How much cushion in a P boat?
 

As a veteran motorcycle drag racer, when we raced in the sportsman/index classes (similar to P classes) several years back we always built the bikes with some cushion. For example... if we were racing Super Gas, a 9.9 second index, we needed to be able to run that elapsed time at any track, in any conditions anywhere in the country. So we would build the bike to run 9.3 - 9.5 in ideal conditions, then slow the bike down as needed at any givin race track/weather conditions.

So... in P-4 where you need to average 75mph laps, how fast does the boat need to run flat out to be competitive? I'd assume you loose speed in the corners and have to make it up in the straights. What is typical? Where do I need to be to be competitive? Not looking to be a sandbagger... just competitive. Be sides I don't even know what my new boat will run yet. I'm told 70ish, so I'd have some work to do anyway.

Thanks for sharing!
Mark

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

Your thoughts are in the right direction. Dial the boat in to be at the upper edge of the bracket speeds.

I believe it's all based on prop x gear ratio x rpm calc. Smitty should answer this one for you.

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

You need to run 80. We will regulate your speed at 80. So if the boat is capable of going faster, you will only be crashing on your limiter. If the boat is a little slower, a good crew can make up the difference. Smitty

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

In my humble opinion, If you are running in a 75mph avg lap speed class, in this case (P-4), your boat should be capable of 80 to 85 mph top speed, conditions permitting. We have found, in calm water races, (ie: Cambridge Md, Camden NJ, St Clair Mi., Washington NC to name a few) that our avg speeds have been very close to our max speeds, and many teams broke out. In that case you would have to adjust your setup (props, drive height, rev limiters) So you do not exceed 75 Mph avg lap speed and keep your top speed under 80mph. In moderate to rough water conditions, we very rarely have anyone breaking out of their repective lap speeds.

hope that helps

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

sorry Smitty ...You beat me to it

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

Thanks for the quick reply.
Do you guys have lap timers/stopwatch or something onboard to keep track of your lap times?
Great info.

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

We dont, but it is not a bad idea to have a spotter on shore or have your third man keep lap times.

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

Some boats do, I tried once but can't seem to stay in boat and look at a stop watch at the same time :drink:

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

I thought Haggin had an atomic clock installed for you in the third bedroom of the Outer Limits :D :D :evilb:

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

Yea but when was the last time you saw Key West dead flat? Add some bumps, you had a real competitive race. Hi Mark.

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

I didn't slow down

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

Scott did not stop ,he broke out the oars and paddled like hell.
James

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

Scotty, I think some people need to strap up just once and race a P5 boat. Then they will understand.

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

I've heard all the same debates in sportsman dragracing about racing against computers, delay boxes ect... index racing makes it possible for the average Joe to compete. We'd all like to run real racing "fastest guy wins" classes. I've done both. But bottom line is that is nowhere for a guy to get started. With out entry level classes/sportsman, you'll have no pros.

Would I just be in the way or a hazard, if I tried to enter a 70mph boat? I'd really like to get my feet wet and try this before busting the piggy bank.

Thanks
Mark

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

Smitty you are correct everyone should strap up or shutup,P -5 is a tight class.
James P4-20

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

Underdog are you saying P class racers are not Pros?
James

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

Underdog.....

Im assuming, by your profile, you will be running a Chris Craft Scorpion that may only run 70 mph. If I recall, they were 37 feet. I dont remember if they were made smaller. In that case you would have to run P-4. Yes, you would be too slow for that class, No, you would not be in the way. Its still a good way to get your feet wet and decide if you want to dump more power into your boat or buy a boat that is already setup for a specific class. Sometimes the latter, is the better way to go. In the log run, buying a boat already setup, is cheaper than converting a pleasure boat. I learned that the hard way as did many other guys on the board.

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

Thanks Bruce,
I need to update my profile... It's a 30 Velocity now. It has bravos/IMCO lowers, Hyd steering and K tabs. Only 454s w/some work done.
Buying a race boat is not an option for me at this time. I need to race it and still have it as a pleasure boat. If that's not do-able I'll have to just be a spectator or vol. boat.
Thanks for your input.
Mark

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

I agree, my Brother and I never used a stopwatch.So I went to the store and bought a computer, a stopwatch is to hard to hold hauling azz.
James

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

Mark, I think you are looking for a fight that is not here. As far as credibility goes, we earn it. I was not attacking you, those days are over. I was the one who asked if you wanted to get involved. There are occasions where you have to watch your speed in P class. And other times where you can go for all you have. In Key west you have three different courses in one so it is difficult to prop for the day. i would say in 90 % of our races you are wide open. Bruce, I think Underdog has a 30 Velocity

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

Underdog, Or Mike, Dont worry you'll be fine. Bring it out and we'll hook you up. Smitty

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

"Underdog are you saying P class racers are not Pros?"
James

Yikes... sorry.
Drag racing terms... I've been in that world for the last 18yrs. There, the Pro classes race as the first guy to cross the finish wins. Sportsman run on indexes or brackets. Many of those guys are much more professional that the "Pro" teams. I've done both.

I'd better go back into the "lurk" mode. This thread is going to end up like so many others.

No offence ment.
Have a great day!
Mark

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

Dont worry James only barks. No Bites

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

Underdog no offense taken.I think anyone who gets on a race course be land or water and puts his but on the line should be a pro.But in real life a boat racer does not make squat so are there any pros out there?
James

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

Underdog.....

hang on a minute....dont get back to lurking too fast.

You asked a valid question and sometimes these threads get off track and become a pissing match.

As much as I hate to admit it P class is still a class for retired raceboats, raceboats that dont fit into today's spec classes and pleasure boaters who are just getting into this sport. you have to race against the clock or bracket in order to keep parity among so many different types of boats, while at the same time, minimizing the amount of classes. P class racers are still proffessional racers and as you said, sometimes more proffessional than the pro class teams.

I think the Spec classes,(SVL, SS, SV, SCL, SC) should still be considered Pro-classes. They earned it. They worked their way up to it. And they run all out on the edge. Because thats what it takes to win, when you are running the same power / weight combinations. If you dont run balls out in the pro-classes, you will not be up front.

In P class you can adjust your power to fit.

P class is still very similar to sportsman class whether we like it or not.
Its still a hell of alot of fun and we are treated like pro class racers and thats all that matters

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

99% of boat racers pay to race. We may look, act, and say we are professionals, but we are hobbyists. Until positive cash flow is obtained, thats what we'll be.
Now go race OPA and win a few races you may come out on top and be considered a paid professional professional.
If you race an entire season win all races and factor in the costs, you may, if you fortunate enough not to break anything major, make a little less than a migrant farm worker.
I'll take it though :drink:

James, you are a professional Redneck car wrecker

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

Edible underwear in you size(or Mine) could stop a famine

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

I prefer no GPS on board when it comes to P class racing period. I set up my boats to run the bracket and have no intrest in a stop watch or GPS. We dont have a speedo or a Gps in the Cig and I have never come close to breaking out. Put yourself in the proper class run balls to the wall finish first and you will be amazed in how many flags you will earn. This will take alot of the sand bagging away.

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

Scott you are correct,i is a pro junkman im gooder than most.
James

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

Mark, Au never mind. Not worth it.

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

Dont quit Smitty im into it now.
James

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

Ya know what it is Jim? Here is a new racer coming to the Board for advice for this season. I have had some disscussions with him, and tried to encourage him. And here goes Mark again with his analysis of Offshore. He has never contibuted a single positive thing to the sport. Never raced, yet comes in here to try and ruin it for a new guy. Why is he even back in here? Smitty

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

Why is it, that the ones who dont race run there gums the most?Then you give some advice and your a azz?
James

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

Augie needs a X Box 360 since Mark knows so much can he help him.
James

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

In my case it will be ballz to the wall as I'm sure I have no cushion. Mainly worried about being in the way at this point or breaking my new boat and pizzin my wife off:)

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

First off, you won't be in the way, its a big course
2nd-You WILL piss the wife off at some point during the season, so prepare for it

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

Underdog...

just cmon out and give it your best. I guarantee that you will have fun regardless of where you finish.

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

Would be a great name and logo for a race boat

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

Hell my woman still doesnt speak to me,best thing that ever happend was racing.
James

Re: How much cushion in a P boat?
 

Underdog, fuc$ all the BS, come out and have a good time with The Jersey Boyz! If you just want to get your feet wet Smitty and I have some "CONCRETE" Shoes for you, you get in the way on the course we throw Salami and Mozz at ya. Now if ya DON'T come out and play we "DO" have a Baseball Bat with your name on it. ANY MORE QUESTIONS??? WELCOME MARK, hope ya come out and play with OPA/The Jersey Boyz. Augie "Godfather" Pensa :blaster: