I just purchased a 2002 36 Outlaw with about 620 HP on the dyno. It has Imco boxes with XRs and stock 26 four blades mercs. I was told the boat should have -2 imco shorties and it should gain about 5 mph top end. I don't want to spend the money on the shorties yet and wonder if the first step should be to have these props worked on. Right now with 1/2 tank I was running 50 mph at 3500 and about 77.5 at 4950-5000. Motors can run up to 5650 but I do not want to run that high, I would like to get up a bit like 5200. I like a fast cruise and still get out of the water easily without having to throttle it. The motors are 540 dart block with 500EFI intakes. Any input would be appreciated.

If you are planning on installing shorties, why spend the money on the props? They will most likely need to be changed when the shorties come on. Do the props when your drive setup is done. Do the shorties, then the props.

Hello,

Your hull and short drives can cause all kinds of issues.

Let's talk on the phone and we can figure out your options. Don't take big steps without discussing the smarter small steps.

Brett

FWIW I raced a 36 outlaw a week ago that ran 95 mph and he only had 750 n/a motors, I read on here that he found the best set-up with 6 blade herrings, land and sea 8" ext boxes and -2" shorties, Smitty

Brett, the shorties is exactly what I am scared on this boat, I have heard they do start to cause issues. I will be giving you a call for sure soon. Thank you.

The original owner tried shorties with no luck. Actually went backwards as did I when I went with -1 lowers on mine.

Sounds like you are going down the same path that the orginal owner did.....looking for more speed. I highly recommend you to save your money and just enjoy the boat as is. Talk to Brett at BBlades to make sure your props are optimal and be done.

Oh and you should run those motors up to 5500 at least, so have the props set up for that rpm/speed.


Smitty

I agree, I am perfectly happy with the speed it is at, I just want it to be efficient and not be throwing HPs out the window. It almost seems like you are working the motors more then they should be at cruise but I am not use the boat. Thats why I think with some prop work I will be perfectly happy. I also have spent many many hours reading all of Dock's post and it is just amazing the information he has on this boat and I have great respect for this boat as where it is at because of all the work that has been put into it. Thanks for the input!

Still looking to get this boat hooked up, with the labbed 26's i gained RPMs as I am turning about 5200 now and after a good tune from Ben at MEFITune, the issue is I gained nothing on the top end. The boat now likes to be trimmed to the max and is gains speed right to the max trim, the boat puts its nose up and seems like it should be leveler and putting more thrust forward. Specially after gaining 300 rpms from before. Now at 5200 I am at about 77 mph and at 3500 I am at 52 MPH. People still telling me shorties... I tried spinning props out and the boat lifted its stern more and gained almost 1 mph but wanted to porpous a lot more. I am not looking for a top number but want the boat to want to ride a bit leveller and not always have to drag tab to keep it level at cruise.

Not knowing your avatar/real name, I don't know if we worked on your propellers or if they were done elsewhere. I say this because it looks as though you went from stock to Labbed 26's recently. I'm guessing we were not the group that worked the props? If you gained 200-250 rpm and lost speed the recipe needs to be changed.
I'm also still not sold on shorties. I have found these hulls need higher top speeds to gain advantages from the short lower units.

Because your slip is still low, there is room for improvement.
Let me know if we can answer some other questions.

Brett

Hey Brett, yes my name is Mike Lasell, you did work for me back in February, the main goal was to get some rpms out if it, which we did it just wants more trim now and is pulling speed right up to full trim, where before I would start losing speed at 3/4 trim with the stocks. So it puts the bow in the air a bit more and I think i am getting more rpm but less forward movement. I tried stock 38s and I could only get them to about 4800 at 75 mph. We can talk I would love any suggestions. Thanks!