Stepped Hull or not

[saurd]

I am looking into purchasing a new boat. I am looking in the 22' - 24' range of bow riders. The stepped hull design has always intrigued me. I have heard and understand some of the logic in support of this hull design. I have not driven a boat with the stepped hull. My biggest concern with this design is the cornering and the ability to hold in the tight cornering, getting back to your skier or tuber. This was the only objection given to be by a dealer who didn't have an offering with the stepped hull design when I asked directly what the disadvantage was of this hull design.

Thanks,
Saurd

 

[QC]

Re: Stepped Hull or not

Welcome to iboats!! Hmmmmmm. Which stepped hull boat are you considering? There are a few Customs built here in CA and AZ with stepped hulls, but other than Regal I am not sure there are any other 22 - 24 foot production models with a step. Help us narrow down which choices you are considering. I have not heard/read anything about stepped hulls having cornering issues. A 22 - 24 foot anything will pretty much turn around in a hurry . . .

 

[saurd]

Re: Stepped Hull or not

The 3 makes I have my eyes on at this time is Regal, Rinker and Crownline. I have had a hard time getting anything on pros and cons of the Regal hull design except from the Regal dealer and of coarse that is all pros...

 

[QC]

Re: Stepped Hull or not

Well Regal claims better cornering . . . I was not aware that the Crownline was stepped before. Personally I would be more concerned with the features, appearance and quality of the boat. If those things match up and it has a stepped hull, then I would buy in a heartbeat. Eliminator builds a 236 EAgle XP here with a stepped hull and I have always lusted after it. It is a plus to me not a minus at all.

 

[stevens]

Re: Stepped Hull or not

Some of the very best boats over here have stepped hulls and are admired for their exceptional handling qualities (i.e. speed, less bow rise, stability, ability to handle chop & waves). Never heard of tight turns being an issue, rather the contrary. Some examples of Scandinavian boats with stepped hulls:

http://www.hydrolift.com/
http://www.nimbus.se/modelPageR2007.aspx?pageid=682
http://www.ryds.se/nav.aspx?pageid=298
http://www.gozzi.no/23open.php
http://www.goldfishboat.com/
http://www.cormate.com/Cormate PDF brosjyretn_01.pdf


Now, apart from the Regal you mention, I am not sure if those other manufacturers truly have stepped hulls. A lot of manufacturers merely pretend to have them, and even add styling or notches on the side of the boat (not underneath) to make it look like a step. The Regal however, with its FasTrac stepped hull, is generally praised for having an exceptionally good ride quality.

 

[KCook]

Re: Stepped Hull or not

Neither the Crownline nor the Rinker is a true step hull. As the "step" is limited to the chine area, does not extend across the keel. This is really a form of chine relief, which has been common on ski boat designs for some time. It is there mainly to give better low speed handling. Whereas a true step (as seen on Regal) is more for high speeds.

Another common bowrider brand that has a few step hull models (true full width step) is Reinell.

I agree with QC, this "turning" issue sounds like a desperate salesman to me.

Kelly Cook

 

[saurd]

Re: Stepped Hull or not

Thanks for all the feed back. I did understand the neither the crownline or the rinker have the stepped hull. My list of choices in order is the Regal 1st with the others 2nd and 3rd. The info is great. Anything to look out for?

 

[QC]

Re: Stepped Hull or not

Well I look at almost all boats the same way. Quality of fasteners, quality of the installation of those fasteners, quality of stuff where you can't see without being a contortionist. Even if the out of sight quality concerns me, if I can get to it and make it right, I am less concerned. If all fasteners are cheap, very few things thru-bolted, etc. then I know I am going to be messing with that stuff a lot. Depends on if you like messin' or not . . .

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Stepped Hull or not

I have owned two stepped-hull Regals and like them. My first, an LSR 2100 was a rocket with just 220 HP. The current owner reports 55 to 58 MPH on GPS. It's a fairly light boat for it's length and sips fuel. My current boat is a 2550 LSC and goes 48-53 MPH on GPS (depending on load) with 310 HP. It's a rather heavy boat for a 25 footer and the fuel consumption reflects this. I suspect the fuel savings aspect of stepped hulls is negligible but the higher top speed for a given HP is true. Both boats corner just fine.

 

[jimboat63]

Re: Stepped Hull or not

As others have pointed out earlier in this thread, there are several vee hulls with stepped bottom designs (eg: Regal). There are also many designs that have chine "venting" that are promoted as "steps" but are not a true step hull since the step does not go from chine to chine. A true stepped hull design is very difficult to design effectively, since the location and depth of step is critical, and will thus can only be "optimum" at a single design velocity....and will not be effective at other velocities. Handling can, indeed, be affected at "non-design" velocities, and thus you will see many vee hull designers trying to use "step vents" to mitigate the "cons" of unexpected step venting during cornering at high speeds. Nevertheless, there are several good hulls that perform well at their design velocities, such as Regals, with steps.

/Jimboat
AeroMarine Research

 

[QC]

Re: Stepped Hull or not

Cool comments jimboat. Welcome to iboats, and please stick around!!

 

[saurd]

Re: Stepped Hull or not

Thanks to all who took the time to share information, it is appreciated. As I continue my search and evaluation of available boats and options I will certainly strongly consider the Regals.

Thanks again.