Hydro classes, where to start..

[Dave Cofone]

Thanks for the info. I was thinking C class because of my weight and I know it can run in other classes (300ssh). My plan was to buy a used boat and then build one myself. I have built kayaks and repaired racing shells so while no expert I do believe I could built a small hydro and think it would be fun. I book marked your webcast, thank you. I look forward to being on the water with you all next season. Also I know Sussex pretty well, I went to the Sussex Airshow as a religion in years past. I am located in Middletown.......

[j hydro racer]

Hey Dave,
Welcome to the family, where in New Jersey are you? Were up in Sussex County. I think the best class for you would be 300ssh as said multiple times before. 300ssh has grown as a local class and wherever you travel you will have a class to race. The motors are easily purchased from APBA, either TJ or Jerry Davids. Boat wise, you can either find an older CSH and get your bearings in the class or purchase a new boat. (East coast builders- John Runne, Bob Oconner and Jerry Davids all build great hulls). If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. If you have a chance, check out Throttled: Stock Outboard Racing Podcast, weekly podcast where we talk boat racing and have on different guest and cover topics that benefit beginners as well as veterans.
http://mixlr.com/throttledstockoutboard/

[squirrelboydeluxe]

Dave Cofone
DVORA is in the process of readying a 300ssH turn key boat/motor for the 2019 driver school; it is also available for sale to driver school graduates
I am pretty sure the boat is a Runnecraft and as described above the motor will be a new sealed 321
Something to think about/dream about/lust after
522-P

[Dave Cofone]

I am in New Jersey......thanks so much for your input...

[Smiley]

I would not recommend the 125 cc mod class for the following reasons:

1. Total costs after purchasing all the components assuming you bought a new powerhead is over $3,000.
2. There are about a dozen rigs (estimate) in the US at this time since 2018 it is the first season of this new class.
3. You will be running with the 200 mods and maybe A stock classes until there are more boats.
3. I weigh 122 lbs and carry 30 lbs of weight. Your weight of 180-160 will put you over the weight limit.
4. This motor is finicky until you get familiar with it.
5. Getting on plane is tricky since it has very low torque.
6. According to the dealer the go cart crowd does a top overhaul after 3 hours of run time. Break in time is 40 minutes. Some boat racers do not do this. The result of deferred maintenance is a broken piston skirt which essentially ruins the motor.
7. After three top overhauls it is recommended you do a complete overhaul.
8. Bob Wartinger and I have worked on this class and we have determined that it acts like a pro motor.
9. Inspection of this motor in boat racing as compared to go cart racing reveals that hour for hour boat racing is more severe on motor wear.
10. If you want to have fun in the shortest amount of time, avoid the 125 mod class. We took about 6 testing sessions over three months to wring out our rigs for the runabout and hydro.

Listen to the yamoto recommendations. That motor is very dependable and bullet proof.

Bob Smiley
68R

[Mike29J]

I'll just add with what everyone has already said. Go with the 300 SSH class. It is an excellent class that is not a killer on the budget. One of the nicest things about this class is that you dont need to worry about props (as we switch props between racers each week) and the motors are sealed motors. They are very reliable, quick motors. Where are you located?

[Jeff sherwin]

Dave your not alone starting to race at an older age I started at 59 five years ago. The men and women of the APBA are the most amazing group of people I have ever been apart of. I've learned a lot from them and still continue to learn. For lots of reasons the 300 class is the best way to start.
Jeff Sherwin 229A

[DeanFHobart]

Agreed........ Go with the 300SSH. The 125 Mod Motor still has some issues.... solvable, but still there are issues.

[GrandpaRacer]

Well said, the 300ss class is designed for people like you David!

[pav225]

Dave,
Definitely consider 300ssH. It's very competitive, there are plenty of boats to race against in every region, and it's a lot of fun.

The motors are sealed to keep them close in speed, and props are exchanged at drivers meeting to ensure that no one gets an advantage by buying and testing a bunch of props.

The motors are reasonably priced, extremely reliable, and will run great out of the box.

You should also be able to find a good, used, innexpensive boat to get started with. Don't hesitate to ask a few racers in your area for help in finding the right boat.

The set ups are pretty simple, so you can spend the majority of your time practicing driving and racing... and having fun!

- Mike

[baries]

Dave,you might take a look at the 125mod class. Utilizes a water cooled go-kart motor, ready available and I think a new motor cost less than $2,000. You can use any midsection and have to use a 11:17 gear ratio lower unit. I build a combination composite and wood boat with fin and steering for $4,000. With a total cost within range of most people wanting to go racing. Low to mid sixty mph and will give you an opportunity to see if you really like our great sport. Great entry level and with you weight at 185 or so it will be perfect for this class. Enclosed picture of the boat, thanks fir considering boat racing, the greatest people in the world are boat racers.

[Tunnelman801]

Good advice Squirrelboy!! Tunnelman801

[squirrelboydeluxe]

300ssh would be perfect for you
The biggest advantage of 300ssh is you get a new motor.
Don't waste your time with a used motor no matter how cheap it is or "how great" it is supposed to be.
I drove myself (& everybody else) crazy my first year dopping around with two used motors-
I did not start having fun racing boats until I bought a sealed 321 from Brother Jerry Davids
It ran dozens of heats in 2018 & let me sit ONE TIME because squirrelboy forgot to open the vent
It still has the orig plugs in it
522-P

[Dave Cofone]

I have been thinking about where I would like to start in SO hydro's. Not only what class would be suitable for me but also what class or classes need the most help increasing their numbers. So the vitals are I have zero experience in an outboard hydro. I weigh about 187 and my goal weight is 170.....hopefully by mid summer 2019. I am 58 years old and still fairly mobile as I am an avid cyclist.....so I can move around pretty good for an old guy. I know a C boat matches my weight but I have an open mind on other classes to start out in. Your opinions are would be very helpful. Thanks, Dave.