Formula 3??

[RiverDave]

Justin Posted the rules he found in the 1st post of this thread? Didn't say anythin about tunnels or v-bottoms?

Maybe there is something more with relevance to this part?



I guess there you have it, Thanks RD. I still think for the sake of a wash for the skier, your probably right with the eliminator you posted a few days back. I saw kyle with that boat this week at the river. He was pulling 2 skiers, with people in the boat with no problem with an older 150 on it. It looked to have a decent wake on it to

I'm trying to talk Kyle into being the official "RDP" Formula III boat.. LOL He sounds interested so maybe he'll do it. Not sure yet?

RD

 

[wildone]

I'm trying to talk Kyle into being the official "RDP" Formula III boat.. LOL He sounds interested so maybe he'll do it. Not sure yet?

RD

i would love to get a hold of something like that even as just a river toy. he got a smoking deal on it too. not that many boats in the shape that thing was for the price he paid

 

[CycloneRacing]

Bernico makes a really cool F3 boat. Here is a link to the Bernico website. It is a smaller version of the F2 boat. It is shorter in width/heigth and length to accomodate the smaller engine. Nico has them running well. Just look under Models or modellen as the website is in half english and flemish. There are all of the models the make right there. There are even second hand deals on the site as well.

If you are serious im sure Randy Davis with Nordic/Cyclone i Havasu will custom build you a kickass F2 or F3 boat. Thay would be the route I would try first.

http://www.bernico.be/nederlands/bernico.html

 

[Mondorally]

Bernico makes a really cool F3 boat. Here is a link to the Bernico website. It is a smaller version of the F2 boat. It is shorter in width/heigth and length to accomodate the smaller engine. Nico has them running well. Just look under Models or modellen as the website is in half english and flemish. There are all of the models the make right there. There are even second hand deals on the site as well.

If you are serious im sure Randy Davis with Nordic/Cyclone i Havasu will custom build you a kickass F2 or F3 boat. Thay would be the route I would try first.

http://www.bernico.be/nederlands/bernico.html

From the site

FIII
Boat material polyester
Length:19 ft
Width:1.83 m
Total weight:390 kg
Fuel capacity:120 L
Watertank capacity:250 L

FII Outboard
Material: polyester
Length: 23ft (6.85m°)
Total Weight: 850 kg (TH1 model: 750kg)
Top speed: 148km/h
Fuel capacity: 2 x 200

Do you think that's a typo or is the FIII boat really less than half the weight of the FII? They're definately smaller but that seems crazy light.

Did you see the used FIII boat "Plaything"? What's the scoop on the offset ski pole???

 

[Crazyhippy]

Did you see the used FIII boat "Plaything"? What's the scoop on the offset ski pole???

The Black F2 is ofset as well...

If it's strictly a circle boat, and never makes a right turn, i can understand it

 

[wildone]

The Black F2 is ofset as well...

If it's strictly a circle boat, and never makes a right turn, i can understand it

from my understanding it's to put the skier on the opposite side of the wake as roosters will typically cover one side more than the other, thats why most f2's are driven by the right side. it allows the observer to have a clear view of the side of the wake thats not being sprayed down.

i could see in a smaller boat like the f3 with the smaller power and hull you'd probably need to trim the hell out of it to hit the higher speeds, which would probably throw up the bigger rooster

 

[wildone]

Bernico makes a really cool F3 boat. Here is a link to the Bernico website. It is a smaller version of the F2 boat. It is shorter in width/heigth and length to accomodate the smaller engine. Nico has them running well. Just look under Models or modellen as the website is in half english and flemish. There are all of the models the make right there. There are even second hand deals on the site as well.

If you are serious im sure Randy Davis with Nordic/Cyclone i Havasu will custom build you a kickass F2 or F3 boat. Thay would be the route I would try first.

http://www.bernico.be/nederlands/bernico.html

im sure an all glass nordic 20 with no foam and a 150 wouldnt be that bad of a f3. the things are pretty light as is

 

[gar163y]

Short ski poles are run on F3 boats because they improve the hole shot (pull out) times and make the boat ride and handle much better. The long length of a standard, centrally mounted pole can give an aggressive and/or heavier skier too much leverage on a lighter, lower powered boat. Having poles mounted on the side has nothing to do with the boats pluming as skiers will generally go to whichever side the wake is smoother anyway. In Europe where the races are so rough even in F3 any plumes are short lived on the opening laps.

