Black Thunder Steps??
 

Do the 2002 models have a new bottom compared to the earlier BT's... if so did it give them less bow lift at cruising speeds???

ask the saxman or boatme. they both are very knowledgable on BT

I do know that the blue 2005 46' BT that you see for sale has the smaller steps notched transom configuration. My 06 has the newer larger steps no-notched transom.

have you been in the older modles? if so how does the ride differ??

I can't remember, but I think it was in 2001 or so when they went to the 460 from the 430. The 460 had the same basic bottom bottom design as the 430 did, but there were a few changes to it. BT came out with their stepped hull in 1997 I believe.....

The 06' and newer BT's have new steps and chines. It really made a big difference. It's the best bottom design BT has ever had.

how fast has your boat run with the 525's? And then, what's your everyday speed that you can always hit?

Just a benchmark here since we are talking about the newer hulls:

2x Merc 700's = Best of 89mph
2x Merc 850's = Best of 95mph

Spiker is building one right now with 1100/1200hp motors, so it'll be cool to see what that runs.

I've hit 75 3 different times in good conditions (cool weather, etc.). Boat planes very well with very little bow rise. This is helped by the newer non-notched transom. The 05 I test drove did take a bit longer to plane and a bit more bow rise. Hit 72 with same motors.

I'm gonna take a hammer and put more pitch in the props so I can keep up with saxman!!!!!

Let me know if that works and I ll send you my props too..........:lolhit:

Ahhh, you should really try bblades :D :D

I'm looking at an 02 with 575's, what do you think I can expect performance wise???...I do appreciate all the info you guys offered up so far...is the orange BT yours THWL????