So twin outboard class is recognized by APBA,OSS,OPA,POPRA,SBI,etc.? You could buy one and run with twin outboards in P classes, then, if you thought you were ready, put on the controlled/inspected Merc's and run SS Outboard?

We had a old ss cat for a pleasure boat before we bought our SVL. I was kinda boared when we first got it only running low 80s in flat water, but when it get past 85 the fun starts. I really enjoy it now the SVLs are so forgiving you can think you on the edge of crashing and the next thing you know its running flat again. There is a huge margin of error in a SVL. Very safe. My wife told me after we bought our SVL that she feared for her life every time out in the cat, but it was also an open cockpit boat. I really wanted a SS Cat, but it came down to money, cost to operate, and experiance.

So far this year the repairs on our boat was a $35 u-joint and the last race a failing power streering pump that was free using merc contengancy.

Right now the biggest difference between a SVL and a SS is money. A good used SS boat will run you about 100,000-150,000 where as an SVL can be bought for 75,000 , I would say you can race either of these boats for about $5,000.00 per race including all expenses. The biggest difference is the up keep. On an SVL you change the oil in the motor and drive then rebuild the drive. On the SS you need to rebuild both powerheads at least once a year which cost about 8-10 grand to do it right plus rebuilding the gearcases for a couple more. I would LOVE to have more SS boats but believe someone would be better off getting some cat time or race time in something else before racing a cat. Being a competitive SVL ain't no cake walk either.....no matter what class you choose there is a bunch of people at the races that will help you out and get you going. It is the greatest sport around on and off the race course. No matter what you do or where you race be safe and have fun.

Ask Chris Reindl. I was told that they were not allowed because the design is superior to the conventional vees. With the same power and drive the bat boat is faster in the rough as well as when it is smooth. So "wings" have been outlawed by OSS. They also out turn anything out there. My boat is a perfect example, it is the former Zero Cavaity which own at least one Championship in Class 4 against larger and much greater HP.

The boat pictured in the Forbes article is not a 28. It is a V-24.

By the way, did you know i am looking for a partner/Driver in my boat ?

That would be a start !

They were not outlawed in "OSS", Back when the boat was first introduced, they had a advantage with the wings, and smaller wetteed area. the boat ran in A Class and helped in its demise!, with APBA. when the 24 was introduced it was given it's own class, the One Design class, there were a few boats that had Mercury power under Armada Boats, when Chris Reindl bought the company he chose the Volvo package, because the counter-rotating drive seemed to work better for the boat. But the Volvo 350 engine was a little low on power compared to the Mercury 377. They are fun little boats!

When the Buzzi Rib and the Mannefelt Bat Boat came out they raced in the A- class and made the boats back then Obsolete. APBA then created the AX class for these two boats to run in.

I was also going to point out that a 10 year old SVL is just as competitive as a new one. You don't have to buy a new boat every 3 years to keep up. SVL is close to nascar, its not the latest, and greatest hull tech, but all the boats are very equal. Every boat in the class can win.

Thanks, I am still a little curious why there are no Fountains in SVL? Nobody wants to put a canopy on one or something else?

So the biggest negative, (if you don't like speedlimits:grinser010:, and you get good enough to drive the boat to its capabilities) is there is no SVL class in OPA, you must run P3 or P4 against larger boats?

Most SVL's that run OPA run P-4 and they have been successful.
Again, if choosing where you race, Apples to Apples=OSS, Mixed fruit bowl=OPA

No one has ever built a canopied 29-32 Fountain. The Factory ONE Fountains (29') BEAT YOU TO DEATH!!!! in bumpy water.

Yes. And a year in P class with stock power would give you enough experience to move up to SS. Sell your stock power (still under warrantee) and jump in. There is never a better time than right now and you will never regret it.
SQ

Ratical, Let me give you some advise I hope you listen to it closely. Racing 101 in a entry level class SVL or P class is BUY A MERC. BLUE RACE MOTOR. Look for a boat that has one or build a boat and put one in. You will save thousands in motor repair. People come and go out of this sport mostly due to lack of money they want to spend. I can promise you one thing there is no saving money building your own power plant. Also there is no resale value. Good luck and if you need info please call.
Take a good hard look at Guy Costas SVL the blue one.
MD

Here ya go.......

Thanks, was wondering.

This may not be the place to ask, what's the deal on the Vicious cat in the classifieds? Seems way cheap.

Still think you guys need to get together on at least a couple of classes.

There is really only one SVL running OPA, and it is High Octane , it is for sale, it has a Mercury Racing 525, and is ready for spec class racing.

What really needs to happen is what some use as Catch phrase "United we race" but what it turns into is "race with us". When some hatchets are buried, maybe the sport can really move forward. But with to many wanna be leaders not willing to sit down and do some good for the sport. you have the quagmire we are in.

UIM Class III even the vaunted Dubai Victory Team is running boats in that class. They commissioned Ocke Mannerfelt, designer of the Bat Boats, to design a 30' cat for the class.

being in on te racing thing for years, 20, i really think you should buy a svl. i still sell boats, and have my customers step up the money to the 525 bullet proof engine program. there is no-one who can tell you that package is not a great deal. listen. how many custom built engines you know still are running, with 0 work, 3 years later?
1 answer. NONE
MIKE

If your really serious...callen still has that cat for sale in the classifeds, just add turbines...why not start at the top of the food chain..its only money :p

The Vicious / Lightning cat is a good deal for the P Class. It would need alot of work and NEW motors to run in the SS class

Now that's funny. You want to ride with me?:eek:

im looking for a bat boat, drop me an email
[email protected]

The work part is covered with new 'most everything".. the new 2.5/280's are next on the list. But most likely I'll just bump the compression to 150psi and call it good for now.

Even with New 2.5/280's the boats just to heavy to run S.S.


I cant belive I never seen this thread until now..:eek:

I Have At 32' Cougar Vee Was Raced In A Class . Using A Blower Engine Race In P Class. 90/95 Bracket. Errol Lanier 954-922-1967. Need E-mail For Pictures. Thanks

for sale at a great price if interested in a racing 35feet cat ready for rigging. for pictures [email protected]

Ratickle is racing now and even made the Hot Shots 2 page spread in this months Powerboat......