To All A-class, F-1, and single engine P-4 racers:

Several of the racers in these classes who have raced in GLSCS, APBA, and Superboat Int. have been discussing ways to generate a competitive class with turn-outs like the "old days".....or at least 10-15 in a class. Each of these classes currently suffer from several factors that are limiting turn-out:

A: conventional bottoms that were trumped by Super-V lights and F-1

F1: cost of staying current, difficulty of the "average joe" to compete with factory backed teams, carbs vs. efi vs. 525, etc. etc.

P-4: GPS/bracket racing that potentially pits single engine 24 footer against 35+ foot twins (disparity in rough), cats vs. V

Here's the prevailing idea... for the sake of explanation, call it Performance-Single V (P-SV):

1) single engine inboards 24-29 feet
2) recognize a top speed target of <85 mph (safety: most will be open cockpits)
3) boats to be documented for props, rev chip, gear ratio, weight, etc.
4) GPS used only for race-to-race data to adjust for parity (not disqualification )
5) A-class spec motors (conventional hulls), HP500-carb (step bottom), HP500 efi and other customs allowed with tech inspection/sea trial/parity adjustment as needed.

Of course I have not hit all the options that have been put on the table but you get the spirit of the idea. In short, we figure there are a lot of single engine boats sitting in storage because there are no good compelling options that are competitive, provide parity, and are reasonably affordable.

We would like to start pulling together those who might be interested in such a class, regardless of sanctioning body affiliation. Also, we'd be interested in suggestion that might make this fair and easy to manage, provide competitive parity, and lets newer technology run with some of the vintage boats such that on any given day there could be a different winner.

I'd be happy to accept your "off-line" thoughts and interests at:
[email protected]

Best Regards,
Mike McManus
A-4 Bounty Hunter/Mt. Dew
bountyhunteroffshore.com

Seems that the new F1 APBA & New F1 SBI rules cover most of the boats that fit that scenario? except the speed target. Lower equipment costs Merc 496 HO or Equvalent, factory stock boats v 24 - 30 feet, 4500# min weight. This should create the parity you're looking for.

I think ONE open cockpit twin engine vee bottom class and ONE open cockpit single engine vee bottom class makes alot of sense from a racers' and fans' perspective.Coming up with an enforceable set of tech rules based on parity,affordability and safety is the challenge.If there is a way to consolidate(P2,P3 & F2) into a class, and( P4,A,P5 & F1) into a class, it should be considered.

The classes could be called VEE for the twins, and VEE LIGHT for the singles.....numbers only,no letter designations.

Mike,
I like the idea of combining classes to improve racing. Your idea is a step in the right direction although maybe too late for 2005.
If you think of how many race boats there are currently in the USA, whether they be actively racing or sitting in the barns, the number of classes lends itself to a small number of boats in each class. The problem has always been that a class was developed to accommodate anyone and everyone who wanted to race their craft. The formula really doesn't work. Instead of creating classes for boats, the sanctioning bodies should have the foresight to create a limited number of classes and to have individuals build boats to fit those classes.
There is no reason that a 42' Fountain with diesel engines, racing in P-3 should be racing against a 27' Activator with a blower motor, in P-3. It doesn't make sense or for good racing.
I see no more than 7 classes of racing in Offshore and even that could be more than necessary.
Russ

I think the the new F1/ F2 Classes for 2005 being so affordable you will see alot of the P class guys stepping up into F Class the next few years. It will be the same price to build a P class boat as a new F1, and race the Pro Series, and the most important thing is reliability.

Frank
"koolhand'

What 496 engine? how mush is the engine package for F1?

The 496 HO package complete with drive and Gimbel is about 18-20 thousand. Not sure on engine price alone 10-12 thousand??? Most of the F1 boat that are out there now will just have to drop a motor in.

Frank
"koolhand"

Frank,

Is the Motor from Mercury or from CRE???? Do you have any pics of it???

i think that a single engine, 32 foot max, 80mph, P-4 would be great for the sport.

http://www.mercurymarine.com/8.1s_hi...ho_ib_-_420_hp

Dennis,

Here is the link to Merc site with 496 pictured and the specs on the motor. I am pretty sure that APBA will go thru Innovation to seal the motors and I havent heard anything about SBI's choice yet.


Trent