Re: Changes needed
 

I have a 260 and I like it a lot. However, I have to agree with Rippem on the windshield and the swim platform design. I struggled a long time to overlook the ugly windshield. I would like to see a windshild like the new fountains, donzi, or formula's. Make it functional, stylish and strong.

Re: Changes needed
 

I doubt it. yea he could put together a cut down boat (aka 390/Karl Koster type with a canopied deck) drop in some monster power and prolly cut a pretty good number...a pad is a pad is a pad...

but never get close to the record speeds. it takes literally millions of dollars and incredible resources that Steve doesn't have access to, and probably couldn't buy either because of cost or exclusivity.

do you have any idea what it takes? In terms of just the boat itself (hull/canopied deck), in terms of hydrodynamics/testing/mods,mods,and more mods (and the facilities to do them), even AERODYNAMICS to make a pass at those speeds? Not to mention the drivetrains? Testing power? Making power that'll live long enough to make two passes? (this isn't a 6 second drag race...and Reggies power was more than 1500 a side ;) ) Personel? Support equipment?

This isn't the 70/80's. This is the new millenium man...the days of budgets to make an effort like this that are more than the GNP of many small countries.

a renewed racing presence would be a good thing, but you gotta find customers willing to put thier wallets in bed with you even to do that.

Re: Changes needed
 

In order to have some customers willing to spend the money on a race program you have to have a manufacturer wanting to do this and be succesfull at it and I dont think that Steve has that drive in him for that goal anymore.As per the 320 against the new 322,I like the 320 and its lines and I can be one to tell you that the more power you put in it the better the ride and the better the handling in all water conditions I do not know that much about the 322 except that it does have similar lines but all I have read about are boats with the 496 package and that is pretty lame in that boat.The290 Sc should have a Bayliner badge on it when it wears the high framed windshield on it because it is well ugly,sorry.High performance and sleek go together not Motor home or house creature comforts,go fast and a place to get out of the weather and a place for the facilitys for the ladies works well for most performance enthusiasts.I think the number one thing is to start to pay more attention to detail and finish work as well modernizing all of the boats with the latest and greatest materials and hardware,as well as performance upgrades.Put a boat together with some big power and drives and see what you get,what the hell it is a great way to see how you stack up against as you would say the billion dollar budget manufacturers.

Re: Changes needed
 

They should redesign their swim platforms to me they are fugly. Velocity makes a good looking boat in the 36 and 39. To me more models should resemble those. A more sleekish look and a redesigned platform. I think with some changes Velocities could become even more popular. One last thing, the bows always look short and stubby on the smaller models, so maybe lengthen the bows a little to make everything more porportional.
Good Luck!!!

P.S. Do not do anything even remotly related to a speed record, thats Fountains stupid vee bottom thing.

Re: Changes needed
 

The original 41/32 integrated platform was BIG, DEEP, usably close to the water, and had a mild rounded shape. It "looked right" on the boat. That high off the water "batmobile" at the gunnel shaped thing on the 39'/36' is ugly, shallow in comparison, and not user friendly at all.

any winshield (particularly/especially the Taylors) make this exponentially worse in appearance, the boats are asthetically victims of the already high "brow"/fairing/rise area of the deck when coupled with a windshield. I'll tell 'ya the original 26 (as seen on the '90 up 22', the 24(260) :rolleyes: , first gen 32' and the 41') style deck looks bad-azz and just right without a w/s at all. The brow/deck is so high I can't imagine too many under 6' who would complain standing in the boat and certianly not sitting down. The shape and hieght alone takes alot of the air over you even without a w/s. I know all about it I'm 6'5" and had a 26 without any windshield at all....the way it was intended!

Re: Changes needed
 

We have a 22 and recently sold a 30'. They are great, fast boats. However, I think that the rigging needs to be stepped up a notch.

Re: Changes needed
 

Thanks for all the info!!!

Keep it comming!!!

Re: Changes needed
 

I'll vote for dropping the Taylor style windshield..... it does not look right on a Velocity. (290)(credit: Rippem)

Please..... start putting some ergonmically designed bolster seating in your boats!!
My biggest complaint with my Velocity is the uncomfortable seating position in the driver's seat. Now I realize that there may have been some refinements made since my '97..... but the 3-4 piece look to the new bolsters takes away alot of aesthetics to the cockpit, and just looks uncomfortable.(awkward looking?)(but, keep the awesome grab handle on the back :) I LOVE the powder coat railings!)

I do like the 2 plane dash on the 360 :)
But what is that flip-up piece over the cabin door? Get rid of it! I personally would not want that thing in my way.... or rattling around.... is there a purpose for it?

Thanks for listening!!!!

Re: Changes needed
 

Make a much larger version of the old Regal 230 Velocity. The look was incredible and would work well on a 30' plus boat. It also had a good looking incorporated swim platform, great headroom considering the size and the round windshield was great!! (unfortunately Regal's commitment to quality was not there).

Re: Changes needed
 

I am not sure if you are already doing this, but I think that there should be a stainless rubrail. The black rubber stands out too much.