 

[MrWarpath]

You can run a tunnel in F-2, the boat rule is only the length not the bottom, and the real reason for driving on the right in an outboard is the torque, if you sit on the right you counter balance the torque when driving alone. It is also better for ski racing to drive on the right because of the rooster tale.I think the F-3 class is a good thing if they keep the rules soft and allow for some fun. F-2 is a very fun class that started with all the right intentions for entry type teams and for low cost racing and it has done a bunch for that.........BUT it has now become a very tough race series and if you dont have a very light stripped down boat that will pull a skier in the low 80 mph range you will get beat. I am not saying its a bad thing because racing is racing and when you make rules you can expect the true tough racers to go after all they can get and go fast.

I just think that if this was to become a real class it needs to have a way to stop some of the trick stuff. Maybe make sure that the boats have to have two seats and a bench.Maybe carpet floors to try and keep the family guy from stripping out his family ski boat to go faster and run his cost up. Keeping it FUN..................just my take......

 

[obnoxious001]

I just think that if this was to become a real class it needs to have a way to stop some of the trick stuff. Maybe make sure that the boats have to have two seats and a bench.Maybe carpet floors to try and keep the family guy from stripping out his family ski boat to go faster and run his cost up. Keeping it FUN..................just my take......

That's my take on F3 as well, won't be cheap trying to make a 150 hp boat fast, so maybe some type of rules to make it really cheap,, minimum weight,, carpet, back seat,, maybe even older boats instead of "purpose built" Possibly even limit the skier someway?

 

[RiverDave]

That's my take on F3 as well, won't be cheap trying to make a 150 hp boat fast, so maybe some type of rules to make it really cheap,, minimum weight,, carpet, back seat,, maybe even older boats instead of "purpose built" Possibly even limit the skier someway?

I'm not a rocket scientist here, but I think you guys got it backwards. The more rules you make, the more expensive things get?

Think about it. Current rules basically say 150HP you can't touch the motor. Conventional layup hull (no carbon kevlar etc. / although they didn't mention "infusion") 18' minimum, and a prop height requirement.

If you require a backseat, then some guy is gonna go out and build an ultra light weight back seat / wind deflector, and put everyone else that doesn't have the coin at a disadvantage.

The more "guidelines" you have the more it costs to be competitive.. (as well the more arguments you have over what actually is a back seat etc..) The more open it is, the better odds you will have of someone just going and getting a boat and giving it a go.

This is no different then any other kinda racing. You limit engine size etc.., and all of a sudden the prices jump through the roof trying to squeeze every last bit of HP out of that small engine etc..

RD

 

[Crazyhippy]

Maybe a claimer series? $5K buys you the boat sans motor:blah:

It's what the "low buck" dirt oval classes do, motor can be bought from the 1st-3rd place cars for $500 by anyone in the main. Usually doesn't happen (gentlemans agreement), but it's always in the back of builder/owners minds and keeps the costs closer to realistic.

 

[obnoxious001]

I'm not a rocket scientist here,

This is no different then any other kinda racing. You limit engine size etc.., and all of a sudden the prices jump through the roof trying to squeeze every last bit of HP out of that small engine etc..

RD

Maybe go back and re-read what we said. We are in favor of keeping it a "cheap" class, and know what ski racers (no different than any other racer) would do to go fast or win.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

Well shit, someone wants to donate the use of a 150 I think my boat would actually be a pretty damn good option for this. Yank the interior and bolt in a backwards facing seat and slap on the 150...... good to go.


I think my hull only weighs a few hundred pounds and has a pretty good Vee to it.

 

[RiverDave]

Maybe go back and re-read what we said. We are in favor of keeping it a "cheap" class, and know what ski racers (no different than any other racer) would do to go fast or win.

I read it right.. and i understand the "intent" of the rules to keep it cheaper. I just think the more rules, inevitably the more $$$ even if their original "intent" was to keep it cheap.

