looking to buy Top Gun
 

I have a few questions that Cig owners could possibly answer.In 2001 the top gun changed to a twin step.All things being even how much faster was the twin step over the flat bottom in 2001?And was the faster speed attributed to the steps?Or something else like different hull configuration/lighter boat?something like that.there has been a 2001 flat bottom on ebay for a while that looks nice.I guess this is the boat I have questions about.Any input would be appreciated.

The stepped hull added 15-20mph with the same power. The boat pretty much stayed the same weight, maybe a little lighter.

I think that above difference might be a little liberal.
10-15% more efficient is something a little more realistic.

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]."

Maybe there getting 15mph with the steps and weight difference then??

Here is an example...you be the judge.

1994: flat bottom, bravo xr, 500 efis = 70mph

2002: twin step, bravo xr, 500 efis = 81-83 mph

In my opinion, realistically looking at 10-12 mph. The post above 15-20 is a stretch.

Thanks for all the input

I guess 20 is a little much! I remember watching a factory Cigarette Video explaining the steps and it said 15mph.

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.

Also balance - full cabin vs. "covergirl"? (half cabin)