Newbee going thru start up sticker shock

[blueskyracer]

I am just getting started and I am in the process of building my own boat to keep costs down plus it is good therapy during the winter when all it does is snow in Montana.
One really cold day I did a lot of research on the internet and priced out everything that I will need, considering that I have nothing except a 3/4 ton truck and travel trailer. All I can say is ouch, time for a bank loan.
The boat with paint and all of the hardware will cost $2,000. The engine is $2,100 and the safety gear is $1,400. Add in $200 for APBA membership and a few props (prices unknown),and then there is some way to carry all of this stuff,(rack for the back of the truck or trailer). Did I forget anything?
I do not know if you are allowed to spend the night with your equipment at these race sites but you still have fuel, maybe lodging and food per race. I must say all of these prices are for new because if you find used that usually means someone is quitting and this is not good for the sport.
It still looks like fun so we will see how it goes one penny at a time. This is just food for thought for new folks wanting to get started.

[Dave M]

Get Used To it

Prices are going up on just about everything.

Props, new, range from $350.00 - $500.00 depending on your needs. You can contacr Craig Dewald (PA), Vic Brinkman (MI), Ron Hill (in CA), Bryan Tharp (OK) and a number of others. I believe there is several business listings for all things needed for boat racing on most club websites. Try IOA, TRORA, etc..

I believe it might be posted here somewhere.

As for camping, most race sites allow camping in the pits, a few don't, but usually have a campground near. Given your travel costs from Montana, camping would be good ! A lot of us do just that. It is so enjoyable to sit around a campfire drinking a few beers B.S.ing with others about who did what that day. Hamburgers on the grill, or steaks, whatever. Just makes it much more sociable than hotels in my opinion.

Welcome, hope to see you in Oklahoma for the NBRA Long COurse Nat's.

[HRTV]

Racing anything = $$$$$$

[DougMc]

Best of luck getting started. There are a lot of resources out there for you to help you become successful.

[Guest]

Is there Racing near Montana?

I am just getting started and I am in the process of building my own boat to keep costs down plus it is good therapy during the winter when all it does is snow in Montana.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Before you start, make sure there are races in the class that you choose to run! I love Montana, but It may not be a hot bed of your choosen racing.

[ricochet112]

I am just getting started and I am in the process of building my own boat to keep costs down plus it is good therapy during the winter when all it does is snow in Montana.
One really cold day I did a lot of research on the internet and priced out everything that I will need, considering that I have nothing except a 3/4 ton truck and travel trailer. All I can say is ouch, time for a bank loan.
The boat with paint and all of the hardware will cost $2,000. The engine is $2,100 and the safety gear is $1,400. Add in $200 for APBA membership and a few props (prices unknown),and then there is some way to carry all of this stuff,(rack for the back of the truck or trailer). Did I forget anything?
I do not know if you are allowed to spend the night with your equipment at these race sites but you still have fuel, maybe lodging and food per race. I must say all of these prices are for new because if you find used that usually means someone is quitting and this is not good for the sport.
It still looks like fun so we will see how it goes one penny at a time. This is just food for thought for new folks wanting to get started.

Before my son started racing we went to a local go-kart track to check it out, what a bunch of snobs, hardly anyone would talk to us. I priced out a novice 100 and the B&S Rapture classes. To be competitive, not including trailer, I was over $18k and quit adding it up

[26V]

Yes Ouch

Starting up can be expensive,
But racers do like new things like boats, so you can usualy pick one up very resonable. thats what I did when I started. I am now building my second boat. motors - well depending on the classes in your area will help decide that and your weight. safety gear is pricey but not something you want to skimp on.
Well come aboard, you will meet a very good group of people, enjoy

[Big Don]

Do yourself and your family a favor, buy a ski boat or wave runner instead.

That's what we need on here...more attitudes like this.

If were Dan I would remove that post.

Great attitude Doug!!! Freedom of speech aside....great way to promote our sport.

Mike Barrett....give Doug a call or a visit and adjust his attitude

[ryan_4z]

Well said Don. As for the cost of racing, yeah it can be kind of expensive. All things considered though, this is the best form of racing to get into. The people are great. I have friends all over the country. As a matter of fact I just got off of the phone with one of my best friends, from Cali. I would never know him if it weren't for racing. Also, compared to other forms of racing, the cost of equipment is not bad at all. I wouldn't be too scared of used equipment if I were you, especially if you are looking at Yamatos, those things are bulletproof. I would be concerned with your location though. Living in Montana, you will have to do some major traveling to get to any races. Depending on where you live, Washington, or Minnesota might be the closest place to go for a race, I'm not sure though. All that being said, welcome, I hope everything works out for you. This is a great sport, you will definetly enjoy it.

[blueskyracer]

Just so everyone knows I am shooting for CSH due to the cheaper expense of motors and how reliable the 302 seems to be and also how popular the class appears to be. I will be building a Sorenson kit boat.

[blueskyracer]

I have also located a club that races in the very eastern part of Washington and Idaho. That would be about 3 hours away. The club is called Stateline Outboard Racing Association

[DiGia54D]

CSH is a great class, And if you can go to some races only 3 hours away.... your golden!

[benf27]

Do yourself and your family a favor, buy a ski boat or wave runner instead.

[ryan_4z]

CSH is the biggest class in APBA(I think). It is one of the few classes that you can really race against good fields anywhere in the country. Like Wayne said, if you have races three hours away, that is really good. We travel an average of 8 hours to get to most of the races we go to. If you are trying to keep expenses down, I would check out the buy/sell threads on here though for a motor. Buying new engines is great, but there are a few things you have to do to a box stock Yamato for it to be competitive. These things will run the price of the motor up a couple hundred dollars. Worry not though, a Yamato is actually a very good investment. They hold their value well.

[sam]

If you can't afford it all at once ... it is worth the wait to gather stuff over another year or two.