Outboard question again
 

Since the APBA is now offering only 6 premier classes and 2 engine configurations, where does that leave the outboard guys. I don't have an axe to grind since I don't run outboards. But if you check the APBA website there are only six classes. Super Cat, Super Cat Light, Super V, Super V Light, F1 and F2. Read the news article from 3/16/03 about V class. And check the classes listed. No mention of outboards so how will Mercury be paying contingencies. Will the Silver Cup Series still be racing outboards? Is this old news? Will any of the previous Super V's run in the Outlaw Performance class? Again I have no axe to grind.

Hopefully they would let the trips run with the I/O's - but they had to do something to reduce the number of classes. We should hear more in Daytona - they have always been good about filling us in officially at the races.

if you read everthing throughly you have super cat light triple and super cat light twin. these classes are slowley dying bythemselfs. one reason is the outboards are in many cases more expensive then the in boards.

plus when it comes to getting a sponsor you are more apt to land one with and inboard boat then an outboard boat because they can relate to the inboard. i ran outboards for 5 years when i changed i reeled in a couple sponsers i could not ge tbefore.

Treadewll

Treadwell,
Sorry but I don't see anything in the rules or class list about super cat light triple or twin. Could you plesae point out to me where it is? I must have missed it

Thanks

ok,

go to the apba website and download the technical rules. super cat light starts at page 25. your answer is on page 27.

any more question feel free to ask.

Treadwell

Treadwell,
It's as you said for outboard triples, they can run as a separate class or with the Super cat lights at the discretion of the APBA depending upon how many triples show up. And they had to race in 2002. But I didn't see anything about twins.

Thanks

you may be right on the twin's. sorry. i don't think a twin in that size boat would go anywere anyway. but i am sure if you showed up with one they would let you in.

Treadwell

Treadwell,

Please do not take this as a bashing of any sort. Just want to pay respect where respect is due.

At the Worlds this year in Key West, Gary Ballough ran his 30' AMT as a replacement boat for Ted Zolli's 36 Skater triple. Gary showed that given the right team and right boat that the twins can run with the triples. I know Gary finished somewhere in the top three in Key West.

I would say that the twins, due to there usual length may have a disadvantage in the rough water. Even then Gary has shown that he can hang with the triples. My guess qould be if someone had a twin and the rest of the fleet agreed to let the boat run that APBA would allow it.

Again, no disrespect.
DPT

no problem,

i was actually saying if you built a new one it would have to be 35 ft. so with the added weight i didn't think it would run to well.

Treadwell

Treadwell,

You are probably right with the weight issue. Guess we will have to see what unfolds for the class as the season progresses.

DPT

ps. How is your new ride for the 2003 Season coming???