Is it me or do some new boats seem to be increasing their speed allot. For example the following models I think have been running 100mph with just twin 525s. Just a few years ago no one seemed to be able to do 90 with 500efis and now we are over 100?? I mean damn. Is it because the boats are lighter? More effecient hull?

Fountain 40

Outer Limits 39

Dragon 39

Hustler 344

If you know of others please add them

WILL

I know a lot of the manufacturers are tweaking the bottoms, using lighter layups including epoxy, etc.

When you get to a certain point don't you suffer ride quality? Is it a good mix to have a really light V-bottom boat in rough water? I can see a cat because they float on a cushion of air but, how does that work with the V bottoms?

I remember reading an article in Extreme Boats mag regarding the new 39 Outerlimits. It said it road more like a ferrari than a cadillac.

Skater's 39 V bottom

I have never riden in a fast step bottom boat, but how safe and stable do they feel at that speed? I do know a big honkin V bottom with big power feels a little skitish at 100. If you make a boat go 100 with that much less power it has GOT to be riding on air. How much does the "Pucker Factor" diminish the plesure of the ride?

madcow tha scare factor is the pleasure in the ride

I suppose another point is that it is merc stock power (as stock as can be I guess) thus being warrrantied and reliable.

Madcow, I do see your point about ride comfort, but I don't mind, actually I like the jilting around. I mean they can't be rougher than my 27 at 74mph

I am very happy with the progress of MFGs I was actually considering a Cat as the next boat until these bad azz Vs came on the sceen.

WILL

The 39 Outer, full stagger 525 does in fact handle like Ferrari, I, along with Mike Fiore and one of my client's, drove one about a month and a half ago in some rough water. WHAT A BOAT.

The 42 fountain poker run will be in my shop after the new year .talk about being hyped!

The 344 is in house now, also a mean machine and run's better than the 38.

Pretty much for all the manufacturer's there is alot in the bottom, and according to them there's more to come.

But it still cost the same to go 100

how fast do you wanna go?

They claim the 344 Hustler will do 108 with 525's, but I think it's the surface drives that push it over the century mark. I love the looks of it.