what is this notch through the side/bottom of the X80 for? (where my shadow is pointing) <BR>my dad and i were curious about it <BR>is this notch on other master crafts, or just the x-80? i have not really noticed till recently <BR> <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/738982.jpg" alt="Upload">

Helps the bigger boat plan faster. Its on all of the v-drives other than the x1

so does it kind of add resistance to pull the boat on plane and then once on plane the hull is angled so there is no resistance across the notch. would that be right to describe it? in layman's terms anyway? <BR> <BR>(Message edited by wakerider111 on October 04, 2009)

I had the same Question when i bought my x-2 it helps to get on plain... How does a notch do so... My dealer said Air is able to flow naturally threw the "notch" and will help to lift it

It's a step, basically its a hard break in the hulls running surface. Water tends to flow along a surface creating drag, the step breaks this drag allowing the boat to plane faster. Steps are used on some of the MC V-drives but not the X-1, X-14V, X-Star, X-35 or X-55. <BR> <BR>I believe steps were originally used in the power boat industry to create a large hull with a reduced drag. Some bigger power boats use multiple steps.

I have heard them called vents. My understanding is that they help on the top end not getting on plane?

Many manufacturers use them now. The air channels or steps that are used put air under the hull to reduce surface friction. If you get the boat trimmed just right you can actually hear and feel the hull smooth out. The air under the hull does not help smooth the wake as it adds turbulance at lower speeds. It's just higher speed drag that it cuts down.

kool. thanks for the info every one

lets see a picture of that 80,

I heard that Fountain powerboats started the stepped hull design... this webpage describes the notched hull, and some other technologies Fountain is working on: <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.fountainpowerboats.com/sport/technology/hull.html" target="_blank">http://www.fountainpowerboats.com/sport/technology/hull.html</a> <BR> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/740176.jpg" alt="Upload">