I don't want to get this thread off track. But, I would love to see the boats get offshore further and into some rougher water. To me, rough water is much more entertaining and can level the playing field as well. I do understand that it isn't as easy as "just doing it"as other factors come into play.

I think Mark should change the name to LIGHTNING Powerboats, Outstanding

Still own it and plan on racing more. Back to the build.

Everyone talks about new technology and better efficiency. Someone please explain to me what has changed in the last 15 years of building these single engine 30' boats. We all ride on the back 4-6 feet of our boats. We all have a step. We all have to weigh the same so take out the new light weight stronger materials. Almost nothing has changed with the decks for aero dynamics. Every air intake scoop has been tried and what's left???? Unless someone has figured out the magic bottom for the last 1/3 of your running surface I don't know why the older boats are any less fast. If you want my honest opinion its the two dumb dumbs in the boat and lots of lots of testing which cost money. IMO on any given day two highly talented guy's in a old boat can win. Top end numbers are nice but you have to turn in a race.

Any additional supports going in to the stringers? Im sure weight is not an issue.

Yes . Mark builds STRONG boats . My 27 was his F1 race boat thats been to hell and back and believe it or not when i did the restoration we did not have to fix NOT one Crack

[QUOTE=edelectra;4388758]Yes . Mark builds STRONG boats . My 27 was his F1 race boat thats been to hell and back and believe it or not when i did the restoration we did not have to fix NOT one Crack[/QUOT

This boat went from race boat to a complete restoration,

Randy,
That a good question, ask Mark when he made changes to the last 4/6 ft of hull #1 in the last few months and it got a lot fast and handled better hummmm.

I almost can't believe you said that. But that a different thread.

Really????

Copy/Paste of OPA Rulebook revised 10-7-15 version#5

Page 44
Single Step Hulls Weight minimum, Bravo, Imco drive 4750 lbs
Twin Step Hulls Weight Minimum, Bravo, Imco drive 5000 lbs at first race – adjusted for parity by OPA.
Triple Step Hulls Weight Minimum, Bravo. Imco drive 5250 lbs at first race- adjusted for parity by OPA

Page 45
27’ Activator hull # ----------- is approved for competition at 4550 pounds

SMH

[QUOTE=Xtremeracing;4388780]Randy,
That a good question, ask Mark when he made changes to the last 4/6 ft of hull #1 in the last few months and it got a lot fast and handled better hummmm.
The new bottom is definitely faster then the old one . I have done a lot of testing myself with identical power and props