If I'm remembering right (not always a safe bet) Baja raised the X dim in 2002, correct? How much did this effect the performance? Or in other words, is there going to be a big difference in a 2001 and a 2002 boat, both powered with 496 mags?

I think it came up in 2000, late, but I drink alot of beer.......
I'm putting 3" shorties on 12" extension boxes on my 99 29. I'll let you know how that works in a few weeks.
I had 1" shorties on it before & it ran pretty strong with no handling issues.

I think any 496 boat was raised

I thought so too. Reason I asked is I saw an 01 496 boat advertised and in the picture it has 3 blade props. I thought all the raised X boats came with 4 blades and ran better that way. With the lower X it was easy to blow out 3 blade mirages, with the higher X I would think it would be tough to get on plane with 3 blades.

I have a 2001 with 496 HO's and run both three blade and 4 blade props. I run 27p labbed mirages for inland lakes and get 77 gps at about 4900. I also have a set of 26p mercury labbed Bravos that I over rev at 5150 and only get 72 to 73. I bought the 4 blades because in rough water (lake Erie) the 3 blades will blow out pretty easy. The 4 blades do get the boat out of the water quicker too. But...for top end speed the 3's are the ticket...Hope some of this helps.

Jason,
What do you think the 1" shorties change in performance on my boat would be? Do you still have them?

I sold the shorties. I'd guess you would pick up a few MPH buy using them. PM me. I've got a deal for you on stuff like that.