I have been kicking around the idea of racing this past year and started looking into it a little more seriously for the 2007 season. But I have a few questions that may kill the project even before it gets off the ground.

I looked into the P6 Class (70mph & under) But I’m over 26ft so it looks like the P5 Class would be for me. (75mph and under) but how much under? I have a 29 Scarab with twins that only runs 67.5gps right now, should I look into getting another boat? Maybe add a few ponies to my current boat?

Windshield? – I have one, its glass but safety glass – is this ok? Or should I look into replacing the panes with plexiglass (sp?) ?

External Hydraulic steering – Is it required, Or will my std. steering system work?

Safety classes – also is this a requirement? If so were do you go?

Is there a rules and safty book available. I know NHRA puts one out every year.

Smitty here, Yes there is a rule posted at Oparacing.com. The best thing would be shoot me an Email at Smittymarine@aol. I'll help you out as best I can

If you are shopping for a competitive P5 boat, I have a race ready Ocke "Bat Boat" which is a former P class champion. Very safe, very fast and cheap. PM me if you are interested.

Are you the same Yahoo next to Sparky?

Ok, Things are looking up. I spoke with Ron and they have been taking about letting twin-engine small block boats 30ft and under in the P6 Class - That’s a plus for me seeing as I fit that category nicely. P5 (75mph class) would kill almost any change of racing with my current boat. I would need to add enough horsepower to get another 8/10mph out of my boat and in that case it would be cheaper to sell my boat and buy a smaller (26ft) one and start there.

But if they allow 30ft and under small blocks in P6 – I may be racing next summer! I would just need to add a little more power and full hydraulic steering.

oh boy.....here we go

i personally think 30 feet w/twins, is a no no in P-6. even in P-5. but thats just my 2 cents. OPA will have the say on that.

if you want to get a feel for racing, run in P-5. you may not be competitive at 67. but if you like it, and I know you will, you'll have to power up.

good luck

2 Trick,
I believe OPA has "frozen" the rules for three years. If you look at an ocean race like OC Maryland or Point Pleasant, I think a 30' boat with twins would have a huge advantage over the current P6 boats, which are 26' and under. Most running in P6 are 24', although there is one 26' Velocity.
I do hope you get your boat out to race, but I think P5 would be more appropriate. Good luck!

I personally thought that too when I spoke with Ron, But he did say they have discussed it before that twin small block boats may be acceptable for the P6 (Beginner style racing)

I would think a 29 would kill a 26 in rough water (running same speed) but what do I know – I race Motocross…

Bruce If I were to run P5 what is the normal speed? 74.9999999 (???) seeing 75mph is the limit?

yes ...75 is the max speed for P-5. Most of The P-5 boats are single engine except for 1 or 2 that I know of. You are in a similar situation that the Sonic Boom guys were in a few years back. Their first year, they ran a 28 Sonic w/ twins and ran just about 70 when everyone else was running 75 or better. The following year, they bought a 28 Pantera single and had a blast. Once again, my advice, before you spend a bunch of $$, is to come on out and run a race or two. Get a feel for it and see what you need to do to become competetive. At which point, you may elect to beef up your motors or buy a single engine race boat.

We have all been there and are willing to help out the new teams as best we can.