The Truth about steps?
 

So what is the deal here? Take the same make and model hull, one with steps and one without ....same power. How much faster if any is the step hull boat? any thoughts on this matter?

Bryan

Re: The Truth about steps?
 

definaaltely fastre, dpends on hull, year, how many steps, power, etc.

Re: The Truth about steps?
 

OK say a 1997 27 foot twin step hull vs a same model and make 1996 27 foot non step hull....like power.



I agree faster but by what kind of % roughly?



Bryan

Re: The Truth about steps?
 

When manufacturers have added a step or steps, its usually a 3-5mph increase.

Re: The Truth about steps?
 

is thread for real?....todays v boats are going 100-115 mph w/STOCK 525's at 8000+ pounds.

Re: The Truth about steps?
 

stepped boats turn better and are better in the rough.....not

Re: The Truth about steps?
 

From what I have read, stepped will be faster (3-5 mph on single and 5-10 mph's on twin applications) and more fuel efficient... Just have to be careful in the turns :D

As for straight line Hi-speed, I don't think of any reason why the ride should'nt be as comfortable as a non stepped.

In my opinion, Steps are OK... I am just not comfortable with padded bottoms which will kick your azz badly on landings :eek:

Re: The Truth about steps?
 

Just trting to get some info about this on regular boats ...not 100 mph big power rides. I am talking about a 27 ft boat that on a good day runs 70 -72 with steps and 500 hp. I am saying this is pretty good yes, what I am getting at is the faster the boat the more effective the steps...right? so at say 70 mph the steps may be working well but the faster you go do they work more efficiently? Oh hell now I'm lost.

Bryan

Re: The Truth about steps?
 

I believe it to be a matter of priorities. If top end is your top concern then a PROPERLY SET-UP stepped hull will give you the advantage there. But for a good family ride where comfort, handling, and safety are a high concern, I would have to lean toward the no step, no pad hull. As with most things; There IS a trade-off involved! --- Jer

Re: The Truth about steps?
 

Basically yes but to a point. The steps help lift the hull out of the water better. They add about 10% efficiency to the hull or so ive been told which seems to be in line with what others are reporting. The newer stepped hulls that are running 110+ on 525's are also designed for/with/around the steps and are generally a more efficient, lighter and better designed hull.

Re: The Truth about steps?
 

Width could also be a major factor there. A boat that is too narrow may have a tendancy to lean into or away from a crosswind, or angled seas. A widerboat with steps may be more family friendly that a narrow non-step boat. Stepped hull spin out when turning to hard and not properly balanced and trimmed and throw in some driver/throttling error. I usually dont push the limits of my boat with my family on board so i woudl never worry about it spinning.
In other words, get a cat.

Re: The Truth about steps?
 

todays stepped boats are faster, turn better and go faster in rougher water that the boats did 5 years ago....let alone 10 or 15 years back! it's about the same logic when people think a v is faster in the rough than a cat.

Re: The Truth about steps?
 

Steps create turbulence and reduce surface tension with the water so theoretically make the boat easier to push.

Re: The Truth about steps?
 

Not to get off track on this thread, but what's the issue with padded bottoms? I have never heard that before, and I have never had a problem with my boat. I have a 37 Baja with a pad. Handles great!!!
Maybe because its so heavy and slow. I would imagine that if it was lighter and faster, the boat would be on the pad, and only on the pad. Is that the issue?

Re: The Truth about steps?
 

Uhh? :eek: A Baja with a Pad??? Maybe they did in the vintage Hulls? Are We talking about the same thing?

Have a look:

Re: The Truth about steps?
 

Here is my take...

It's not just the STEPS but rather a combination of changes vs. Old School:


Steps..(how many and design that entraps air etc)..pad...x-dimension height increased....weight reduction....staggered engines/balance....more efficient drives and props...reduced freeboard....beak for aerodynamics :p

..the above combo can give a great straight line boat...and watch the h*ll out during turns...last summer going 95mph with a friend I learned how to swim in a hurry...he took a turn a bit too fast :D

Re: The Truth about steps?
 

hydro...again modern day boats are not only better going straight line, they turn WAY better than older conventional hulls too.

hydro, you got ejected at 95mph! wow most would not be alive....what boat was this? how much damage was done?

Re: The Truth about steps?
 

Hell, you haven't even begun to have fun till you take that unexpected swim at 90+. Try it upside-down and backward with an open cockpit when your helmet buckets and try's to rip your freaking head off. Now that's REAL fun. And the boat WAS destroyed! --- Jer

Re: The Truth about steps?
 

Just a question . . . . I read about a lot of different step-hulls spinning out, but very few seem to be Fountains.
Is this correct ?

Re: The Truth about steps?
 

Thanks for the illustration. I have always wondered what a padded bottom looked like.

Re: The Truth about steps?
 

I think I half jumped out as he made a fast turn..like ditching a motorcycle...so it was controlled to a degree...I was shaken up but a good ski type jacket helped...lots of air time for me...mangled the drives..driver bruised....promised not to name the brand..it was his driving...but it was stepped...and partially spun out..never go out with show offs...

Re: The Truth about steps?
 

3-5 mph vs a percentage? If it is a percentage then the advantage increases as the speed increases. I think that is part of the question.

You also have to consider that a step hull can run a higher x-dimension since some bow lift is generated by the hull in a step. Although blow-out and other things come into play, you can reduce parasitic drag from the lower unit. That should also come into play. How much? That is also part of the question. I am guessing an additional 3 mph.

As far as the pad. It is definately more efficient than the full V. But you do have a nice flat pad for landings as well. On good water it is great. I ran some stuff on Sunday that would have been no fun on a pad. My big heavy V stomped it.

Re: The Truth about steps?
 

The truth about steps is that they are here to stay.. :drink:

Re: The Truth about steps?
 

95mph into a turn? You're lucky to be alive, and have no idea what you're doing. Sorry Hydro, but you guys are part of the problem if you're out there doing that.

Re: The Truth about steps?
 

I am wondering how a 42 outerlimits w/ 850's can run 118mph and a 42x cig w/ 850's can barely reach 100mph? The outerlimits even has a complete cabin. I think I would take the cig anyways but that is a huge difference!

Re: The Truth about steps?
 

Yeah, we are talking the same thing...

Re: The Truth about steps?
 

my step 38 502 Powerquest runs almost exactly as fast as a non-stpe PQ with 500s. Its so close you cant measuer it.