TYPHOON

I can't begin to tell you all how cool it is that this class is on pace to dominate boat count in a class. In under a year there has been more interest in this class than any other. IMO reasons being
1. I can finally join the fun and race a boat that wont break the bank.
2. Max speed at 60 MPH in a 22' is exciting to say the least.
3. Max HP of 225 HP will keep the cost down and not a HP war (not sure what the rule is but shouldn't be more IMO)
4. Ease of transporting
5. Big fleet to race against

Please keep it an affordable class that a guy with a $7,000 boat has the same chance as a guy with a new $50,000 boat. The ONLY way that is possible is with max HP limits. Please,please,please cap the size of the motors now before someone builds a new boat and puts in a 300 HP motor. The fastest way to kill this starter class is not restricting the HP NOW.
Thoughts?????

Its winter and its been quit here.

Fast Shafts

Randy,
You make alot of valid points. I think the biggest factor is cost. One can buy a class 7 boat for less than the cost of a new Bravo I drive. Mark has a 22 Velocity Hull and trailer for sale (with a new interior) for $5,000. Ad a 225 OB and be racing for well under $10,000.
I agree about limiting horepower. Personally, I'd like to see a 200 Horsepower limit, and NO brackett-heads up racing.
I know of a least 4 new boats that are coming out this year, possibly 7.
Out of the 4 races class 7 boats were at, we had 3 different winners.
I'd say class 7 IS off to a good start, but as you said: we need some parameters to keep it from self destructing.
Can't wait for summer and Class 7 OPA Racing!

TeamSaris

2.5L limit.
That will keep teams at 280HP at the most, but nobody is going to run a 2.5 280...unless they want to rebuild it. A lot.
Its going to be hard to tech an HP limit..i turned my 200 into a 240 very easily.
2.5 Liter is your best bet

TYPHOON

I am not at all familiar with outboard motors. Can we please have some civil input from some outboard guys on how it could be possibly tec'd or put into some kind of a spec? The goal being least amount of money for the owners with reliability. All that is based on HP IMO. My interest is based on what started as a few entry level boats has now the potential of being the biggest class in OPA in 1-2 years. This is exactly what offshore needs to get a new infusion of new young blood and older guys that always wanted to do it but could never afford it. Mark Henderson has done an outstanding job of fielding questions from new potential teams and even gone as far buying an extra boat that he will sell at his cost to a new team. Thanks Mark !!!!

What HP does it take to get to 60 MPH in these boats?
What is the difference in 2 stroke vs fuel injection of the same HP?Any advantages?
Is a smaller motor but WOT racing better than speed bracket?
Does anyone know the history of what happens to classes with poor HP rules?

phragle

iTrader: (3)

What kept me out is motor. THe Avanti is a bit bigger/heavier than the rest of the fleet and it would have taken a 300 hp motor to run with the fleet. I found a big difference in price from the 250's to the 300's.

TOASTY

Be careful…may not want to change a good thing. Look at the boats that did well. There was diversity in the class for winners, and the racers had strong input into rules…

That being stated a 300 v8 is available and a velocity hull is available very very inexpensive! A rock bottom number to a OPA racer for class 7

Ryan Beckley

I too think you guys have a great thing going! I would not change anything in the rules till you all have a full season of racing and full field of boats.

2 Trick Rick

Ok.. I have a couple of these, whos got a boat

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302Sport

This would be a cool class but the horsepower should be kept pretty low. A 22 Progression with a 2.5 280 will run over 90mph like this one...

http://www.screamandfly.com/showthre...2-with-280-EFI

WaveWarrior

The 60 mph break-out max speed limit is the great equalizer fellas.