For example "must have a back seat." (keep it in the realm of family boats here) Well what qualifies a back seat? Vinyl? A gas tank you can sit on? A piece of balsawood with one layer of fiberglass that is vinyl'd? etc..

Now you've put everyone that is running a back seat at a disadvantage because someone has found a new way to get an "edge" over everyone else..

Maybe my logic is flawed here.. Wouldn't be the 1st time.

RD

 

[obnoxious001]

That's my take on F3 as well, won't be cheap trying to make a 150 hp boat fast, so maybe some type of rules to make it really cheap,, minimum weight,, carpet, back seat,, maybe even older boats instead of "purpose built" Possibly even limit the skier someway?

I read it right.. and i understand the "intent" of the rules to keep it cheaper. I just think the more rules, inevitably the more $$$ even if their original "intent" was to keep it cheap.

For example "must have a back seat." (keep it in the realm of family boats here) Well what qualifies a back seat? Vinyl? A gas tank you can sit on? A piece of balsawood with one layer of fiberglass that is vinyl'd? etc..

Now you've put everyone that is running a back seat at a disadvantage because someone has found a new way to get an "edge" over everyone else..

Maybe my logic is flawed here.. Wouldn't be the 1st time.

RD

One more time, read the whole thing. Yes, rules are meant to be broken,, but lack of rules will not keep guys from spending money to win in a class that should be aimed more at entry level/beginner/low buck racing.

ps,, I wouldn't argue with you, but I do consider you a friend. The sport needs a budget, FUN, class. There would absolutely need to be rules to keep that from going the wrong direction.

 

[Mondorally]

I read it right.. and i understand the "intent" of the rules to keep it cheaper. I just think the more rules, inevitably the more $$$ even if their original "intent" was to keep it cheap.

For example "must have a back seat." (keep it in the realm of family boats here) Well what qualifies a back seat? Vinyl? A gas tank you can sit on? A piece of balsawood with one layer of fiberglass that is vinyl'd? etc..

Now you've put everyone that is running a back seat at a disadvantage because someone has found a new way to get an "edge" over everyone else..

Maybe my logic is flawed here.. Wouldn't be the 1st time.

RD

You're logic isn't flawed in the sense that technical rules like "must have a back seat" can be worked around.

But if there was a simple minimum weight there would be no incentive to make trick back seats or pay for a crazy infused layup.


My thoughts on rules for a simple, fun, easy to regulate class:

• V-hulls
• 18'-21'
• Minimum weight (To Be Determined as I have no idea what these type of boats would weight)
• "Stock" 150hp outboards. Stock induction, exhaust, stroke (easy to check, no?).

Thoughts?

 

[RiverDave]

ps,, I wouldn't argue with you, but I do consider you a friend. The sport needs a budget, FUN, class. There would absolutely need to be rules to keep that from going the wrong direction.

Oh I'll argue with ya Barry.. Over cocktails..


Incidentally Justin, i wouldn't put a weight limit on it, but that's me..

 

[W.O.T MARINE]

i just checked the NWSRA rule book min is a 160 hp outboard. (F3 Outboard (160 HP) has been added to the Mini Marathon. This will be a Men and Women’s class combined.). rule book changeing is in effect till november 3rd so if any one has solid ideas for f3 rules contact skifaster he can tell you who you need to contact.

my thoughts are:
any hull style 18ft min
must run on pump gas.
motor must apper stock ie fly wheel, heads, carbs, ect
2 or 4 stroke, carb or efi what ever motor came from factory as.
prop shaft in line with bottom of boat at lowest point at minimum.
no wieght limit.
carpet/ back seat no limit.

other ideas

 

[W.O.T MARINE]

Well shit, someone wants to donate the use of a 150 I think my boat would actually be a pretty damn good option for this. Yank the interior and bolt in a backwards facing seat and slap on the 150...... good to go.


I think my hull only weighs a few hundred pounds and has a pretty good Vee to it.

merc 150 2ltr im pretty sure will mount to your mid section.
2.0 150 power head $1400 - Scream And Fly Powerboat and High Performance Powerboating Discussion Forums.




some ones new f3 boat.
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/boa/1438099780.html

 

[Boat211]

You're logic isn't flawed in the sense that technical rules like "must have a back seat" can be worked around.

