Introduction
High-performance boating has long been a subject of fascination for enthusiasts and boat racers alike. The STV (Summerford Tunnel Vee) line of hulls stands out as one of the most significant names in the Mod VP circle and outboard drag boat racing categories, offering precision handling and impressive top speed capabilities. Back in the day, several prominent boating magazines conducted rigorous tests on various models of STV boats, documenting their performance and technical specifications.
This article summarizes 5 of the most significant boat tests published in magazines such as Trailer Boats, Hot Boat, and Family and Performance Boating between 1991 and 2001. These tests provide a detailed look at the evolution of the STV Pro Comp Ski and Euro models, offering insights into their weight, engine configurations, gear ratios, props, and top speeds. By comparing these tests across different setups and time periods, we can see the advancements in technology and performance that defined this era of high-performance boating.
Boat Tests
Magazine: Trailer Boats - Issue: April 1991
Boat: STV Pro Comp Ski
Motor: MPP 2.4 EFI (240hp)
Weight: 825 (Hull Only)
Gear Ratio: N/A
Prop: Mercury Cleaver
Top RPM: N/A
Top Speed: 101 mph (noted with 2 aboard)
Magazine: Hot Boat - Issue: Sept. 1991
Boat: STV Pro Comp Ski
Motor: MPP 2.5 Carb (240hp)
Weight: 1400
Gear Ratio: N/A
Prop: 14.5" x 29" Mazco
Top RPM: N/A
Top Speed: 100 mph
Magazine: Hot Boat - Issue: Feb. 1994
Boat: STV Euro Comp Ski
Motor: MPP 2.5 EFI (265hp)
Weight: 1425
Gear Ratio: N/A
Prop: 14.5" x 29" Mazco RE
Top RPM: 7800
Top Speed: 100 mph
Magazine: Family and Performance Boating - Issue: Sept. 2001
Boat: Triad STV Euro
Motor: MPP 2.5 Efi sport (280 hp)
Weight: 875 (hull Only)
Gear Ratio: 1.87: 1
Prop: 14.5" x 30" Mazco RE-3
Top RPM: 7700
Top Speed: 105.3
Magazine: Family and Performance Boating - Issue: Sept. 2001
Boat: Triad STV Euro
Motor: MPP 2.5 EFI DRAG (300 hp)
Weight: 875 (hull Only)
Gear Ratio: 1.87: 1
Prop: N/A
Top RPM: N/A
Top Speed: 125+
Conclusion
The boat tests conducted by leading magazines such as Trailer Boats, Hot Boat, and Family and Performance Boating offer valuable insights into the performance and engineering of STV models across a decade.
From the 1991 STV Pro Comp Ski with its MPP 2.4 EFI engine achieving 101 mph to the 2001 Triad STV Euro equipped with a 300-horsepower drag motor surpassing 125 mph, these tests highlight the evolution of high-performance boating during this period.
Through these evaluations, we gain a technical understanding of how factors like hull weight, engine power, propeller design, and gear ratios influence top speeds and handling. This collection serves not only as a historical record of performance boating but also as a resource for anyone interested in the mechanics and dynamics of these exceptional machines.
Notes:
Here is the order of boats developed
1. LTV (Laser Tunnel Vee)
2. Pointy Nose STV
3. Narrow Deck Pointy STV
4. Pro Comp Ski
5. Euro Ski (one for the ladies)
6. Mod VP Capsule
7. Mod VP Tandem 2-Seater
8. River Rocket
The bottoms evolved over time as well, from the Vee-Tunnel bottom, Sprint bottom, Ski bottom, Mod VP bottom, and to the Drag bottom.
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