So your propshaft centerline is 2.25" below the bottom? Still looking at all the details of your project. Did you do a 3" raised with a shortie?

I really would have thought a raised extension box would have gained you at least 3 or 4 MPH.

2.25” below the bottom of the boat. 3” rise by 12” imco extension box. Imco SCX which is 2” shorter than a standard bravo. Had I spent the time labbing/tweaking props when I added the box with the 496ho I bet I would’ve been at the same speed or a tad above 70 but with the added control and handling of a 4 blade. The box also helps the boat a bit in rougher water I feel. There’s now no doubt in my mind that the water rises at least one inch per 12” of setback, some guys say 3” per 12” and that’s why they make the box 3” rise, but I think it’s closer to 1” for 12”. Plus on a single V you have the water filling in from the sides as well. So if I were to measure from the bottom of the notch, where the water begins to rise, to the leading edge of the prop blades I bet it’s close to 36”, or 3 inches of water, the scx moves the prop back a little bit as well. I wish I would’ve mounted the go-pro to the transom to see where the water is hitting the drive but the loss of one go pro already and just using the boat over our short summer deterred me from doing that.

The scx has been sold, scx-4 will most likely be next.

I’m relating this project, trying to make a Baja much faster than originally intended while still being reliable, is like trying to getting a brick to roll. Can it be done? Yes, but its going to take some effort and it might not be pretty.

I raised mine up from 8" to 5" and gained about 3MPH by rebuilding the transom. Was thinking about setting back 12" and raising another 2 or 3" keeping the standard bravo. Just looking for a few more MPH and better handling.

I’ve only heard of a couple of instances where an ext box did not help handling. Whether or not it would increase speed I think depends on what kind of speeds you running.

Runs a solid 73 now. Have not done anything but maintenance in 7 years. Documented most of my projects on the forums.

Been doing a little research on the arneson bravo conversion. I don’t think it’s a realistic option on this boat though. I would have to drop the motor back down, maybe even lower than how it was from Baja. And would possibly need to fill part of the notch back in. Would be pretty cool, but new they're expensive, and then I’d really have to find the right buyer if I ever do sell the thing or convert it back to bravo.

Putting a Bravo on there now wouldn't be a bad idea. Plenty of guys are running big HP and not having problems. I'd put a Bravo X with a Sportmaster lower and be done. The lower is a better shape for that bottom

Maybe this is the most reasonable route. Call Mr. Gadgets and see what he recommends with your setup. I’ve read a number of different setup complications with the Arneson conversion on a single engine boat less than 30 feet in length. You don’t want to be pissing money into the wind (more than necessary anyway).

I’ve talked to Dick a couple times about getting a bravo to live behind a blown motor and it didn’t sound like a very reliable route. I’ve read about a couple single arneson as well, but like I said I don’t see that being an option for me.