My 30 Spectre ran mid 90s with 250s. Dialed in, Mercury Racing said 101.

Just found this cat VS "v" video...its old, but definately makes a statement...enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUnbmh16_2o

it's difficult to compare cat to vee due to current designs. Once the cats hit, the vee's development slowed way down. Especially in O/B configuration in comparison to your Spectre.
One of the most modern (few) I can think of is the Tuff 29 up in Canada.
With 300 XS's I think (it's been a while) they had it it into the mid/high 90's and I think over 100 w/a killer I/O.
I think they had a 29' Progression O/B into the 90's as well.

The bottom of my Sonic is ancient (round keel!) and has roots back to the 70's Donzi's

Watch at 2:24, how close the helicopter comes to the mast of the sail boat in the turn

Have you been to an offshore race in the last 10 years? Have you been in a large poker run in the last 10 years? It is 2012 not 1990. V bottom boats are great for family's but not for going fast! Have a look at the 38 Fountain video at LOTO you would NEVER see a CAT of similar size going that speed (60,70ish) get that out of shape. Maybe at 100mph or more things will happen but not at the speeds that the Fountain was going. I did the poker runs of america run about 5 years ago in St. Pete's and it was rough 30 plus boats started and only 10 boats made it to the first card stop. 8 were CATS and only 2 were V bottoms. You don't always have to go 100 plus in a cat but it sure is nice knowing you can safely.

Yes, yes and yes, And with alll do respect. Yes. given the same size and same HP cats are faster. Given the same size and and the same seas. (say 7-8 +) cats willl lag behind, unless you above the 45 -50 foot range. And yes. I done a bunch of Poker Runs, and every time we get some serious chit waters the same size (30 to 35) cats will lag behind me. Even if they are faster in 1-2 light chops. And yes.. I have all the vids to show it. And yes. I also like cats, and V's for different reasions. They both have they pros and cons. but no one can and should tell me one is better then the other. They are different for different use. That's it. And yess. I am still courious how many cats are there VS V's. And yes, may be one day I own a cat, but not becouse it's better, just becous I will have a diferent use or needs.
Period. End of line.

That sailboat is pretty close to the action, too!

Great video. I like how you can hear the sound of the engines from the helicopter. I don't believe you can hear that in today's coverage.

Michael

What speed you can keep up in 7-8 seas ?

Yeah - you know, APACHE water! (Someone had to say it.)

Ask Elvis...Vee's with beaks are cat killers...