Has anyone tried the Imco or Sportmaster 2" short cases on a single step 35? Have two friends running Imco 2" shorties and both claim speed gains - however, they are both 100+ MPH. Anybody tried these on a stock powered boat in the low 80's and had positive results?

RaggedEdge

My friends drive Formulas - they will get here eventually!!!!!
---- Some time I think - maybe!!!!!!!!!!!

I ran a 1998 35 Lightning equipped with 525 SC's, I tried the shorties but I did not notice any significant speed gains. The only thing I noticed was the boat ran a bit looser, you did not have to trim it out as much.

For significant speed gains in a 35 Lightning, you will need to gain horsepower, lab finished Herring props and then you may want to work on your drives.

Tell me more about your boat, year model, engines and hours on your motors and drives.

There are things you can do to gain speed, one of the best in the business in setting up Fountains is Art Lilly. If Art can not help you there are plenty of people around with experience with Fountain that can help you.

Call customer service and ask for Martin.

Fountaindriver

I'm also very curious about -2 shorties - I hear mixed opinions, just very pricey if your gain is minimal. I'm running a 35 '99 single step.

Just installed sportmaster shorties with one inch spacers. Iam using 5 blade merc props 30 picth. About a week away from testing on a 35 lighting whippled 500's.

Fountain Driver -
It's a 1999 35 single step w/500 carbs; 160 hrs; 26 hydromotives; 81-82 mph at 5300 rpm. ---- 28 non-lab bravos - 81-82 mph at 4950-5000 rpm. Same hours on drives. Bought boat late July 2004 just starting to dial in. Have pair of 28 light cup labbed bravos to try when splashed this spring. Any suggestions appreciated.

RaggedEdge

My friends drive Formulas -- they will get here eventually!!
Some time I think --- maybe!!

Depending on how much cash you want to spend, you could try Whipple chargers on those engines. I would recommend freshening up the drive train and do not forget you will have to replace the fuel lines from your fuel tank running back to the engines.

The imco shorties will definitely improve your top end speed with the increase in horse power. Also, try some lab finished 32 or 33 pitch Herring props. Be prepared to spend around 20K for the upgrades but you should see the low 90's.

The draw backs are you spent a lot of cash you will never get back when you sell your boat, you lose dependability in your engines and drives. But you will run faster.

My advice, try buying some lab finished 6 blade Herring props if those do not work, try some 5 blades. If you call Herring ask for Jim, he will definitely help you.

Fountaindriver