First was Invented by Rev. Ramus of Sussex England in 1872

then William Henry Fauber obtained a US patent for hulls with multiple steps in 1908.

Many crafts back in the early 1900's had a step or steps including Gar Woods especially the racing boats back then. I think the 1920's they were popular in the racing scene.

I don't have an answer. Just replying to help and learn myself.

Just noting the OP said 'notches' in side to let air in/out of the steps. Wasn't asking about the steps themselves.

I think if you are talking "modern era" which is what I think this is referring to, the Europeans were using notched steps close to 10 years before the American companies Fountain included. There were several Italian boat builders using notched steps Monte Carlo had them at least as early as 1983?

You saw notched step cats from US builders before any V hulls here and in Europe again the notched step cats had to be very early on?

Thats what I meant. I put a link to a pic of the v shaped notches on the side of the boat. Thank you guys for the infomation.

Thats what I meant. I put a link to a pic of the v shaped notches on the side of the boat. Thank you guys for the infomation.

I was just looking at the book "speedboats" today.they even talked about number of steps and speed.Fauber had a boat w/ 6 steps then refined it to 3 steps.plus he put the engine in the back of the boat.Book is really interesting.

THX for that info. I take a class every year by Ocean 5 navel architects as they talk all about step design and hull bottem design. They helped Sea Vee redesign their hull bottom. Boat runs good but CC boats are not my likes at all.

I remember watching a video that talked about how Reggie Fountain cut places in the hul and peolpe thought he was crazy until he started winning. I have tried to find the video with no luck.

No one else has seen this video or has any info.