I don't want to start a thread that will have no real answers, however I was watching the FPC key west run and noticed on the Cigarette 39 the steps are relatively spread apart. I understand the center of gravity and understand the effect of the steps with reference to low pressure at the stern of the hull... with that said when I look at the 46 rough rider running from the helicopter shot it looks like the steps are way too close together. Almost looks like it could use a third step or the two spread apart further.
My point being is that a 39 twin step boat that is a very efficient hull, then the 46 steps should not be closer together .
with respect to the efficiency of the low pressure at the rear of the hull

Any thoughts ... (outerlimits ) ???

The 46 and the 38 are Cigarettes two most efficient hulls, have been for years. An FPC video is meaningless on determining how a certain hull performs because you aren't dealing with professional drivers most of the time.

The 38 is more efficient then the relatively new 39 ? That surprises me .

When determining step "stagger" the following formula applies:

((Weight/HP X graphics cost (in dollars))-(Annual profit margin/advertizing+promotional costs))/ (GWI (Global Warming Increase (as a percent)) X Budweiser's Poker Run Budget

This makes at least as much sense as some other theories I have been forced to listen to.

T2x

At the risk of repeating myself, steps come around every 17 years, just like the frickin' locusts...................

the 46 DOES have 3 steps and is cigs most effiecient hull.... compare 39 1075 top speed w/ 42 1075 speed w/ 46 1075 speed

That makes sense, I did not see that small third step in any of the pics. The 42 is the worst hull they have,
Time to look for a 46 !!

In one of my favorite movies, "Diner", two of the characters wind up on a massive Estate and meet a very wealthy young lady on horseback. She informs them that they are on private property owned by her family "The Chisolms...as in The Chisolm Trail". As she rides away one of the characters turns to the other and says "Do you ever get the feeling that there are some things going on that we don't know about ?"

Whenever the topic of steps comes up on here, I have the feeling that "There are some things going on here that they CAN'T know about."........... or comprehend.

T2x