It surprises me that while the attention of Fountain Powerboats (and its founder Reggie Fountain) is turned to more pressing matters, other boat manufacturers aren’t attempting to break the V-bottom kilo speed record set by Fountain in 2004. With an average speed of 171.883 mph and a max one-way speed of 177 mph, Fountain set the bar high.

Mike Fiore and Outerlimits did one hell of a job lighting a fire under the Fountain camp in early 2004 with an accomplished record attempt (however short-lived) in a 47 GTX. Outerlimits was able to push the XXX boat to an average speed of 161.29 mph to stake its claim as the fastest V-bottom at the 2004 Miami International Boat Show. Only a few months later Fountain posted the 171-mph speed that has yet to be broken.

In 2006, Cigarette Racing Team built its own kilo boat in an attempt to break the record. With John Tomlinson in command, the specially constructed 46-footer (with assistance from Douglas Marine) put up some impressive numbers. Though it recorded a one-way pass of 172 mph, its average was 163.759 mph. Insiders speculate with some bottom work the Cigarette could have beat the record; however, owner Skip Braver did not pursue any more record attempts.

So now that we’re caught up on our history lesson, the question begs to be asked: Is it time for another record attempt? For years many boat manufacturers have been vying to hold the official V-bottom speed record title. During all those years, Fountain always upped the ante to retain the record. With the current situation at Fountain, I doubt it would devote resources toward the effort.

As you may know, I’m a diehard Cigarette fan and would love to see Cig come back and attempt the title (especially when it appeared they were so close with their kilo boat). I just don’t see Braver pouring more money and time into this project when he’s focused on other ventures.

I really don’t see any other companies making a run at the record besides Outerlimits. Fiore has been hungry for the title in the past and the time is right to snatch it up. With new construction technology including structural enhancements and weight-saving features, I think Outerlimits could build an unbeatable kilo machine that would smash the current record.

Even though many of us “forum surfers” follow the friendly rivalry between catamaran owners Bill Pyburn (his Pure Platinum Skater posted a 185-mph run on pump gas) and Gino Gargiulo (his Mercedes MTI recently posted a 193-mph run) in their personal pursuit to claim the fastest pleasure cat “trophy,” I guess it all boils down to the fact that I (and many others) miss the excitement of the challenge, rivalry and competition that the V-bottom “kilo wars” brought. Even back to the days when Scarab held the title, the excitement was always present.

So come on, let’s see it boys! Get out there and get that V-bottom to 172-plus mph. We’re all waiting—who’s up for the challenge?