gears, with the idea of being
pro-charged.

It has 24 labbed bravo's on it....probably would
be faster with 1.5's and 26's or better.

The other is a 98' with pro-charged
502 mpi's, it runs right at 80.

1.5's with 30 labbed bravo's

As compared to mine, both of these boats
drives don't seem to be mounted that high.

Thus, in these circumstances, I don't
think the boxes are worth much in the mph
department, compared to boats without boxes.


Now, put shorties on them...........that may do
something.


Is IMCO telling you to use the neutral or
3" raise box ?

Neutral, you definetly will need shorties,
even then, they would probably be too low.

If things permit ( being the engines have to be raised)
I would go with the 3" raised boxes, for starters.

You can always bolt on shorter lowers at a later
date.

And, if somehow, they were too high, you
could always add spacers back to the drives
relatively easy......or go to 5 blades...they
really hook up :D

Are they worth it???....I'd say if there set up right,
yes.

Plus, it's more "jewelry" hanging off the back of the boat :D

Re: Extension Boxes on 36 Outlaw
 

The notched transom helps with the high drives. This boat has a high drive hight set from the factory. The boxes move the CG and also get the props in more water. The notched transom gets more water going at the props and less wetted area in the water. Look at the pictures and you can see the blueprinted area of the hull and the rough surface to break the suction of the water.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/esvon/page-6554.html

All of this works in combination to get the extra MPH. It only takes $$$$$ to make them go.

Re: Extension Boxes on 36 Outlaw
 

Wilks--

That is an awesome 32. If I hadn't bought my 36 this year I would be owning yours probably. I looked for a long time and never found a nice 32 with the right stuff. Then I stumbled across my 36 with the goodies and a low low price.

Good luck with it !!

What is the next one gonna be ??

Smitty

Re: Extension Boxes on 36 Outlaw
 

38 Cig or 40 Outlaw

Re: Extension Boxes on 36 Outlaw
 

Dock,

Ours is a 1999 and was at the factory in late 98 while it was being built. This is before they started to raise the factory setting for the X dimension. It has come up at least 1 1/2" since ours was built.

If you remember we are the solid white 36 at Lake Cumberland. Met you there at last years poker run. Saw your boat there this year but never saw you.

Mark

Re: Extension Boxes on 36 Outlaw
 

Hey Mark,

Sorry, I forgot your screen name. Also sorry we did not see you at the run. Did you have the boat in the water? I was looking for you. Had my wife with me this year and I had told her how nice your boat looks.

Thanks for the information.

Dock

Re: Extension Boxes on 36 Outlaw
 

Dock,

Yes we were in the water. Got there just a little while before the Sat. AM start & just idled around for the most part taking it all in. Tied up for the lunch stop on the back row closest to the shore with some of our local friends and walked the docks at that point. Sure you were busy eating at the time. Didn't make it back for the evening activities as it seems we got stuck back at 76 Falls. Imagine that!!

If you come back again for next year, or for that matter anytime, we need to get together again. Might need to compare notes as it seems you are doing some things I have thought of in the past just never have done. Yet anyway.

Keep us posted as to your upgrades and improvements.

Take care.

Mark

Re: Extension Boxes on 36 Outlaw
 

Mark,

We skipped the free meal at the docks this year and rode the shuttle to the top of the mountain for the buffet at the lodge. That is probably how we missed you.

We have talked about a trip up there next summer before the poker run. I probably will not do the run anymore. It is too hectic, parking is a problem and the water conditions are ROUGH!

I will keep you posted on how things go with the boat. I have decided NOT to add the extension boxes. We will however be changing the cam and truing the bottom along with relocating the A/C intake to the transom.

Take care

Dock

Re: Extension Boxes on 36 Outlaw
 

I'm trying to stay away from blowers. You are right, but just not for me at this time.

I have a lead on a guy building some very nice 572 CI, 700 HP NA engines at a good price. Before blowers, I would probably go that route.

Thanks

Re: Extension Boxes on 36 Outlaw
 

Wilks,

That is one VERY sweet boat. I think all of us Baja guys would be proud to own that one.

Did they notch the transom as the boat was being built or afterwards?

As for the rough surface on the last six feet or so, how much do you think that helps? I have always been told is would work and have seen some racers do it, but this is the first I have seen on a pleasure boat.

Thanks again for sharing the information, and keep us posted on what you buy next.

Dock

Re: Extension Boxes on 36 Outlaw
 

Thanks Doc,

It is a sweet ride and I try to keep it looking nice.

Except for the red drives this is the way the boat left the factory. I was told by Hawkeye Boats that the notch was done in the mold. They also said the hull was vacuum bagged.

I can't say for sure how much the sanded bottom helps. It was done when I bought the boat. The Blueprinting and sanding is probably good for 2 or 3 MPH.

