So Rull/RPM are agreeing. You need to get to a speed where the water is "hard" enough for the water to not bleed into the step. Once you are there the steped boat will become more efficient. At this point the step will begin to open and "inject" water under the trailing wetted surface and further free the boat from the surface. I think this is less significant on choppy water where the lake surface is essentially doing this for you. On calmer water this is a must for stable speed. I think after seeing the boat I share Rulls concern that the effort might be wasted. It would still be a good learning experience. But I fear at 15 mph or below the excercise will be futile. I would guess at 20+ your effort will begin to pay off. (these are "educated" guesses).