TYPHOON

Im still confused on why we dont have a entry level class. I hate the thought of another class but we dont have any way for a low budget boat to try out racing. I thought this was the intent of class 6 but now it has evolved into anything but entry.
Is there room for a pro am class, 25 miles, 60 MPH, go have fun, bring out your baja with stock power and give it a try type of class?
You have to put bait on the hook before you think you are going to catch fish. I just feel we are missing on what could be the biggest class based on 99% of the people cant even afford a class 6 used boat.
Thoughts
MD

gary cook

Entry level is there really such a thing BOAT break out another thousand .
A class 6 boat can be put together fairly cheap even if you start with your old 24 baha outlaw.
If you are a offshore boater or fan you know at almost any level its not go to be cheap.
There is allways rent a seat or rent a bat boat then they can go from there either way its going to cost dead presidents.

Just my 2 cent thoughts

phragle

iTrader: (3)

I have no dog in this fight, but wouldnt it be easier if 6 was supposed to be entrylevel to make it that way? Maybe Im confused but does entry level mean years of racing experience combined with a 95 mph boat with a 70 mph prop? Then again its not my place to say so I will shut up.

Ntrsspray

I agree with Gary...most people now can not even afford a small fishing boat to use on the weekends. Now they would have to take off work and loose money racing.

I do also agree Typhoon but I am hearing talk that some people want a single outboard class and are lobbying for it...im not really sure how that will work out but atleast people could get out and race and maybe take the bait

2 Trick Rick

So equipment is a gauge of "entry level", or speed?

sbracing

I see Typhoon's point, however, how many boats will show up at each event to run in a pro am type of race and then how do you equalize the boats if someone brings the 25' Baja with stock power & someone brings a 29' Fountain with a blower?

My personal opinion is that bracket racing affords anyone the opportunity to show up at a race and fit into one of our existing classes. Again, I don't feel it is OPA's responsiblity to make every boat competitive, but a newcomer could show up, be classified into a class and race. They may not be competitive, but they would experience what it is all about.

As far as entry level, class 5 and 6 are entry level. All under 30', all single engine. Most affordable way to go offshore racing. Experience has nothing to do with it, as entry level does not mean novice class.

POWERPLAY J

Factory 1 was great racing...

sbracing

And expensive.

F1-00 Racing

iTrader: (1)

I told you we couldnt keep on agreeing....

I can only compare 2003 when I saw the expenses of a P5 team and a F1 team in the same year. P5 expenses were way more than the F1 team by a long shot

and I'm just talking motor & maintenance

F1-00 Racing

iTrader: (1)

But to add.... Factory 1 is gone, the last official race of the class was April 1, 2008 in St Cloud, FL....Stick a fork in it.