Wahoo ATV

Did they allow canopy boats in F2? I thought the idea was to make them appear like "regular" boats.

MOBILEMERCMAN

That was the original plan. SBI I think allowed them eventually. Not sure of the exact progression. Donzi had 1/4 canopies in F2, followed by fountains full enclosed. Then SuperV with 525 was born.

BRUCE SEROFF

Exactly...SBI allowed canopied F-2s, APBA did not, which eventually killed F-2 class as we knew it, in SBI

CIG3

The canopy helped kill the Factory class as did the 525. Everyone wanted to go faster.

MOBILEMERCMAN

I think the resulting combo of boat power and speeds was PERFECT. I don't know why it didn't catch on. Initially it showed promise, but a few boats were much faster than the rest and it fell apart.

fastedy

I think the 525 killed F1 andd F2, first their was the HP500 then you had to have a 500EFI to be completive, then the 525it just became too much

MANITIE

Bruce...your right...thats the one we raced agaist in E.C.

MOBILEMERCMAN

That may have been a part, but there were other factors too. Fact is things progress. Mercury's engine from 500 to 525. The new is a great reliable motor. Boats kept pushing the limits, first 1/4 canopies than full canopies, then full staggers. Factory racing is gone, but what is left could be as good or better. The 525 full stagger, canopy race boats are reliable, fast, safe, and plentiful.

You can blame it on ,the motors, Fountain, clubs, economy, cry babies, or who ever. Its gone.

BRUCE SEROFF

I know this thread is getting off track, but are you saying a 110mph boat was allowed to race in P-3, a 92 MPH class?

MOBILEMERCMAN

Who fast do you think the DW cats go?