Understanding X Factor
 

Hope this is not a stupid question(s).

When everyone talks about X factor they are talking about the actual height above the keel/water line. Correct?

The X factor on the liner hull (2007-2008) 26OL was one value where as Fountain changed the X factor on their 2009 26OL. Now... did they raise or lower it? With the changes what did it do? Improve ride, hull contacting water underway or speed increase?

Thanks for the help.

Man I'm far from an expert but the X dimension is the measurement between the bottom of your hull and the center line of your prop shaft. Reggie raised the X (along with changed gears and labbed props) to go faster and fly/run flatter.

X is depth BELOW the keel, nothing to do with water line. Raised x means shallower running prop.

This is correct, (or at least to my knowledge) let me add not all Out Laws came the same. Some dealers ordered OL's with higher X-Dim from the Factory.

Thanks for the replies.

I am sure there is a lot of engineering that goes behind this... but in the meantime at least understand how they measure it.

So... the X factor and top speeds probably have a lot to with hull design as well?

Good thread been wondering myself.

Ok, a few of these terms are misquoted often. The X Diminsion is the bottom of the boat to the engine crankshaft centerline.
Then there is the measurment from the bottom of the boat to the propshaft centerline.
I just raised my engine and drive up 3", so I raised my x. The X dim is 17.25?" but the propshaft centerline is 5".
You could install a shortie drive and raise your propshaft but your x would still be the same.
Does that make sence?

It does make sense... thank you.

But what exactly does raising or lowering the X-factor do to speed and handling?

Now for another question.... how the hell do you change the X factor in a boat that already has the hole in it? Did you have to redo the transom in order to get the new X factor?

Yes, I recut the hole, don't even ask how much work or how many hours I have in it. Handling is better, 5MPH faster, trim it all the way down and keep the RPM below 3k coming out of the hole. Boat runs 74 MPH as of last week, I have a few more tricks left that should get me to 76.

74 mph out of the Baja 236 Wow! We never have a chance to put that kind of HP in one at the factory back in the day, but I knew that was a good running hull that could handle more HP. The 236 was my first whole boat design project at Baja, and was the very first model to have the molded steps in the dash to the foredeck. I had the Baja 260 at the time and loved the boat, but hated how hard it was to get on the deck. So that is how steps became involved on all the newer model Baja's.

Back to the subject. Your explanation on the x-dimension is right-on target, but here is something to really get everyone confused. We did some testing on a Baja 25ol with a very special transom assembly that was called "X-Factor" and operated much like a stern jack for a outboard engine. There were patent numbers all over this thing, and I think the main goal was just to sell the rights to Brunswick? Never heard anything on it after that.

XT

XT, just curious how did that 25 run during the testing?

Wow what a cool idea on the drive.
Yea, about the 236, I love the boat, it is a 94 and I have owned it since 98. You should see the custom vents I just made for it. When the boat was stock it ran 55 with a 330, now I have a custom 489 and raised x, its a completly different boat.

Not that great of results from what I remember, for what would have been a 10k upgrade in pricing? But look at the props we had in the day for testing. A Mirage likes to be run deeper in the water, so I imagine every time they got that thing running near the surface....BLOWOUT?

XT

Definately some interesting information!!!:coolcowboy:

man that is some cool chit. thanks for the pics

What ever happened to that "X Factor" setup? That seems like a great idea and that is the only picture I have seen. It looks like it has full hyd steering along with the lift. Also looks easy to work on, inspect and maintain.