how do you measure it??? is there a certin range you want to stay in? i am thinking about shorties this winter what gains could i expect? 1998 38 fever carb 500s . thanks .

I would call Fountain to see what your x-dim is. They keep records, not sure how far back. I would guess that given my situation, that you would be a good candidate for the -2 shorties.

Brian its funny you posted this. I was going to start a thread this morning and ask for advice on the same idea. I think Marginmn is running shorties and 5 blades with his fever and has seen great results. But I am curious so anyone with Ideas please post away.

RAF

As posted by Wild Card 09


"No, the original definition of the x dimension is the distance from the driveshaft of the motor (input shaft of drive) to the lowest point on the vee.

However because this doesn´t take into account whether a shorty, standard or spacered drive is fitted, most people measure the x dimension as you have described, propshaft to bottom of vee (whether that is pad, or a conventional vee).
On a twin, the relevant dimension is measured from the hull bottom directly in front of the centrleline of the drive, to the propshaft.

On a single, 7"+ (prop to vee) is not unusual on older hulls running 3 blade props, but less than 6" is more common, these days, especially with 4 blade props. Stepped hulls can run higher drives than conventional vees, I believe.
90+ mph boats running 5 or more blades get down below 4".

My 80 mph 26 foot boat has a 4 1/2" drive height (on an extension box) and runs real nice.


The variables of hull design, weight, centre of gravity, prop, intended speed range make it impossible to generalise, too much."

I just went out and measured a 2006 35 and it is 23/4" my 97 with ext boxes is 41/2" but I think my drives are way to deep. mine gets on plane fast with very little bow lift.

Brian, Take a straightedge to your hull, directly in front of the bullet. Then measure down to the center of the prop shaft. That will get you your baseline. I'll bet you have a lot of room for improvement by going to a shortie. Carder

I put imco -2 inch shorties on my '99 38 fever with 500hps. i had to switch from the original hydomotives to bravo props. my boat didn't gain any top end but to my suprise it handles the ruff water in the ozarks much better. also imco's customer servive is a joke and they could't care less about the poduct once it's paid for.

sorry ment to start new thread

thanks for the info everyone thats scary to here you spent all that money and didnt gain any more speed will have to do more reserch thanks

nealmobile - I would have thought that your would have picked up a little speed with the shorties. With a 99, your x-dim should be pretty deep. I know with my 2001 35 single step the -2 shorties made quite a difference.