Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

Look, boaters are boaters, performance boaters would love it. If we just had an OSO member ralley, and told everyone else to F off, filmed and taped everything, we would have an awesome event. Let's do it. Fort Lauderdale to Bimini. My boat is ready.....in the under 60 MPH class, complete with fishing gear! Under 60, under 80, under 100, over 100 under 35, over 35 feet, cats and V separate classes. That ain't too difficult. <gg> Make sure U.S. Coast Guard was notified well in advance.

I think many of the lightweight B.S. "performance boats" made today would break apart, or fly weird off real offshore waves, that is why manufacturers don't want to do this type of thing.

Hey, this is Offshore Only, let's prove it with an internal "club" event. That will give the ........ racing organizations something to think about also.

It should cost NOTHING more than Bahamian entry permits. Plus extras for a party, t-shirts, moorage etc. Start offshore and end offshore or where the Bahamian police say it is okay for a flying finish near shore. I am sure they would be totally amped for this as they love this type of thing, it is great for tourism and brings in the bucks.

Expecting a lot of broken boats, so it would be great for SeaTow also, get them to sponsor perhaps. Safety would be an issue though. Perhaps each boat would have to do a radio or cell phone check on a separate frequency every fifteen minutes or so, giving GPS readings, speed and heading. Failure to report means a roving helicopter would check. Required MOB devices on every person would make rescue easier. Run only the number of boats for available radio channels.

Oh yeah, call it an ocean ralley so the insurance companies are happy

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

Good idea :D I think this type of event takes alot more $$ and work than you think it does. Good luck with it

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

and it needs to be on the west coast :D

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

one word.....................INSURANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

I agree. I don't want to sound negative but I think insurance for this type of event will be through the roof.

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

Everyone signs a waiver saying they won't sue and will assume all risk, blah blah blah....

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

each person must show proof of insurance at registration, boat have to pass for safety, lifeline or equivilant vests, current mounted or handheld gps.

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

Doesn't mean SQUAT when the lawsuits fly.

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

So why isn't there a "gumball" type rally for offshore boats? Seems like if they can do it on the streets it could be done offshore?

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

Anybody know a crazy Arib with a briefcase full of money who'd be willling to sponsor this?? :D

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

As soon has you do a log your liable insurance wise... not only for the boats but also everyone in them.

I have researched this and this is why on our fun-runs up here there is, no-log, no verifying of insurance, no fees and no supervising entity. Just a bunch of like minded boaters going for a ride from one place to the other.

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

I volunteer to perform the safety inspections on the participating vessels and will help to make each boat as seaworthy as possible.
Ed Cozzi

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

Rob, as soon as someone takes on the responsibility of checking any of that, they are deemed the"organizer" and are now liable for all participants. Our boat club carries a directors and officers liability policy year round for just that reason. It is our biggest expense every season. :(

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

wow, didnt know that guys scratch that idea...:D

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

glad you told us that :eek:

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

It should be set up as an LLC with volunteers, no employees, will release the people from liability, I helped set it up for our poker run committee. Oshkosh Thunder

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

That's a great idea! I would look into this.

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

when woudl it happen? summer? i hate to say it but....the winner gona be one of them big power ap@ches..........................

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

Even if 1/3 of the poll participants show up, this should work.

Making some calls today. I am expecting this will be a done deal for the late spring or early summer of 2006. Oh yeah, adding a class for my boat....under 60 MPH, under 35 foot Vs!

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

Location ? Is It Going To Be Fort To Bimini

Jr Mike

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

Let's require LifeLine type life preservers, EPIRB, VHF radio, Distress/Flare kit, First aid kit, Fresh drinking water, a Type IV throwable PFD and a full safety inspection of the fuel and steering systems.
There will be some attrition on the course, but we can stack the deck in our favor.
We can ask non-racers to be available as rescue and tow boats.

If we choose Ft. Lauderdale-to-the concrete ship off South Bimini, to West Palm and then back down to Port Everglades, turn around and go back to West Palm, then back to Port Everglades, we will have crossed the Gulfstream twice. If we do this in the summer, the chances are the seas will be relatively flat and the smaller boats will have a good chance. If we do it in the winter, it should be a real test of man and machine. In winter a North wind kicks up the Gulfstream and could postpone our race a few days.
These are just some idle thoughts open to discussion.

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

Coming back to the U.S. will be a hellfire of customs hassles. I envision one way OUT of the U.S. I think that may be enough stress on people's boats and knees also, even in the late spring/summer.

The larger course idea sounds interesting, but I don't like the idea of running along the U.S. coast and chopping up scuba divers and kayakers. Running from Miami to Ft. Lauderdale or Palm Beach always freaks me out with all the divers, buoys and kayakers out there these days.

One way across the stream is enough for now. If that works out, a round trip would be next, followed by a larger course as per your suggestion. In my life, KISS always works best.

