So rumor has it that PQ is reworking the molding process in order to increase strength and shed some pounds.

Question??

I understand that with the loss of weight will come some speed gains, however the PQ's never seemed to be a fast hull to began with so will the weight loss really mean all that much?? Or truly do they need to scrap what they have and start from scratch?? Don't get me wrong I'm not knocking the PQ's they are beautiful boats and perform fairly well for there intended use. I only ask the question because if PQ really plans to come back they certainly must be up to something else beside s simply layup schedule change and of course the vacuum bagging. Otherwise they'd have pumped out a few boats by now. Heck they could have pumped of several 26's or 28's to have at least generated some revenue. I know the smaller boats have less of a profit margin than the larger boats but there's also less risk.

Any thoughts??

I think the newer year PQ's did pretty well on speed.
My 03 300 Revenge with 6.2's went 68-70,not bad weighing 7000+ pounds. After all it is a big 30' boat! She is at 90 now with 525sc's. I think there is more if I ever get all the bugs out of it.

My '02 Avenger hit 84 on gps with Herrings one time. 500EFI's. Not sure you could improve much on that. Don't think they have changed the bottom at all since adding the twin step. Can't speak much for the other models btu from what I have heard they aren't doing much at the factory....

A few thoughts, I toured the factory two months ago. Bob gave a very informational tour. They were finishing up a 38 that was started before the shut down, it was sold. They also had a new 38 they were working on with the new lay up schedule. The deck alone was a 1000 + pounds lighter than the original deck. They were in the process of re tooling ,the goal is to take the wood out of the boat, to create a higher quality more consistant product. Bob had also mentioned the reason for making a stronger lighter boat is GM is going to discontinue the big block some time in the near future. (first I have heard of that.) What I took away from the conversation was they were in no hurry to reintroduce the 38 until it was exactly the way they want it.

I'm sure there is more power in them. They sounded great at the Sacandaga run. You just need to lose all the weight from that kick ass stereo system you have.

Tom
AKA Speedjunkies

No more big blocks?? Hard to belive the staple of performs boats to disappear?? I noted that article in the new Hot Boat magazine with the High output diesel getting 7-8 mpg. Could that be the new staple???

So back to the PQ hulls.. It seems to me across the board in sizes that there seems to be an issue with handling and speeds. However there are several other manufactures running old molds but still seem to pull out some big top end numbers yet still be stable. One thing noted on the PQ's which most boats lack is the tall freeboard. Which might I add is why I like PQ's. The family feels safe and it provides a nice high and dry ride. So could the bottom be fine, simply an issue with the center of gravity causing the unstable ride at speeds?? Or maybe I'm way off base and this is only an issue with the 29' and below models?

I agree with you the big block is a staple in any performance boat. What Bob had said is they will probably supercharge the small blocks. I question if they will be able to develop the same tourque ratings. As far as speed on the boats under 29, I to have heard of handling issues. I have a 38, and as you stated the free board and amount of room in the cabin is great.

The rumors on the demise of the big block revolved around the 496. Those in the know (Raylar, for instance) say the 496 is going to be around for some time. As long as there remains a demand for the block in the marine industry, there is no reason GM will not still produce the block just as they do the 502 that has not been used in a production vehicle in some years.

Have to have enough sound to cover up the exhaust note cruizing down the Lake!

Jamie

Even if G.M. stopped producing the big block there are plenty of aftermarket companies that could supply mercruiser with blocks & heads.
If their is a demand there will be a supply. G.M. stopped producing the traditional Pontiac V8 engine almost 30 years ago, but you can build one complete today just using aftermarket parts, that would still interchange with the originals.