Do you think maybe the Factory class boats should go to 496 EFI motors next year? and let the Super Vee boats run the 525 or the Vortec motor. We are all being forced to build boats way heaver to slow them down to stay competitive with older technology. This may rebuild the Factory fleet.
Mad Dog

Randy,
I'm with ya!! I have asked the exact same question as far back as two years ago. I think the biggest problem was that Mercury, and Mercury Racing, are two different companies. Mercury Racing makes big bucks off of Offshore racing, so I'm sure they wasn't too wild about losing all those sales.
On the other hand, I would think Mother Mercury would be all for it.
It also solves a number of problems, including- speed, cost, and availability of parts, (for those of us in Kansas, and other armpits of the world).
Of course, you realize that if Factory class changed to 496 Mag HO motors, you are going to have some pissed off teams that are all dialed in with their current power...

I remember a few years ago when APBA-Offshore played with the idea of limiting props, but this was one of the few areas that teams could change for their specific tastes and conditions. Besides, some boats handle better with Hydromotive Q-IV's, some handle better with Mercury's. Also, it gives the prop manufacturers a chance to be a part of the competition, (read: R&D and advertising), which has helped the recreational consumer in the long run. There are also a number of propeller lab finishing/repair service that offer good props to racers and recreational boaters alike that have gained from their involvement in racing.
On the other hand, APBA DOES limit the amount of thinning that can be done to prop blades. This in itself contributes to the safety factor, (fewer blades coming off), and, albeit fractional, limits speed gains. All (top 4 places) pro series props go through their own tech inspection post race.

At this time most under 30' performance boats being sold to the average Joe, come equipped with the 496. Meaning the guy who watches the race (either live or on Speedvision) at this time can associate with the 496 more than the 525 or Vortec.

So if the objective is to race what you sell then the 496 makes sense. In addition this change would make the class more affordable for the average Joe to participate in.

Let's face it, most guys who you are trying to get into the sport want to think they can run the "premier" class, which for under 30' boats is F1, not P4 or P5. If they thought their current boat could run in the premier class, they would be less hesitant to get involved.

Gordo, I know this will sound funny based on the fact that we have never met, but you are what I envison F1 racing to be about. The pleasure boat, slightly modified to go racing, but can still be used for the family.

The main reason we selected P4 over F1, is that the wife mandated that I have a roof over my head if we are going to race, thus the boats we had to choose from were not F1 certified. Not to mention but I am fortunate enough to have a wife that encouraged I get a second boat to race with.

Rick

Yes!

F1 and F2

I am not a Factory class guy , but don't you think there are too many motor packages availble to the class now, and how many lower budget teams want to go out and by ANOTHER motor now. The is one of the things that Killed the twin OB class that they switced 3 differen engine packages in 3 years and you had to upgrade or you were on competitive. My $.02

If this was to happen, I would gladly (for free) swap my 496ho for their 500 EFI.

No need to thank me, just trying to help.

I like that idea. And this might just be the time for it (unless you've just dropped a Vortec in your boat, or unless Mercury has just shipped you a spanking new HP525, as it happened to Randy - see attached.)

- Buy on Saturday, race on Sunday
- Neither high HP525 prices nor the generous Vortec leasing program (oops, didya buy that GM truck?) have racers jumping up and down
- Sponsor money is very tight, if at all available: 75 grand v.v. 100 grand does make a difference.
- With GM in the game, Merc might have a totally different view now than 2 years ago ....

Question, would the 496 last, does it have all the good sh it that the 500 & 525 has, roller cam, lifters, crank and rods, I have know Idea what's in the 496, the exhaust looks as if it would choke the engine, maybe some one couls shed some light on the subject.

Eddie
F1-68 WORLD PLAYER CASINO .COM