Re: Prop Thickness
 

so with all that being said about fridays drivers meeting and an awarness on props WHY was their still a grey area on the props either they were LEGAL OR NOT please dont think there were not any politics involved because if it were anybody other than the CLASS REP you WOULD have probably been made an ( example of !!!! ) as a mater of fact the CLASS REP walked up to me 20 minuites before the start, and told me i needed to add 200 lbs to my boat after knowing it all 5 days before the race :eek:

Re: Prop Thickness
 

I don't think there is a Grey area! As per the rule book you are either at spec or you are not. I also don't think there is any political issues either. I do understand that another SVL had questionable spec props earlier in the season but I personally was not there with the micrometer watching so I will TRUST the officials decisions
MD

Re: Prop Thickness
 

George.... ERIC is the class rep and got the penalty?

Re: Prop Thickness
 

How was the spec of prop thickness determined?

Re: Prop Thickness
 

Thinner is faster but tends to throw blades which is dangerous. There is a Spec they use on the Merc. blades at different locations that they measure for thickness. At this time those are the rules that all prop manufactures must follow.
With that being said if you take a stock blade from any of the legal manufactures you will be with in OSS specs! Its when you have custom shops that thin out the blades to much to gain more speed where the problem is.
I have 12-15 props that have passed tec every race! I happen to use Throttle Up Props and Matt knows when to put the grinding wheel down and leave enough material to pass spec. and more important a reliable prop that's good for many more races and even a tune up if damaged.
We all want an advantage but shaving that last 10 thousands off is not worth it in my opinion.
Is the system perfect? NO but if OSS teams want to change it call your class reps and voice your concerns. Maybe some people want a spec for every manufacture. When do you say stop?
MD

Re: Prop Thickness
 

I happened to witness the Referees conducting the SVL Prop inspection. There were no less than three Very reputable officials performing the inspect at all times.

No funny business there. anyone doubting the results should have faith it was performed fairly.

Marc

Re: Prop Thickness
 

See Mike Tomlinsojns's LAST WORD on that issue at http://www.offshoresuperseries.com/article.php?artID=94

Capsule version:

- The prop thickness violations in Puerto Rico were rescinded. Not because the props weren't too thin. They were. The decisions were overturned due to a technicality. Herring, Hydromotive and other key propeller providers were not given the “Bravo style propeller specifications” and therefore may have been operating in the dark.

- OSS will immediately define hard & fast specs for Bravo style props (they exist for #6 style props.) They will be published on the OSS website and will be in effect for the Toronto race. If a prop fails the inspection, there will be a three minute penalty, no whining, no running to mama, no appeals, suck it up an buy a new prop. Racers are strongly encouraged to have their props checked and cleared to avoid unhappy endings.

- Drive gearcases for #6 drives may no longer be modified in any class. Please don't even THINK that means that you may muck around with a Bravo type gearcase. OSS Tech Rule OSSCL, OSSV, and OSSVL #15 has always said :"The original shape of the gearcase is not to be altered. Other modifications to the outdrive(s) or its components require written OSS approval. Changes to #6SSM drives are not allowed." Altered drives will result in a DQ. NO MODIFICATIONS. And to those who ask how a modified gearcase is detected: It's like pornography. You know it when you see it. Especially if your name is Bob Teague.

Re: Prop Thickness
 

I was wondering when the gear case issue was going to come up. I have had racers ask if we "blueprint" gear cases, like some other shops do. My response has always been that the gear case can not be modified in any way from original. It can be repaired, of course, but not thinned to the minimum thickness.

If I am missing something let me know. I don't want to give racers misinformation.

Matt

Re: Prop Thickness
 

Matt: You were right, and now you are even more right. No mods. Those who have them are encouraged to contact their friendly gearcase provider.

Re: Prop Thickness
 

WOW Hummmmmmmmmm..............