Australia, this is the setup I have on my 27. Xr drive with the shortie lower.

What ratio in the shorty would you guys recommend?Does the shorty mate to a stock Bravo upper?

Relating to the above.What upper ratio should i be running?From what i understand using a 1.65:1 will result in a faster top speed and using a prop above 32" pitch decreases efficiency in a Bravo style drive.I will have about 800HP so should i use a 1.5 or a 1.36 and prop accordingly?Is speed affected by gear ratio?Will a boat with a 1.5 ratio spinning a 30 pitch prop have the same top end as the same boat with a 1.36 and a 26 pitch prop?Assuming both are propped for the same RPM.

Seems like the math makes a 1.5/1.35 change more like bumping 2" of pitch. I'd try the 1.5 with a good 5 blade myself, but 1.36 should be fine. I'd use wichever comes first that you get a deal on.

Cat- how does one get a 2" shorty without a nosecone style lower for a Bravo?

I'd be leery of a std water pickup or dual WP on a high x single cat- either way- the upper holes would be open in fast conditions and cooling water to the engine or drive would be compromised

1.50 Gear 4 Blade Labbed 28= 91 To 92

Thats a decent slip, my 25 Daytona with 1.5 shorty, labbed 28, 1.36 gear was on the rev limiter at 93-94, 5400 rpm

Is it true that its more efficient to turn a bigger prop slower than a smaller prop faster or does gearing play no part in top end speed?Jeremy what ratio is your XR?