Quote Originally Posted by strick9 View Post
I understand your point on the resale and not having the max HP, but I'm surprised at the performance expectations you talk about. I know I really don't fully understand the function of the pad hull other than it allowing for the increased HP, but I have seen multiple videos of the RT188 with the 115 with top end speeds in the mid 40's. The 198 only weighs 120lbs more so you're saying the pad hull will decrease the performance of the 115 that much? I appreciate all the info, I am learning a lot about the new boats!
The pad on the hull is just a water ski to raise more of the hull out of the water. Less drag=more speed with the same power as you are finding out. It sometimes makes the handling a little more squirrely at speed and it's useless if you don't have enough power on the boat to get it up on the pad It doesn't have anything to do with allowing higher HP ratings, although as previously stated, with too little HP it doesn't do anything.