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

I understand. These were only suggestions and certainly open to discussion. We're still a long way from a finished product, but we need to stimulate ideas from as many interested parties as possible. I plan to help in any way I can.

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

If there's anything i can do please let me know as well. by the way this is jr not sr as sr is very but very busy. but if i (jr/23) may help in anyway to brng the 70's and 80's back please let me know. i live in the area yall want to do it in

jr mike

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

Allright, here is the latest on this....good progress is being made, and I will update you folks in January where things stand. I see no reason why this won't work. Looks good so far, glad to see more and more expressing interest.

I appreciate the offers of help from all, which you may regret giving early next year. <gg> So far no need of it, but before and during the event you bet you will be called on.

Hey, even before I have seen the 2nd season Miami Vice DVD set, we WILL bring back the 1980s!

Cheers,

Chris

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

That's what i want to hear :evilb: :evilb: :evilb: :evilb: once again any help i'm here anything for the 70's and 80's to be present and me one day race how it use to be.

jr Mike

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

[QUOTE=Edward R. Cozzi]Let's require LifeLine type life preservers, EPIRB, VHF radio, Distress/Flare kit, First aid kit, Fresh drinking water, a Type IV throwable PFD and a full safety inspection of the fuel and steering systems.
There will be some attrition on the course, but we can stack the deck in our favor.
We can ask non-racers to be available as rescue and tow boats.

Ed

Excellent way to go...may I suggest another item that we were required to carry back in the "old days".....A quick inflatable fourman life raft.

When you start crossing the Gulf Stream, even with a bunch of safety boats volunteering to help out, a boat can go down fast. The racers are much better off in a raft than in the water with life vests on.

We (banana boat co) are just getting ready to come out with our 24 footer again. Our plans were to do the 28SS next, BUT.... if this program of yours takes off, I will put the 28SS on hold and bring out our 35 footer set up just like the picture shows....with a new design race fairing rather than the old style windshield.

We still have the original race layup as used back then.

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

Hmmm, sounding now more like a cross-Atlantic excursion than a fun run...:confused:

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

Geez, please don't start changing boat production plans on the basis of something I expect to make happen, but can't guarantee!

It is interesting that you would revert back to an "old style" boat for this event. I also expect "old, heavy" boats will put many new designs to shame crossing real seas. There is nothing better than a big heavy weight to pound down the seas. Lighter may be faster, but you are going to shake and break alot more! I also believe step designs, while great in smooth water, will lose almost all their advantages, and perform worse than straight V hulls in heavy seas.

My guess is that the winning boat in heavy seas would be an old style straight V with new "modern" FI motors. Not a cat.
In light, maybe moderate seas, the cats would win.

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

[QUOTE=Top Banana]Are You Charley M.?

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

chris, I talked with Ed today, i will be willing to help with a fun run, although my business is swamped now, towards the spring and summer I should be able to devote some time to it. I think for length we need to look at the abilities to go out on both tanks full of gas, my Tiger is dual 120 gal. i think anywhere from 80-110 miles for a good rally/race trip would be great....Rob

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

KEEP SEA TOW OUT ! THEY LIKE TO SCREW RACERS OR BOATERS OUT OF MONEY EVEN IF THEY ARE A SPONSOR.ASK WHAT SEA TOW DID FOR J PETERSONS ELIMINATOR IN LAUDERDALE WHEN IT SANK AT A RACE THEY SPONSORED. LEGALIZED PIRATES :mad:
OR WHAT THEY DID TO STAN WARE IN ST.PETE ALSO
SCREW SEA TOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :eek:

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

Yup!

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

[ In winter a North wind kicks up the Gulfstream and could postpone our race a few days.
These are just some idle thoughts open to discussion.[/QUOTE]

Its a race?

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

I would love to run my current boat in an event like this. But with it having a single 100 gallon tank. I dont think its got the required range. But. If I'm available when this happens, I will be more than happy to volunteer as one of the safety vessels closer to shore. Planning on having it in the Florida area this spring/early summer anyways.

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

Offhoredrillin: My boat has only 140 gallons of gas, like most 30 footers. Should burn up about half a tank going to Bimini, more if the seas/winds are bad. That is another reason a one way trip is better for those of us in steerage class boats. <gg>

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

the summer months in south florida are normally very calm sea conditions even way offshore.february-april might be the way to go just a thought.

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

You're a legend!
When I was throttling "FlapJack" for Howard Quam we were on the same race course many times!

I have a bunch of friends in RI that I visit every summer. You probably know most of them. Nickerson, Mainella, Tanury, Grace, Coduto, etc.

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

I'm in!
Let's do it in late January/early February whe the wind is kicking 35+ from the northeast.
I'll race for pink slips :eek:
(can I run my 50 Bertram?)

Re: Proposed Offshore Ralley - Only those serious about participating
 

race for drain plugs instead :evilb: