Shorties or Std. Bravo length drive?
 

Ok, it's down to the wire. I have to decide whether to run 2" shorties for the year, or wait until next. I have my new engines almost ready and have to sh*t or get off th pot.

Would you run my existing Bravos as is for the first year or try the 2" shorties right away? If I don't do the 2" shorties, I'll still have to buy new props with the 1' prop shaft, then next year buy those that fit the 1 1/4" shafts. Looking for suggestions as Jim V. is finishing my heads over the next 2 weeks. Engines will be around 700 hp NA. I don't want to waste money at this point, but if 2" or 1" lowers would make a difference I would be there.

2001 35' single step Classic Fountain

Thanks for any suggestions!

Re: Shorties or Std. Bravo length drive?
 

IMO go for it, there no doubt your going to see a gain with your particular set up.

Re: Shorties or Std. Bravo length drive?
 

I would save my MONEY your drive height is high now for big motors . You can change hubs in your props if you do shorties later !

Re: Shorties or Std. Bravo length drive?
 

Two different responses. Care to share your experiences with shorties and the gains? Thanks for the tip on changing out hubs if I don't change lowers. Although, it may take a different prop when raising the drives do to slippage.

Re: Shorties or Std. Bravo length drive?
 

There's no way to know if the shorties are an improvement if you change them now without trying out the new engines first. Shorties are not cheap. Find out how fast your boat is and then try the shorties.

Re: Shorties or Std. Bravo length drive?
 

Get your Xdim and call Fountain to see if what you have is optimum.

Re: Shorties or Std. Bravo length drive?
 

I found the best prices from the Bravo shop.

Fountain said my x dimension was 16 3/4, while the new Executioneers are 2" higher with 1.65 gears, while mine are 1.50. I just don't want to pay $6,000+ without the potential for additional speed. I know that there would be extra slippage with the higher x.

Anyone with a similiar boat have expeience with the shorties, either positive or negative? Thanks.

Re: Shorties or Std. Bravo length drive?
 

Talk to Marty Sanborn, he's very helpful!
Z

Re: Shorties or Std. Bravo length drive?
 

Do your changes in incraments, you'll never know what you gained or lost.

Put the motors together, test and dial in. Then mess around with drive height etc. You'll be running around in circles testing things and may go back to what you had to begin with. :rolleyes: