Absolutely the worst idea ever in the history or offshore racing was to get rid of the factory classes. That was the only time I really followed offshore racing closely. That was a fun and exciting time that at a minimum, doubled attendents, participants and coverage. They really should bring the class back.

The manufacturers would be on board if the sanctioning bodies would bring the rules back.

Single 525 V - 26-32'
Twin 525 V - 35-40'
Twin 525 Cat - 30-36'
Twin Outboard Cat - 30-36'
Twin 850 Cat - 36-40'
Twin Unlimited Cat - 40' plus
Twin Unlimited V - 40' plus
Twin Turbine Cat - 40' plus

8 classes should be enough.
Crash tested canopies required for over 100mph.

I know there is a lot more but this is just my gut feeling.

Brilliant idea!! I'll be the front man and Jimmy will be my negotiator! Russia and Libya here we come! :lolhit: :angry-smiley-038: :rolleyes:

How about we just cut it down to this?
Single 525 V - 26-32'
Twin 525 V - 35-40'
Twin 525 Cat - 30-36'
Twin Outboard Cat - 30-36'

Because then the millionaires won't be able to play with their big toys...

Looks to me like the length / hull are great. Replace the 525 with a spec 500 horsepower engine and you'd be perfect!

Spec engines are both the answer and the problem. Ideally, you want more than one manufacturer involved, but they have to have equivalent packages. Right now, that's a bit tough. The 525 is certainly a proven package, and the experience is there from before in terms of providing certification (Innovation or an equivalent company). Given the rumors from the last go-round 10 years ago, I'd make everyone turn the ECU's in after every session, and fit them with data loggers to watch for tampering.

What twin cat outboard > 32' ?

28'-32' And more Estuaries!

Better yet swap props and ECUs at the beginning of every race, everyone just grabs one from a box. But then SOME corporate sponsors might object.....:angry-smiley-038: