Ed, Jim,

This is exactly the kind of exchange I love to see. Experienced knowledgeable guys sharing the experiences that can educate the rest of us.

Thanks

There were rumors the Kilo record attempting Cigarette could have used a pad for stability. Don't the Kilo fountains have them??

my sunsation has a pad bottom, it does ride hard but has a few mph higher than a regular equivalent V

2112, I have raced Fountains and a Skater. Pad boats have been faster for a while but, After racing Peters Super V I don't think pads are necessary for step bottom boats. I believe if some one made the effort the Skater would be as fast or faster then the Fountains. Clearly Fountains persiverience has paid off and are deserving of the records and wins the have accomplished. Time always tells the truth. I wish I had the resources to pursue this and prove it true. Anyway talk is cheap. Just sharing another thought as I like to do.
Jim

I always assumed the pads greatest asset was smoothing out the smooth water ride i.e. eliminating chine walk. I guess they are also creating a little lift? That is why I thought the armchair critics thought a pad would have helped.