Step hull or Deep- V
 

OK time to stir the pot.
A friend is looking to get in the game, he almost bought a Fountain last weekend. We had a long discussion about the stepped hull, and I am under the impression the step is not as stable in rough water at speed as a conventional V. He is sticking buy the salesman who told him they can run 80 in 12' seas:rolleyes:
Anyone????

In 12' seas, you sure don't get any benefit from a step! Plenty of hull aeration without one!

The issue is not so much the step(s) in rough stuff, its the delta pad. Pad boats have a flatter surface that "slaps" on entry instead of cutting its way in. Course then again, if you're flying level the forward third of the hull makes entry...

Steps are faster in smooth water.
Steps rarely are as stable or predictable in turns (there are exceptions).
Steps usually don't require as much trim for best speed.
Steps usually run more level in smooth water.

Full V's are usually more stable and predictable in turns.
Full V's usually provide a more comfortable ride in bigger seas.
Full Vs usually must run bow-high for best speed in smooth water.

These are all gross generalizations and each hull design has its share of gives and takes for what the builder decided was the compromise he was aiming for...

Sounds like I have the perfect boat for your buddy.

Lets try and stick with bashing the salesman and not Fountain this time.:rolleyes:

No bashing
 

I was not bashing Fountain or the salesman, it just seemed like a tall tail to me, hence the rolled eyes. I'm not into bashing anyone or any manufactuer. Just enjoying the sport!
I am however, trying to get more unbiased info from people that have more experence than I.
Take it easy,
Joe

80mph in 12' seas? Hmmm....boats that go that fast in those kind of seas are more apt to be in the 47 footer range, and even those might not be long enough!

Ain't nobody running 80 in 12' seas, especially a pleasure boater.

:D

yea, what a line of hoohy. maybe 12 foot ocean swells that are a mile apart. I now wouldnt believe anything that salesman said.

I've seen boats run 80 in 12" seas, whats the big deal.:D

My 24'er will run 80 in 12' seas It only drafts 2' 12 is plenty deep.

sorry:D

I got the chance to drive 2
step hulled boats this last year,
both powered by 500 efi's,
both boats had integrated swim
platforms, one measured 30',
the other 33'

The 30' boat would have trouble in
12" sea's at any speed above 70 mph :eek:
the thing would yaw badly, yes it had
full hydraulic steering, managed to get
this thing running in the upper 80's,
by playing with trim, the yawing became
controllable, this was on nearly "glass smooth"
water, normal water conditions, i doubt the
boat would turn those speeds.

The 33' boat on the other hand had
no ill handling quirks, and this was on
a main channel, saturday, LOTO ride,

but this boat was 10 mph slower than the
30' boat.

Being neither of these were my own boats,
i never tried any high speed turns.

Neither of these boats were gonna go
anywhere near 80 mph in 12' sea's

Theres good ones and bad ones,
I agree with what Mcollinstn has said.

my.02
jt