Re: When was step bottoms developed?
 

Steps Are Over Rated. It Takes The Fun Out Of Having To Drive The Boat. Faster With Less Trim, Running Flatter In Bigger Water. It Makes Boating Less Of A Challenge.

Re: When was step bottoms developed?
 

Well, I don't think the step on the 24's does much. But, the pad does. It's pretty challenging to keep the boat running on the pad.

Re: When was step bottoms developed?
 

I Like The Pad Too. Its The Chines So Far Out That I Dont Like. In Closer Mite Give More Lift More Speed. Thats A Big Word Mite. I Guess We Always Want More. Johns Boat Did Just Fine In The Shootout Against The West Coast Boats. I Dont Know If He Was Beat By Activator Or By The Mrd Rigging In The Activators.

Re: When was step bottoms developed?
 

I would agree with Dave that the step in the 24 likely does vary little if anything. The pad for sure adds some lift...
Speaking with JC about the 1998 and newer 24' hull, he told me that the inner strakes are larger. I'm not sure if they are larger in cross section or if they extend farther toward the transom.
I wonder how the 24' would react with full length lifting strakes rather than the step?

Re: When was step bottoms developed?
 

Just to comment on the above remarks.

Relating to the 24 stepbottom SB outboard model from my testing & driving experiences...the only thing that gives a best speed is a big chop.

-"Steps are over rated". Yes.

-"Faster with Less Trim". Sounds good on paper. But No. They require a ton of trim. Too much boat in the water. Very sticky.

-"Flatter in Bigger water".Yes. But also flatter in flat water. Flat = Slow.

-"Makes boating less of a challenge". Not really. By having to trim the hell outta the boat to fly it to get any speed the boat becomes a handful....ruff or flat water.

-"Dont think the step on the 24 does much". It does do much. But in a negative direction. Nothing trim or tabs couldnt take care of old style.

-"The pad does much". The 24's were better with the straight vee. Challenging ? Has anyone here driven a 21 over 80 ???

-"Chines far out that I dont like". Agreed.

-"Dont think the Step in the 24 likely does vary little if anything." Oh I Disagree.

-"The pad for sure adds some lift". Pads dont add lift. Strakes add lift.

-"Full length lifting strakes in place of step". Agreed.

So is anyone besides Supergary happy I'm back ??? http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/6035/laughws8.gif

Re: When was step bottoms developed?
 

Hey Bash, your correct, big chop = good, flat water = yuk. also you were dead on as to the trophy, way better all the way around. me bad, my speed was no good due to only running on 5 cylinders, ooops, got it fixed and its all good now. thanks Rick

Re: When was step bottoms developed?
 

So is anyone besides Supergary happy I'm back ??? http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/6035/laughws8.gif[/QUOTE]
RG 3 IS HAPPY !!!!!!!

Re: When was step bottoms developed?
 

Thanks for the input!

Re: When was step bottoms developed?
 

So from what I gather in here so far. The best years of Superboats history are in straight V technology? I see the early 30 outboards had a huge set back at the transom also. Now that we are entering from what I see as the fouth generation 30' hull, are the steps beneficial or glamore needed to sell boats. Does anyone have a 30' hull I/O without steps for peformance comparison numbers?

Re: When was step bottoms developed?
 

Glad to see Bash is back!