WELL I might be sitting high dry this season, because of back ,knee problems so, I'm thinking of a 2'' or3'' shortie and painting the boat custom colors. will the shortie improve the ride?I HAVE 650HP 637 TQ THE BOAT CHINE WALKS SPEEDS OVER 70MPH.

I think 3'' is to much, I think totalmp did a 2'' with good results

YOu have a proping issue as well. My 24 runs about 73ish with 520hp and I can drive the chine out if it and make it drive straight. The chine is not much of an issue at all. I am running a 23 Rev4.

650 oughtta get you about 80 with a decent handle if you hit the set up right.

I'd like to try a shortie one of these days as well.

Later.....

Okay guys, please don't think I am stupid, but, what is a shortie?

It's a shortened version of an outdrive's lower unit. Basically, is moves the prop centerline higher, or less deep in the water. It can reduce drag, allow for a larger prop and can generally increase speed in most instances. However, it's not always met with positive results. It depends on the hull, weight and loading. Testing is the only real way to predict results.

Oh, okay. That makes sense. I have never heard of doing that. I guess it shows how "green" I really am. Do people to this a lot? Is it real common for Baja owners to do it? How expensive it is?

It is common for Baja owners to play around with X-dimensions.

(X-dimension is the term for how far the prop centerline is from the bottom of the boat. )

Baja historically builds boats with what can be considered a very conservative X-dimension. In other words, the drives are deeper than most other boats. It helps in stability and handling, but scrubs off speed.

Thanks for the info.
So, how much speed is gained normally when this is done?

You're quite welcome.

It's almost impossible to say...It's varies quite dramitically from one boat to another. On a typical boat like your 24 Outlaw, it may be worth 3-4 mph with a prop change with stock horsepower. Some have better success, some less.

Some less desirable results can be, difficulty in planing, blowing out in turns, increased chine walk, etc.

Hey Outlawcowgirl,

Don't ask Mrs Outlaw what a 3" Shortie is. She would probably point at me!!