The "pad" is essentially a flat spot on the back of the hull. In rough water it won't land as smoothly as a true vee. When running the pad gives the boat some stability and boat rides faster when sitting on the pad. Velocity uses a pad in all of its hulls. It never bothered me in my 32 Sunsation and that was an Atlantic Ocean boat its whole life. When Sunsation went to the twin step they dropped the pad for 2 years (2007-08) and then it has been back in their 32 hull ever since so they must feel it adds something positive.

I will reprhrase, the 288 (or any pad V of that size) will hammer you in big water. You can attempt to sugar coat it all you want...it's a pad V, they are faster at a cost.