I'm going to measure how far the center of the prop shaft is below the boat this weekend. Has anyone had any experience with this? Any ideas what the measurement should be close to? I am trying to make a determination whether a -2 shorty will work. I have also been told that trying to get on plane with a 3 blade is a good test. Any attempted this? Thanks.

16 3/4 is likely your X (mine is a '99) -2" will bring it to 18 3/4 which is still 1 lower than some of the newer models. You will gain top end no doubt. (expect 3-4) It is the most reliable gain in speed. My .02

Thanks for the reply Ran-Dom. As I understand, you had no problems getting on plane. Do you think that I need to run down a 3 blade prop just to be sure that I can get on plane? Mr. Gadgets is giving me a pretty good deal on an Imco shortie. What prop did you find works best with your application?

Random
Are you sure about the 19 3/4? My 1995 has 16 3/8 XD per the performance report? Says 84.5 mph top speed with hp500s? 14.5" 4 blade mach props. 34" center.

What length are you looking for ideally, I have a 01 35 Lightning (twin step) with standard length lowers. Would I benefit from one to two inches shorter?

Ran-Dom,

Didn't you settle on the Bravo Shop lower when you changed last season? What was your final gain in speed due to the gear case change? I remember you talking about testing the Merc Bravo props and was wondering if you ever tested the Hydromotive 4 blades, or the Merc and/or Hydro 5 blade props. Like Rebel I am thinking about the change to the 2" shorter case and would appreciate any info you could share on this. Mine is a '99 like yours with 500's.

If I remember you also had a chance to test the Merc Sportmaster short lower, how did the boat run with those?

Look foreward to your input here, Thanks!

jrryan is correct, I had my #'s backwards, my performance report from fountain shows my XD @ 16 3/4 & top speed of 80MPH @ 5250 with hydro 26's. (I never seen 80 GPS when it was stock)
I ended up using bravo shop -2 lowers with 30" labbed B1's (there was no significant diferences between the sportmaster lower vs Bshop) my net gain from the lower swap was 3-4 real mph

I just measured today and found that my center of the prop shaft is 7.5 below the bottom directly ahead of the drive. Does this mean that the stock drive height is too low?

I was told that if I do go to shorties, that I can not use Hydromotives? So that leaves Bravos or possibly the CNCed props from Throttle Up?