Super Cat-class teams will have two power options this season, https://www.speedonthewater.com/amer...per-cat-class/

Wow how things have changed. I was led to believe that the 860 merc's were only for the outerlimits cat. Now I have also heard that there will be weight increase to use the 860's

It was a two-step process. The Super Cat owners group voted in Mercury Racing 860s last month. But without that change being approved by the American Power Boat Association and written into its rulebook, teams running 860s would not be eligible for APBA points. Winning a Super Cat High Points Championship, for example, would be out unless those engines were included in the technical specifications for the class.

In 2021, SV Racing—the only team running 860s at the moment—was placed in various classes but could not accumulate APBA points—not to be confused with the Super Cat owners internal series and such—in any of them.

Now Mercury Racing sealed "competition" 860s are allowed, per the 2022 APBA rules, in the Super Cat class along with the carbureted 750s. As for the weight penalty, as noted in the story (though not explained in depth) it will apply to all teams running 860s and is "graduated" depending on the length of the boat. My understanding is the weight penalty will max out at approximately 750 pounds depending on the boat.

Running more reliable just about brand new technology, but having to rely on mercury for almost all parts now, VS carbureted pushrod less reliable motors where most parts can be found in many places. Tough call. Time will have to tell what’s the better option

Nice!