Info on 46 Step Bottom Problems
 

I am thinking seriously about moving up to a 43 or 46 Black Thunder. I have talked to a friend recently about a possible problem with the older 46' boats that had 2 steps. The boat wanted to roll to one side or the other somewhat severely and stay there even with the tab down 100%, until the boat experienced a few waves and the bottom freed up. He indicated that this is a known problem with the older boats, I myself was not aware of this if it is a problem. Has anyone else experienced this situation. If it was a problem have they corrected it on the newer models?

Any information to help make a good decision would be appreciated.

Looks like we are in the same situation...

Want an even bigger badder "condo-on-water" ..

In my research I have never heard that..

Never heard of that.

That does not make any sense. How can a bottom
"free-up"????

How would you know you have never been sober on one.:evilb: :evilb:

your comments are factual, the boats cg is not proportioned properly, have driven 3 - 46's and been in several more, was unable to keep nose down and boat level, there was litigation with some owners in the past on this and improper sized drives issues, great looking boat, just needs the hull problems corrected and go with a konrad drive system, just too much boat for a bravo application

Wow... never heard of any of that...

I have experienced something similar with my 07 46 EC. If you are running slow 40-50mph and have your added weight (people-beer) in the boat not balanced properly from side to side, you may have to put alittle tab into it to run level. At higher speeds the boat runs higher out of the water and its not a issue. It isn't a problem at all with mine just something I noticed differant from my 97 steeped 43.
As for the bow. The drives are deep enough to make the bow hop if you want it to. When I notice it I just lower the drives some to make it go away. Again not an issue to me just something I noticed differant from my 97 BT.
I love the way my 46 runs. With Twin 525's I've been able to run 74 mph gps with 3/4 tank of fuel and 6 adults on board in fresh water. I'm very impressed with the hull not to mention the ameneties that my family of 5 enjoy while spending the weekend on it. my .02.:)

They have a new bottom on the BT's that runs flawlessly. I believe it came out in late 05', early 06'. They are also building one with merc 850's and 6's right now. Member "THLWL" has one of the new bottoms and it has 525's in it.

not aware of any hull changes in 05 or 06, what were they?, they did move the x dimension, set back on drive to help the porpoise, the bigger tabs do help the side to side problems but really should'nt be used for that problem, the deck is so tall it sway, due to wind and being top heavy. the hull displacement is not adequate to negate the above water line mass. again I like the amenities of the boat, but the 43 was a much better hull than the 46 .

The chines are huge on the new ones. They also also have a different x-dimension, and different steps in the boat as well.

The early 2005's and earlier had a notched transom. They also had smaller steps. If you see a 2005 or earlier next to a 2006 or later, you will notice a difference in the transom area. My 2006 will maintain a plane at 22 mph and will plane without loss of sight. The larger steps makes the hull very efficient. However, when running at speed, cross winds can require a little steering input. I have run 75 mph w/ twin 525efi's. Extremely happy with cockpit and cabin amenities also.

My wife and I rode on a 07 last weekend at Lake of the Ozarks and man was that an awesome ride. Water was rough in the early afternoon and didnt even notice. Also I was told Black Thunder is building a twin 700 with the NXT1 Drives, I cant what to hear the speed test results. We were looking at other manufacturers and that ride made our minds up, we are hooked on Black Thunder.

My progression: 20' Run about then a 32' SeaRay Pachanga then a 38' Baja then the 46' Black Thunder. We looked at the Fountain, Nor Tech, Outerlimits, Sonic, etc. Went to 3 Miami boat shows. Found nothing that came close to the 46' BT size, comfort, & BT Owner & Sales folks. They are located in a small Missouri town and was just a totally friendly process - especially compared to some of the fast paced Eastern mfgs.

Also, in addition to the twin 700 boat being built, they are just completing a twin 850 Merc. boat.

Thanks everyone for all of your information, I have been talkingto Bob from BT and this information was not discussed or even thought of during the times we have met. I wanted a little background before I brought this up with him before I commit to buying. I rode on Saxmans 43 at the shootout last year and was sold on the 43, my wife however is leaning with the 46. We aree building 1200hp motors for the boat and will put #6's behind them. Shortly after they are done I want to make my dedcision on how to proceed. We are almost ready for assembly.

You may want to PM Boatme (on this board). He use to sell BTs and may have additional information on any changes to the bottom over the years.

46' altered and only 1 like it. Please explain.

When I bought my 2006 and received it in late 2005, they had changed the mold for the twin engine 46' with the larger steps. They still used the smaller steps for the 46' triple engine at that time. I did ride in the 2005 with the old style small steps and notched transom in Miami. I like the 2006 better - it planes easier and has a little more top in. I do think you have to steer it just a little more in cross winds than the smaller steps.

The only one off BT is our boat. We have made a few changes neccesary to run the speeds we are at, but it was to be expected since it was the first 43' GT with 6's.

I also saw where someone not that long ago didn't like the step hull and BT built him a standard (no step) hull. It was for sale a few months ago also.

Ahh, ok, I remember that boat now. They pulled out the original molds for the 43' SC that were used 10yrs ago.

Jason,

I PM'd you.