But if there was a simple minimum weight there would be no incentive to make trick back seats or pay for a crazy infused layup.


My thoughts on rules for a simple, fun, easy to regulate class:

• V-hulls
• 18'-21'
• Minimum weight (To Be Determined as I have no idea what these type of boats would weight)
• "Stock" 150hp outboards. Stock induction, exhaust, stroke (easy to check, no?).

Thoughts?

I agree that weight would be a great equilizer.

 

[Mondorally]

Oh I'll argue with ya Barry.. Over cocktails..


Incidentally Justin, i wouldn't put a weight limit on it, but that's me..

I'm not a rocket scientist here, but I think you guys got it backwards. The more rules you make, the more expensive things get?

Think about it. Current rules basically say 150HP you can't touch the motor. Conventional layup hull (no carbon kevlar etc. / although they didn't mention "infusion") 18' minimum, and a prop height requirement.

If you require a backseat, then some guy is gonna go out and build an ultra light weight back seat / wind deflector, and put everyone else that doesn't have the coin at a disadvantage.

The more "guidelines" you have the more it costs to be competitive.. (as well the more arguments you have over what actually is a back seat etc..) The more open it is, the better odds you will have of someone just going and getting a boat and giving it a go.

This is no different then any other kinda racing. You limit engine size etc.., and all of a sudden the prices jump through the roof trying to squeeze every last bit of HP out of that small engine etc..

RD

Why no minimum weight limit? Seems to me that a weight limit would pretty much negate the need for a bunch of other rules or guidelines, leading to a simple, fun, easy to regulate class.

Does the boat have a stock motor and weigh x,xxx or more? Its legal. Otherwise its not. 2 major rules, both pretty easy to check. Same with the minor rules - propshaft height, length, etc...

 

[W.O.T MARINE]

main reason for no weight limit is you need a scale or crane and scale and i dont see NWSRA spending the extra money on a scale or crane for a mini marathon class.

the class needs to be easy for any one to get into, but stay with in limits so your 15-20 yr old ski boat could win.
unless im miss lead this is just a mini class so i dont see people spending thousand apon thousands on a new boat and motor for an entery level class. if you want the ultra light fast outboard ski the F2 class.

 

[RiverDave]

some ones new f3 boat.
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/boa/1438099780.html

That boat is 17 feet I think?

RD

 

[obnoxious001]

Funny enough, I got a call earlier from someone discussing ideas on how to cheat in the F3 class!!!

I got one other thought,, may be the best "equalizer".

Years ago when "Stock Boat" started,, they put a 70 mph cap on the class, but never really ever enforced it.

Now, with tattletale GPS units, it would be possible to effectively limit the maximum speed of the class. Maybe then even my old 1980 Baker would be able to race?

 

[SKIA36]

Funny enough, I got a call earlier from someone discussing ideas on how to cheat in the F3 class!!!

I got one other thought,, may be the best "equalizer".

Years ago when "Stock Boat" started,, they put a 70 mph cap on the class, but never really ever enforced it.

Now, with tattletale GPS units, it would be possible to effectively limit the maximum speed of the class. Maybe then even my old 1980 Baker would be able to race?

Your "old Baker" ran in the mid 80's pulling a skier when I had it!

 

[AFUEL7067]

001 That would be gay......

 

[RiverDave]

001 That would be gay......

As much as I'd agree with that, lets try to keep it more..... "possitive"

RD

 

[AFUEL7067]

Dave lol im sure glad I didnt tell him how i was going to cheat .......

 

[Crazyhippy]

You're logic isn't flawed in the sense that technical rules like "must have a back seat" can be worked around.

But if there was a simple minimum weight there would be no incentive to make trick back seats or pay for a crazy infused layup.


My thoughts on rules for a simple, fun, easy to regulate class:

• V-hulls
• 18'-21'
• Minimum weight (To Be Determined as I have no idea what these type of boats would weight)
• "Stock" 150hp outboards. Stock induction, exhaust, stroke (easy to check, no?).

Thoughts?

