looking to buy Top Gun
02-05-2016, 04:23 PM
#21
Registered
Michael Peters- Professional boat builder article http://proboat.com/wp-content/upload...ower127low.pdf
"we were asked by Cigarette Racing Team (Opa Locka,
Florida) to step the bottoms of four
different models ranging in size from
30' to 42' (9.1m to 12.8m). Each of
those required us to work with the
existing molds. We developed step
inserts, and each of the four models
picked up 7–8 mph (11.2–12.8 kmh).
To my mind, those boats offer perfect
before-and-after examples of what a
well-designed step can achieve.
Here’s a stepped Cigarette [23, 24]."
"we were asked by Cigarette Racing Team (Opa Locka,
Florida) to step the bottoms of four
different models ranging in size from
30' to 42' (9.1m to 12.8m). Each of
those required us to work with the
existing molds. We developed step
inserts, and each of the four models
picked up 7–8 mph (11.2–12.8 kmh).
To my mind, those boats offer perfect
before-and-after examples of what a
well-designed step can achieve.
Here’s a stepped Cigarette [23, 24]."
02-05-2016, 08:04 PM
#22
I agree it's hard to get a true comparison. How about this though, if you put 900's in a stepped 46 it will easily run over a hundred. Now put those 900's in a straight bottom 38 and I bet it doesn't hit 100. The 46 is significantly heavier even without a full cabin and is way faster so the steps must be doing something. I know it's not apples to apples.
02-05-2016, 08:05 PM
#23
VIP Member
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02-06-2016, 08:06 AM
#27
Registered
It was pretty hairy. I not a good judge of how big the water was but I sure am glad it wasn't any bigger.
02-06-2016, 11:26 AM
#28
Registered
You would have to do two other things to show the impact of the steps, and only the steps: Make sure the stepped and non stepped boats weight the same and have exactly the same X dimension. If these two things were done, I would be surprised if the steps added even 7mph.
I am still a firm beleiver that the old flat bottom guns weigh a bit more than the new ones. I pointed out several key differences in another thread:
1. Steps reduce overall hull material weight
2. Newer TG's have barebone cabins
3. Newer TG's seem to have less material layup especially in the cowling area. I've seen a few new TG's have quite a bit of cracking.
4. Newer boats only utilize 1 fuel tank
Whether it makes a difference who knows. I know there has been quite a bit of discussion on which one handles the rough better. TS owners say they fly better. Flat bottom guys say weight and flat bottoms crush waves. Who knows. Just go enjoy what you have!!!
02-06-2016, 09:10 PM
#29
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Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Crystal River Fl,USA
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Agreed. At least in this particular application. I do tend to think other hulls gain more from steps than top guns. A good example was the RR vs TG.
I am still a firm beleiver that the old flat bottom guns weigh a bit more than the new ones. I pointed out several key differences in another thread:
1. Steps reduce overall hull material weight
2. Newer TG's have barebone cabins
3. Newer TG's seem to have less material layup especially in the cowling area. I've seen a few new TG's have quite a bit of cracking.
4. Newer boats only utilize 1 fuel tank
Whether it makes a difference who knows. I know there has been quite a bit of discussion on which one handles the rough better. TS owners say they fly better. Flat bottom guys say weight and flat bottoms crush waves. Who knows. Just go enjoy what you have!!!
I am still a firm beleiver that the old flat bottom guns weigh a bit more than the new ones. I pointed out several key differences in another thread:
1. Steps reduce overall hull material weight
2. Newer TG's have barebone cabins
3. Newer TG's seem to have less material layup especially in the cowling area. I've seen a few new TG's have quite a bit of cracking.
4. Newer boats only utilize 1 fuel tank
Whether it makes a difference who knows. I know there has been quite a bit of discussion on which one handles the rough better. TS owners say they fly better. Flat bottom guys say weight and flat bottoms crush waves. Who knows. Just go enjoy what you have!!!
02-06-2016, 09:28 PM
#30
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VIP Member
Those are among the very reasons why I'm anxiously anticipating this spring.. + 16 cylinders harmonizing rhythmically running down the river on the way to sea.. Mmmmm..