Tommy

Yeah, but they are running almost 800hp through a bravo. So, is he getting a new boat? :D

you might see 100mph with a pair of 1200's in a 46, but with the weight of the 6's and that kind of power I would'nt want to be in that boat at that speed, the 46 was definately not designed for that power and weight , wont be able to handle that power safely.

From what I have personnaly witnessed, the #6 drives totally change the way a Bravo boat handles. Take a 37' OL with bravos and then drive one with #6's and the boat is much safer and handles way better. I think #6's on BT would make a fine package. BT is completing a twin Merc 850/#6 package right now. I think Saxman is also running #6's.

So how do you calculate those speeds? A general rule of thumb, 2x as much power = half again faster. It's obviously not a cut and dry formula, and if something is wrong with the x-dimension or props, it won't calculate right. Other things come into factor like whether or not they are staggerd. 525's in a 46 go 75mph. You do the math (and can even lop of 15mph for good measure if you like, and it will still be 10mph ahead of your estimate). Also, Mercury said the new 46 with 850's should run mid 90's when properly set up. Mercury is working with BT to make sure the first #6 46' is done right, as well as the ones in the future.

Also, with the new 46' hull, they built one with trip 675's, and it runs 103mph. :D

I think Buddy 00 has a grudge against BT.

no problems with black thunders at all, was seriously considering them until I sea trialed them and took out their competetors boats. just explaining my experiences with the 46.

That was Horseplays boat that now has coolers and pulleys, which is the previous 46' hull (which runs great with trips). A new 460 with the new hull that was built last summer went 103 with stock 675's.

Buddy OO,
With all due respect, every boat buy is an individual choice with an individual experience. I have driven probably 1/4 of all of the BT's built since 2000. I have worked with BT on improving bottom design and will gladly take you out on any 100 MPH BT you want and demonstrate one of the most rock solid, stable hulls in the business. I'm pretty confident in my assessment, having owned one for 5 years and crossing to the Bahamas a number of times in some pretty tough seas.
They have made improvements, and the early 46's have had modifications to enhance lateral stability.
While I've sold my 43, I still help when asked, and still believe that BT builds the finest dollar for dollar Offshore boat in the business. If I wanted a pure go fast Offshore V, with minimal creature comforts I'd buy a 42 Fountain, rock solid as well, but they are 2 completely different boats.
I am not an employee of BT, I am not paid by BT, I just know good people when I meet them, and I know a great product when I've put it in conditions most folks wouldn't.
Whatever boat you buy I wish you tons of good times, safe travels, and great memories. There's just alot more room in a BT to store all that stuff :)

All the best,
Steve David

I was in a 2007 46 last month with 525's, we got it to 73mph on gps and boat road fine in 1-2's but when we hit the bust channel with 3-5's the boat did have lateral instability and we had tab done and the nose would not stay down and bounced pretty bad, I really like the room and amenities of the 46ec. You guys are right buy what you like, but I would like to compare the ride at 100mph between the 46 and my 50 nortech or a 43 nortech, and you guys be the judge on ride and stability. the old 43sc had a better sense of balance and the 46 just needs some tweaking and lowering the deck for better lateral stability. The boat would be greatly improved, Put 700's and nxt, or konrad drives for better reliabillity over the bravo's that fail often then you've got a winner luxury performance boat.

I have noted at the boat shows that BT has been using HUGE long tabs on the boats over the last few years. If the hull has gotten better, why the need for bigger tabs?

Not trying to stir the pot, just making an observation and don't understand the reasoning.

I do know that I feel really secure about wanting to purchase a 43 :D


Anyone want a PERFECT .38 Special..


Seriously... thanks for all the info... thats what makes this site so good.. :drink:

How'd you like the ride? What speeds did you see with the bigger motors in Horseplay?

As you can see BT owners are a pretty happy bunch. I have met and talked to many in the last three years since we have had one. I have met people with old and new and NO one has the complaints you asked about or boatless Buddy O O claims to be so aware of. Not sure why he feels the need, but he bad mouths BT every chance he can. Could it be that he is/was a Nortech dealer, also I am not sure why he changed his name from Wiggler. Below is another thread he started just to bad mouth the brand. I love our BT and I also like Nortech but I will never buy one from a dealer that feels he has to tear apart the competition with unproven statements.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...d.php?t=148165

How do you figure that stating facts based on personnal experiences with the product is bad mouthing, as stated there are even owners on here that have experienced similar problems and concerns. I changed my sign name because my dog who's name was wiggler passed away, if you really need to know. I'm not a Nortech dealer, and do own a Nortech. Again as Stated I do like the Black Thunder and I'm sure Bob will work out the handling situation. I spoke many Rep's for BT about putting bravos on their boats and they also agreed the boat was too much boat for the drive,I have spoke with him and his son who I gave some advice to about attending Mizzou as I did. So just relax

Sorry about your dog, been there several times myself:(

Wow thats a sweet boat...

After this past weekend on LOTO.. I am pretty sure I have my better half ready for a test drive in a BT... :evilb:

Buddy OO,(Jim Darr), Wiggler 4400

I would think that you would finally get over the BT bashing. It is non-stop everyone knows who you are and nobody respects your opinion.