• No Power jackplates, manual only (not adjustable underway)
• Propshaft even w/ bottom of boat or lower

Weight can be a pre-checked thing, maybe once a year, go get weighed and you're good to go. Could even go off of truck scales and weigh the trailer empty...

 

[Mondorally]

Funny enough, I got a call earlier from someone discussing ideas on how to cheat in the F3 class!!!

I got one other thought,, may be the best "equalizer".

Years ago when "Stock Boat" started,, they put a 70 mph cap on the class, but never really ever enforced it.

Now, with tattletale GPS units, it would be possible to effectively limit the maximum speed of the class. Maybe then even my old 1980 Baker would be able to race?

Dave lol im sure glad I didnt tell him how i was going to cheat .......

So it sounds like the class is quickly becoming F2 with smaller motors.... defeating the whole purpose of the class, no?

Without some sort of equalizer of last resort - GPS max speed cap, minimum weight - it seems like the spirit of the class would be defeated.

Maybe FIII is pointless right now in terms of a start up class and the focus should be on a run what you brung class with a speed limit?

 

[AFUEL7067]

F3 is done I ruined it with one phone call lol lol All kidding a side speed limits are like bracket racing right? guys are to serious :thumbsup

 

[SKIA36]

Dave lol im sure glad I didnt tell him how i was going to cheat .......

Like Chuck Schiada told me a long time ago when he pulled me to a win in the Drivers race at San Diego on a ski that was 3" too long..."F*ck "em , they only remember who crossed the finish line first"...

 

[AFUEL7067]

SKIA36 :thumbsup Even with a new or fun format somethings will never change I like to call it inovation lol lol

 

[RiverDave]

I have a lot of thoughts on this..

1st I question of we should even be debating the rules as were not the committee that makes them...

But for the sake of argument (I love a good theoretical debate)

a speed cap doesn't work by nature.. Inner lanes go a shorter distance if everyone goes the same speed the outer lanes are always at a disadvantage. That and the word racing.. Using your strengths to come out ahead. That's American. Speed caps, let's make everything 100% equal.. That's communism.

Next we goto weight penalties.. This is gonna be a long one for the old I phone. In my opinion this again kills the spirit of the class. I was kinda under the impression an older hull a 150 motor, run what ya brung racing. Inevitably some hull will carry weight better than all the others. If one doesn't (yet) you Can bet your ass someone will make one and then to be competitive your gonna have to buy it. Which again kills the cheap class fun.

Now follow me here.. If all these boats ran 100+. Then it would go back to one two guys fighting it out everytime.

Being that these boats will run 60-70-75? Now it's anyones game right?

I think if a group of budget ballers get together and buy some old boats.. Half the fun is going to be getting them dialed in and trying to run one mph better than the next guy. That is a team effort to win. A crew chief, driver, observer and skier culminating together for victory. That my friends is American.. May the best man team win.

Equalizing everything and taking the weight from the poor and giving it to the rich to burden the load sounds like a democrat.. And realistically does not apply in this case. If I bought some shitbox boat to race and she came in 50lbs heavy for my liking then I'll get out a sander and sand it untilits lighter.. Or run fuel calculations better to carry less fuel etc.. Etc..

The more rules you make no matter what they are will make it more expensive.. And a speed cap defeats the point.

Let some kids buy some boats, let them race each other and let them develop ways to become more competitive. let them catch the bug and use their heads to try and outsmart the next guy.

I don't see big $$ being a factor in this class anytime soon so I think all these debates are heading off a problem that isn't going to happen anyways.

For 4-5k. Your out racing with people in a fun but competitive class. I believe if you give it a chance as it is it will bring in new people and that I believe is the main objective right now.

In short more rules = commie bastard
same rules or less = competitive American spirit..

RD.

 

[SKIA36]

I have a lot of thoughts on this..

1st I question of we should even be debating the rules as were not the committee that makes them...

But for the sake of argument (I love a good theoretical debate)

a speed cap doesn't work by nature.. Inner lanes go a shorter distance if everyone goes the same speed the outer lanes are always at a disadvantage. That and the word racing.. Using your strengths to come out ahead. That's American. Speed caps, let's make everything 100% equal.. That's communism.

