Pad bottom. What is it?
 

Pad bottom. What is it and how does it work? How do you get it. What does it cost? What speed is it worth?

A pad bottom boat was built with a flat or nearly flat "pad" at the bottom of the V. The pad offers lift and a some what of flat surface to ride on. For the most part you buy a pad bottom boat, you don't add one on. Fountains, Velocity, Allison are a few examples of boats with pads. Pad bottom boats often go fast but, since the stepped bottoms showed up not all fast boats have them. Some say pad boats ride hard. It seems to be a matter of personal preference.
Jim

Thanks for the info Jim.

Jim, why couldn't you glass one onto an existing bottom? The new epoxies are pretty darn adherent. If you did not like the ride you could belt sand it down to a more conservative size or shape (or completely off).

I have seen some that are truly a "box" shape and some that are just a shallower vee that the rest of the dead rise.

2112, I tried to pick the right words "for the most part". Any thing is possible whether its cost effective or not is another story. I have seen and worked with a boat that had a pad cut into it. I would not recommend that approach. I have known of boat builders testing many bottoms on a boat before creating a mold from it. My response was in general terms.
2112, I remember your boat pics I would expect you could do anything you set out to do.
Jim

Thanks, but all I will claim credit for is being a meticulous planner and assembler. Plus I am working on my own stuff.

There are some real thinkers and very experienced people here. Many have helped me on many occasions. Seems you are one of them.

With new single engine 28 footers costing north of $160K, I like to see guys try to improve what they have. I try to absorb as much as I can when these discussions take place.

The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know.

Amen. I'll keep working mine and upgrade it before writing a check for a new one. Besides I have not been out performed by "new boats". I respect some of tech stuff but for the most part the price tags don't make sense to me.

Back in the 80s Fountain sent Everglades Marina a 33' Executioner with twin 1050 HP Troy Dennis motors with turbos. The boat ran over 100 MPH like it was on rails.

The pad had been completely removed from this Fountain bottom. Naturally I asked the question and was told the boat was completely unmanageable before the bottom was tweaked. Take it for what it's worth.

Guys.. ...
with all the knowledge and experience I seen on these forums, I would love to start building a new boat and start a Co. I know a bit about boats, but les on the motors. Engines came a long way and there are just to many stuff to know.
I'm ready to build a boat.. lol.. some one else have to figure out the motors. But just for the records. Pads / flat keels are better for speed, but will compromise stability. It will slide a bit on high speeds. Steps been around since the fifties.
Best option. Steps to provide lift and air, at high speeds. Modified pads (flat area) in the rear for speed, tapered to "V" in mid point for cutting through wakes and tability.

Expensive mold to do. But less expensive if the mold id new. Most Co' are altering their existing molds. Did I just gave away my new Co's secret?? ANy wanna be partners??:sport009:

Edward R Cozzi, there were a few Fountains that did that, the preachers boat was one and the Black boat my friend raced was another. Apparently the pad offered too much stern lift. At 70 to 80 or so it was a great configuration but as speed reached 90 or more it drove the bow heavy in the water. So by relieving stern lift it carried the bow better and over all handling and speed improved. It has occurred to me a great 80 mph boat doesn't always make a good 100 mph boat. Different speeds need different things. This has been proven true to me many times over the years with different boats. Additionally water systems have different things that become important depending on what speeds you are operating. Just sharing some thoughts as usual.
Jim

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.