Took the boat up to Hawkeye for storage this weekend. I will try to sell it in the spring again and if it doesn't sell than thats OK too. I'll just run it some more.

Good look with you boat upgrades.

Re: Extension Boxes on 36 Outlaw
 

HT,

I spoke with some folks at Baja and they all said "NO". The best you can expect is about 2 MPH. They all say the 36 never responded well to them, and recommended "HP" instead of "ExBx".

We ran across a pair of Stelling in SC that I thought i could pick up cheap ($1000 ea) and I was going to go ahead and do it. But the deal did not pan out and for $6K it is NOT worth it.

I'm taking your advise and changing the iac's. I have one going bad for sure and the engine acts like a blower motor surging!

Heading to Florida Sunday afternoon. We're pulling the engines and changing the cams. I may go ahead and add 10 quart oil pans while they are out. Seeing a little higher temps since the compression change. Pulling the A/C intake and plugging that hole and truing the bottom. I plan to pull the shore power and shore water hookups off the side of the boat and fill in those holes for a more sleek look, and mount them inside the boat.

Thanks for all your help and advise. I will keep you posted.

Dock

Re: Extension Boxes on 36 Outlaw
 

Tide, I think you probably fit in better at TBM where they will put all your post in the proper catagory where they WONT be seen,
Later

Re: Extension Boxes on 36 Outlaw
 

Come on guys. Lets not get into a pissing contest.

I think a lot of you all, and we are all good Baja owners.

Lets agree to disagree sometimes, and just try and get along.

Dock

Re: Extension Boxes on 36 Outlaw
 

I agree Doc, I guess Negitive comments are best replied to with silence our handled via email in private not on a Baja forum

Re: Extension Boxes on 36 Outlaw
 

No blowers for me. I have had two friends to get rid of their blower boats and go back to stock power, and a third is trying to do the same thing now.

My boat is what it is. A very capable offshore boat that rides and handles well and takes a lot of power to move fast.

With big horsepower or blowers then drives become a whole new issue as well.

We are boaters, we use our boat a lot and cover a lot of miles on the trailer and on the water.

I'm taking care of three issues and will live with the results and be happy.

1) My engine builder is changing the cam, he selected wrong and is pulling the engines at his expense.

2) We are relocating the A/C intake while the engine is out. I know two Baja's that have done this with good results.

3) I'm removing my custom air vent covers that have restricted air flow and going with the newer Baja design.

I thought we had found some boxes at a deal, but it fell through. Just as well since I have seen no proof that they help the 36.

Take care
Dock

Re: Extension Boxes on 36 Outlaw
 

High-Tide

Thank you very much for the information on the PM.

You are the "Baja" Expert for sure.

Have a good day!

Dock

Re: Extension Boxes on 36 Outlaw
 

I have the MERC labbed props and a set of brand new never touched 28 pitch props. I think I will spend my money getting them to tweek the new props.

Thanks for reminding be that I still have a few houndred more to spend!!!$$$$$$$$$$$$ :rolleyes:

Re: Extension Boxes on 36 Outlaw
 

Doc,
I am interested in what the difference is in relocating the a/c pickup?
Also exactly where are you relocating it to on the transom?
Sounds like something I should be looking into for mine.

Keith

Re: Extension Boxes on 36 Outlaw
 

Keith,

Baja uses the big brass fitting which I am told my many will cost you at least 2 MPH. I saw first hand what it was doing to my boat when I spun the props in. Two friends have changed theirs with good results. One actually left his in the same location, but put a flush fitting in that is smooth with the bottom of the boat.

We are moving ours to the transom below the water line.

I will keep you posted on how it works out.

How is the new 442 doing?

Dock

Re: Extension Boxes on 36 Outlaw
 

Doc,

We love it. It is the only boat in that size that offers the space we like and decent speed. We went to the Bahamas in it and were in three Poker Runs here on the West Coast.
We looked at the Formula 400ss but it leaned more toward the PC than we liked. We also looked at NT, Fountain and Donzi and we just liked the overall package offered in the 442. I was a little concerned that I would regret the purchase once the 405' s came out and they were actually talking to me about one when I purchased the 442. For us the 442 makes more sense. As with anything, I want more speed but as you mentioned in this thread, we are not ready to give up the realiability. Cruising outweighs the number of Poker Runs. Either way reliability is most important. We are currently doing the props and are going to the Revolution 4's. We had those on the 38 and they made that boat come alive out of the hole and mid range was excellent while not sacrificing top end. If I can do a few things here and there while continuing to pick up a mile or two per hour then I will be extremely satisfied. It has been hard to find any time to get anything done on the boat and the weather has been perfect for boating down here.

Look forward to hearing the results once all your work is completed.

Keith