Next we goto weight penalties.. This is gonna be a long one for the old I phone. In my opinion this again kills the spirit of the class. I was kinda under the impression an older hull a 150 motor, run what ya brung racing. Inevitably some hull will carry weight better than all the others. If one doesn't (yet) you Can bet your ass someone will make one and then to be competitive your gonna have to buy it. Which again kills the cheap class fun.

Now follow me here.. If all these boats ran 100+. Then it would go back to one two guys fighting it out everytime.

Being that these boats will run 60-70-75? Now it's anyones game right?

I think if a group of budget ballers get together and buy some old boats.. Half the fun is going to be getting them dialed in and trying to run one mph better than the next guy. That is a team effort to win. A crew chief, driver, observer and skier culminating together for victory. That my friends is American.. May the best man team win.

Equalizing everything and taking the weight from the poor and giving it to the rich to burden the load sounds like a democrat.. And realistically does not apply in this case. If I bought some shitbox boat to race and she came in 50lbs heavy for my liking then I'll get out a sander and sand it untilits lighter.. Or run fuel calculations better to carry less fuel etc.. Etc..

The more rules you make no matter what they are will make it more expensive.. And a speed cap defeats the point.

Let some kids buy some boats, let them race each other and let them develop ways to become more competitive. let them catch the bug and use their heads to try and outsmart the next guy.

I don't see big $$ being a factor in this class anytime soon so I think all these debates are heading off a problem that isn't going to happen anyways.

For 4-5k. Your out racing with people in a fun but competitive class. I believe if you give it a chance as it is it will bring in new people and that I believe is the main objective right now.

In short more rules = commie bastard
same rules or less = competitive American spirit..

RD.

There were already multiple classes in place where entry level boats are competitive: Stock Boat, Flatbottom, Social, Pro-Social, Hands Out, and Outboard. The skier is almost always the limiting factor, especially in rougher water. The rules can be changed fairly easily by the board. These boats are not limited to boat classes. They can pull in any of the age classes as well. I think a wake board class would be a lot of fun and popular as well.

 

[RiverDave]

Who was it that was telling me someone ran a 90mpj Schiada in "stock boat" for years?

The flatbottom thng you might be onto something though.

RD

 

[SKIA36]

Who was it that was telling me someone ran a 90mpj Schiada in "stock boat" for years?

The flatbottom thng you might be onto something though.

RD

Ken Shmidt, Red and White 24 Schiada outdrive with a n/a 572 i believe. Great rough water boat. He didnt always win, but he won a lot. He and his son were and probably still are great skiers.

 

[RiverDave]

Ken Shmidt, Red and White 24 Schiada outdrive with a n/a 572 i believe. Great rough water boat. He didnt always win, but he won a lot. He and his son were and probably still are great skiers.

So now I have a stock boat.. and he has a "stock" boat, and we are competitive?

RD

 

[Mondorally]

So now I have a stock boat.. and he has a "stock" boat, and we are competitive?

RD

If you were limited to 60mph

 

[RiverDave]

If you were limited to 60mph

Which kinda defeats the purpose again.. LOL So we're back to square one.

Lets all buy some cheap boats, and race em pulling some people around in a circle.. LOL

RD

 

[Mondorally]

Which kinda defeats the purpose again.. LOL So we're back to square one.

Lets all buy some cheap boats, and race em pulling some people around in a circle.. LOL

RD

I'm game. :thumbsup

 

[SKIA36]

So now I have a stock boat.. and he has a "stock" boat, and we are competitive?

RD

Pull Todd Haig and yes...

If you boat can pull @65/70mph absolutely. I skied behind a warlock 23' w/a mercury 350 pkg. in the stock boat class. The boat was maxed out @ 68mph. We used the boat in Stock Boat and Unblown Prop. Both Jeff Mirich and I won National Championships behind it. Several times in the rough water we won overall beating the Womens open skiers.(Unblown Prop runs with the womens marathons). Lee Squire, Dennis Hall and Ron Witter used to finish in the top 5 overall in marathons behind Stoker outboards. I pulled Corey Cook to an Overall win at Havasu on Sunday after most of the Big Dog A Team boats broke.b(Glass water)

I won another championship behind a 21' Baja w/a 502ci. There were faster boats in the class.

