There you go Randy, 350 lb to run a 525 or Hp3 in factory 1. Engines must be good for 2.5 mph gain. Where the heck would you mount another 350 lb ?

Here's the real kicker:

"All Factory Class boats manufactured after January 1, 2000 may meet minimum weight requirements with the addition of fixed or removable ballast materials as long as the ballast does not exceed a 3% of the minimum class boat weight for each boat length and engine configuration."

So if you weight 4600 w/o any ballast, 3% is about 140 lb yet you have to add 350 lb to run a 525 or HP3. Hum....

Thats a good point on the 3%.They will have to change that in the rules.That was a rule that was never enforced anyway.To build a boat to 3% is very difficult to do even if you try really really hard.If they enforced it last year it would have eliminated just about everyone except you of course.
Randy

The rules didnt say anything about 5 blade props.Or am I missing something.
Randy

This is true. We took great care not to exceed the 3% rule. You just never know when they are going to check.

Not a single mention on the 5 blade props. Don't think Merc is quite ready yet. When they are, I would expect a rule modification.

Jim

I keep hearing about some kind of rule concerning 5 blade props.
What "rule" are y'all referring to, and where did you hear about it?

Is that the new Maximus props? There's an article in the latest Powerboat...

Gordo last year in Factory class we were not allowed to run 5 blade props.There were not enough in production for them to be used by all so they held off till this year.The new rules dont say anything on it if we can or cant.
Randy

I knew that Factory class could not run the 5 blade props. I was thinking I heard some say the 5 blade may be required this year.
Actually, now that I think about it, why couldn't anyone run the old Mercury "High 5" props last year? there were a buttload of those out on the market and anyone could buy one.

Gordo my guess is that they APBA didnt want to change the rules in the middle of the season and possable give some team a advantage.It was such a great season with everyone being so equal.I'm concerened what this season will do for Factory racings future.I hope it will inprove it but lets see.
Randy