No they have not changed the bottom and they aren't going to change the bottom. The design has been around for a few years but it is still one of the fastest and safest tunnel boats on the water. That is why it won't be changed.

Don

Didn't Jim Clark from Python sell the molds to AO after aquiring them from chris cat?

i'm pretty sure that Ed bought the molds from Chris Craft himself.

Ed did buy the mold from chris Craft he had the papers on them. The mold had not been changed because it is a good design. I think the 31 is a great bottom and adn should not be changed.

i have 2 31 ao's for sale 99 and a 94 call me 513-477-2780 charlie amann :D

rbr2328
I know python had the molds and laid a few up. I used to have one. Not sure who got what first.

As for the bottom, it's great as it is. Yes it's an old design, but most of the speed improvements these days comes from weight. The Chris cats were heavy but it was also fairly easy to get them to 100mph. And they last forever! I've seen very few with any kind of structural problems. Not bad for a hull that's about twice the weight of a Skater.
Gary

Re: Looking For Chris Cats
 

Ruh ROOOOOOOOOOOO !!!!!!!!!!!:D

I know Jim did make a few python cats that were the same molds now wether he splashed it or bought the molds I do not know. He didn't build many though.

the original molds went to Tim C. he had them for a while due to money owed him by chris craft. then one set ended up in the hands of several other people who made them under different names. one of which was called puma powerboats.
onme of the sets was sent to be distroyed and jay palini (now spectre ) bought them from the tow truck driver and that set went to american offshore.

another set is owned by a chicken farmer somewhere and is just sitting on the molds.
i know there is more hands on them somewhere down the line but that much i know is true.

Expo, Is right on the story. Ed did vaccum bag his boats. I was around his shop when I was building a boat of my own. Ed built a great boat.