42 small steps vs larger steps
 

There is a nice 42 listed on here that is a 96 and has the twin small steps on it. I was curious what the performance differences were between the smaller steps and the larger steps. I think in 98-2000 they had the "largest steps " on them.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o58799-en.html

I don't think there is much difference. There are a few threads on the subject. The big steps boats may
run a little quicker with smaller power.

I did a search but didn't find a thread talking about it.

Splittin hair,s .

Thanks, that's what I was wondering.

Actually Scott Shogren had some things to say about step size on these Fountains a few years ago.There is a thread on it here somewhere. If I recall correctly they used the smaller steps on higher powered faster boats to improve stability.

I'll try and find it, do you recall what their username was back then, was it shogren performance?

The 96 your looking at is a friends boat, it is really clean & well looked after, I have a '98 with the big steps, you gain roughly 3-5 mph with the larger steps.. Chris's boat runs about 75 fwiw

3-5 mph seems like quite a bit, I would think with more power that those numbers would change to make even more of a difference, or am I wrong to assume that? His boat does look very clean.

I would assume so.. if you look at a 98-00 model 42 with stag 500's its a 77-79 mph boat, the steps were also move in different locations over the evolution of the 42, depending on power you ordered Reggie would build it accordingly, if your seriously looking... I think Chris's boat is a good buy on a clean boat

I wish i was seriously looking, i have to stay in the 25' for another year or two, but my next boat will be a 42 fountain, i should of just bought the 42 to begin with but i didn't know how often we were going to get out. If i would of just started in a 42 i would of had it paid off by now and would be ready to throw money into drives and more power. Not even worth my money to put more power into a baja. I saw your friends boat and wasn't for sure what the speed difference was between the steps is why i asked, just trying to educate myself for when i am ready to pull the trigger on a 42. I appreciate everyone's time and help greatly.

Very clean looking boat.

I have never heard of them moving steps for the power. can anyone confirm this?

Some info in here:

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/f...questions.html

Thanks for the link!