 

[wildone]

Pull Todd Haig and yes...

If you boat can pull @65/70mph absolutely. I skied behind a warlock 23' w/a mercury 350 pkg. in the stock boat class. The boat was maxed out @ 68mph. We used the boat in Stock Boat and Unblown Prop. Both Jeff Mirich and I won National Championships behind it. Several times in the rough water we won overall beating the Womens open skiers.(Unblown Prop runs with the womens marathons). Lee Squire, Dennis Hall and Ron Witter used to finish in the top 5 overall in marathons behind Stoker outboards. I pulled Corey Cook to an Overall win at Havasu on Sunday after most of the Big Dog A Team boats broke.b(Glass water)

I won another championship behind a 21' Baja w/a 502ci. There were faster boats in the class.

My Father ran stock boat for years in a few different Hallett 210's. He loved that class. The last boat we had ran close to 90 with a skier with a stock 500. We pulled Andy (skifaster) for a couple of season. He won overall in the women's on multiple occasions. Jody Cambell would ski unblown prop in the men's and still finish in the top 10 on occasion. We even pulled Erin Saunder's and Deanne Shannon many times when they had boat problems and they both would still finish in the top of the women's races. Yes it was a fast stock boat. But I'm talking about races like Lake Mead, Pittsburgh, Bethel Island, Elsinore where the rough water took the boat down to minimal and the skier was all that mattered.

Point is almost any boat can be competitive. Yes Classes like F2 can be dominated by the smaller lighter boats in smooth water. Fact is Parker is the fastest race of the year. Almost every other race we run is rough. Skiing a boat at 70 for an hour through rough water is still a challenge to most people. As much as a boat seems to matter great skiers can do great things behind almost any boat. Look at Greg Anderson. Hes skiing behind a some what heavy Bernico in F2, and still managed to make the worlds. The 20 cyclones have an honest 10 mph on him. But he skies the thing flat out in almost any condition, and in the races that high end speed does not matter he does awesome. Look at how he did in Catalina this year. He managed top 15 behind a very under powered Nodic 21 with only a 200 on it, no ballast tanks, no motor adjustments, no special props, none of it. Even at Parker a few weeks back Cameron Finished in the top 5 behind an F2, and beat a bunch of F1 boats that would smoke his F2 in a boat race.

Skiing it at 65 in lets say the F3 class at most of our races would still be a challenge for most people and be competitive in the mini. Minus the juniors and some old hot shots most people in the mini are not runing that hard. You would be surprised how well you could do skiing at 65 for the entire race. This would be especially true for an entry level class as people seem to see F3 as. Hell even driving a boat pinned at 65 on a race course is harder then one would think.

 

[gar163y]

The F3 boats constantly run buoy to buoy to buoy through any and all the rubbish water. The tiny speed differences between the boats means you are also doing that gunnel to gunnel and possibly for the whole race. In an F2 boat you may have the speed to bide your time and wait for the right moment before passing on the outside. An F3 boat does not give you that luxury.

In Belgium's Diamond race where the F3's race on their own, their lap times are consistently faster than the F1's because they turn much faster and do not leave such huge holes in the water. The only time I drove a F3 boat in the Diamond Race they still used the long, long stretcher lap. We left the start line six abreast and miles later arrived at the first turn still five abreast.

 

[obnoxious001]

So now I have a stock boat.. and he has a "stock" boat, and we are competitive?

RD

Originally there was a 70 mph speed limit placed on stock boats, but it was never enforced. Sure, there was talk of radar guns, but I never heard of any enforcement whatsoever at any race I attended (and I was going to every marathon and region 2 circle at the time). I am also pretty sure there was a cubic inch limitation which also was never checked or enforced.

Thus, my suggestion of GPS to limit cheating and keep the cost of being competitive affordable. F3 should not be a boat race in my opinion.

 

[wildone]

RD found your 1st race boat

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/boa/1439753639.html

 

[RiverDave]

That would definately work!

RD

 

[RiverDave]

The rules meeting is this saturday in El Segundo to discuss F3..

Will someone post up the results of that after the meeting?

RD