I dont really mind less cockpit space... I just need it to be a stand-up boat. Didn't put that in the criteria because I imagined at this size range that would have been implicit.

Can anyone shed some light on the Sunsation's bottom design?

28TS Pantera w/ Stagger Blown SBCs(700hp a side) 3 Man Bolster configuration.
Easy trailer boat too.

They could do a BBC too, i believe they have.

Sorry for not being up on the offshore lingo... What does BBC mean? What does the British news channel have to do with any of this? ;)

Big Block Chevy

Did you mean twin bh block chevy's staggered or a single big block?

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Can anyone shed some light on the Sunsation's bottom design?[/QUOTE]

Call Joe at the factory (810) 794-4888. I'm sure he will be more than happy to answer your questions. I know they switched to a double step in 2006 and added a small pad around 2008.

Not sure who you are talking to about the ride in a Fountain. By your response, I can only assume you have not ridden in one.
Most performance V's do not jump on plane, some better some worse, high X's and large pitch props contribute to that.
Runs like dog****? one of the most efficient hulls going in any size. Compare speeds with equal power in same size boats. Fountains are usually as fast if not faster.
Poor manners at high speed? I have never had one of my Fountains do anything unpredicable at high speed.
Most people who ride in ours have never been over 100 mph on the water, usually their first remark is how stable the boat was, and didnt even feel like you were going that fast.
Many great manufacturers to chose from, few fit you needs, go water test yourself instead of relying on second hand information.
But since you own many faster, bigger boats, you probably all ready knew that.:drink::drink:

I said that I haven't ridden in a Lightning.

I've ridden in plenty of older fountains in the early 90s which obviously cannot compare.

I own several skaters and also a large vee-bottom powerboat. I know speed. I take what others say into consideration and when I repeat it, I repeat it in the manner in which I did here - I state that I am repeating what I am told.

We do a mono 33'10" from the tip of the bow to the transom although with the bustle it's a bit longer - 525's or Ilmor's with your choice of drives - full cockpit or open with a screen, no problem doing the stagger either.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...arlestown9.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...st/test424.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...st/test271.jpg

We only build race boats or race boats for leisure use and although we're a little bit further away from you than the competition you wouldn't see many like it!