I run 4 blades spinning out.

I turn Bravo 4 blades out, but I have 2" shorties.

I tried turning them in, but the boat didn't seem to carry the nose as well- could be the shorties.

Did you pick up anything going to the shorties?

Did u gain any speed?how does the boat run with the shortys?

The boat is more definately more loose with shorties (XR drives). Maybe the shallower X means the inward rotation won't let the props carry the nose as well? Not sure- it just felt tighter (less sensitive to trim) spinning in.

It's really tough to compare apples to apples (fuel load, water/air conditions, etc.), but I think I picked up at least a couple MPH with the shorties.

The downside is that the props slip more getting on plane, but frankly, the slipping is probably saving them with the torque I have. Also, in the rough, the do seem to come out of the water a little quicker.

I am adding 380 tabs this winter, and trying to decide whether to add boxes to set the props back farther (or convert to Arnesons).

If you have the money to burn, I would go with the Arneson drives. If you don't have the money, you might just want to keep what you have. GAS maybe as high as $5.00/gallon by the end of 2011 or 2012.....and that is not super unleaded!!!!!!

What power and speed are u getting with ur set up

I have GT Performance 750's, so I am on the edge with the XR's.

http://www.performanceboats.com/gall...nes_4-9-05.jpg

It will do 80 under almost any conditions, and mid-80's with light load and good water/air. I think there's a little more in her with the setup (and maybe a little more boost...lol)

5,600RPMs x 1.5 ratio x 28" props = 84MPH @ 15%slip

I put new motors in last year...now I'm debating putting anymore money into it, since I'd like to go bigger in the near future. Do I put the boxes on? Arnesons? Herings?

Just not sure right now...lol.

That looks real sweet,don't know about the surface drive though,maybe some here has tried that already,good luck with it

I hear ya. I heard they had some luck with Arnesons on straight-bottomed Guns, but the Guns also have notches.

It just would be nice not to worry about breaking drives...maybe I should swap out the uppers for Imco SCX's and call it a day.