Newbee going thru start up sticker shock

[aojesus]

Blueskyracer,
Welcome!!

With the exception of one post you have been given some valuable advice. When it comes time to save money just make sure your safety equipment isn't compromised.

As much as boat racing changes over the years it always stays the same.
I took several years off to persue other forms of racing. When I decided to come back the boats were different, the classes were different, the rules had changed somewhat, and there were many new faces and names to learn but the people always stay the same even though faces and names change. You will not find a more generous, helpful, informative, family style crowd than those who race boats. They are the most caring and giving bunch of people that I have ever met. You have made a great choice in joining the boat racing crowd.

If you get to Florida on vacation give me a shout. We will take you testing in a C hydro.

[Bill Huson]

shaft size & lower unit shaping . . .

Blueskyracer . . . read the thread and didn't spot an answer to your questions, so I'll give it a shot.

9/16" prop shaft is fairly standard for stock outboard racer engines. The Yamatos come from Japan with a metric shaft. Yes, any prop builder will make you a prop to fit the metric shaft, but ... Hard to believe, but boat racers *loan* props, especially to a newbie who wants to test other props. I've even loaned real good wheels to racers to race against me! So taking that metric shaft and turning it down to 9/16" or replacing it with a 9/16" shaft is a good idea. Then when a fellow racer sidles up and sez, "You need more punch, try my wheel." you're good to go.

I believe there's still a rule that lower units have to be kept in good condition - a safety issue since a bent, chipped skeg makes boat handling rather tricky. When raced in Japan the Yamatos don't go as fast as we drive them. And the gear case of the stock Yamato lower units is lumpy. No prob at Japan racing speeds, big problem when we crank `em up at close to 70. Altough the lumpy unit is legal by rule (passes tech inspection) the stock lower unit needs to be "shaped" within Stock outboard tech specs (AKA Blueprint) if you want your boat to drive sweet instead of like a porky Buick with bad shocks. If you're familiar with micrometers and calipers and files and such, you could do this yourself, or hand the lower unit to expert tweaker and let them fuss with it.

[curt birginal]

new racer

I had my first two raceses at the end of last season........new 302 two years ago....used boat to pratctice with....to big for the 302....second boat used..CSR..found very nice used safety equip. on H.R.... As you can see all the help you could need........and a first place.....I have less money into this than a good used snowmobile.........

have fun and good luck

[JBM]

sticker shock

Welcome aboard Blue Sky Racer. Lots of great advice from the fellow racers. Safety gear and motor to the front, the boats are easier to find second hand. Stateline (SLORA) is a great club thats close to you. Seattle outboard usually runs a race at Moses which isn't too far either. Whidbey Island Rostertails also runs a race in Winthrop in early October. Theres lots of good racing thats fairly close by. Good Luck and enjoy........

[blueskyracer]

I would like to say thanks for all of the help and advice. I plan on attending a few races while I build my boat. I just put the check in the mail today for the kit. I think I will get the safty equipment next just incase someone offers a chance to run a boat for a second at one of the races.

I know if that happens I will be in big trouble. In the late 60's I drove a BSH (wetback) and loved it. It won't take much to get solidly hooked again. Back then I was never able to afford a race motor at age 16. It was all I could do to buy the material to build the hydro.

Thanks again and I can hardly wait to meet some of these folks in person.

[propnuts]

Welcome Bluesky!

I hope you can make it to a western Washington race or 2. If you grew up on Poverty Rock (lol) you may know a few members. A few of us in Seattle Outboard Association are also involved with Unlimiteds, and I really know about the hydro bug never leaving a guy. Our race at Capitol Lake in Olympia offers chances for novices to go out on Friday for test rides (hopefully your boat will be finished by then). SOA also hosts a race at Moses Lake, a little shorter drive for you. Enjoy SLORA racing too, really nice bunch of guys.

PS, hopefully we'll have an updated schedule at seattleoutboard.org soon (hint hint)

[Gunjumper]

Hey Rick Bird, you have to get a picture up of your rig from the "Left Coast Nationals Tour of America". Now that was a pickup rack! He had to get clearance from air traffic control to proceed to the next race...

[blueskyracer]

Now that you all have answered my questions new questions have come to my attention.

First, do you all have normal jobs because I recieved a lot of answers during the day, yesterday? I am semi retired so I can do this when ever I want if I am not on an ambulance run. I am a ambulance driver for the local town so I get to go fast a lot ( 90-100 mph for 20 miles dodging big horn sheep, deer and elk).

Second, who does the blueprinting and changing of the propshaft on a 302?

Third, who do you all recommend for props or a least one to start with?

Thanks
Mike

[randyrap]

Hi Mike. As long as the ''bad guys'' are not rioting or trying to scale the wall and cut through the razor wire, I have lots of time to type away.

I too am a rookie buying equipment. Consider yourself lucky. At 6'4'' and 260 lbs I MUST run DSH. Getting a new Tohatsu with electric start and shipping to Canada would run me around $7000. Right now I have everything except a motor and trailer. I left the best till last. Cha-ching. LOL.

[drbyrne55]

gear case

Gear case BP ... try Tom Cronk or TJ with Johnston Yamatos....check hulls and hardware list.

Props... Craig Dewald, Harry Pinner or Glenn Hopkins can make you a new one or this site could find you a used one.

Now that you all have answered my questions new questions have come to my attention.

First, do you all have normal jobs because I recieved a lot of answers during the day, yesterday? I am semi retired so I can do this when ever I want if I am not on an ambulance run. I am a ambulance driver for the local town so I get to go fast a lot ( 90-100 mph for 20 miles dodging big horn sheep, deer and elk).

Second, who does the blueprinting and changing of the propshaft on a 302?

Third, who do you all recommend for props or a least one to start with?

Thanks
Mike

[blueskyracer]

Randyrap,
DSH motor prices really shocked me and I figured CSH was just perfect. I am only 6'1" and 195-200 lbs. That must mean that you are going to have to pay extra for safty gear too?

Does anyone know how much a 302 engine weighs?

[Andrew 4CE]

sent you a PM Blueskyracer...

[RICK BIRD]

Hey Rick Bird, you have to get a picture up of your rig from the "Left Coast Nationals Tour of America". Now that was a pickup rack! He had to get clearance from air traffic control to proceed to the next race...

yep i would love to put one up but its says i already have and wont let post it to this thread. if anyone has a picture of the left coast rigplease post forr me as i have put most of them up and hydroracer will not let do two of the same photo from my putter. and yes i fell like i must get clearance too. this year it iis going higher and more on the truck , tony and i are working the trailer to fit more boats

[T Chance]

I had sticker shock too. I raced for years-and-years and then quit. Got the bug again and am back. Boat, motor and safety equipment just costs what it costs. It's the little nickel and dime stuff that never ends.

As far as props go I used to deal with Glenn Hopkins dad, and you can't go wrong with either Pinner or Dewald.

I think you have made a couple good decisions in building your own boat and choosing CSH as your class.

Good Luck! Have fun! - Tim Chance

[26V]

Rig

Bird man If your rig gets any bigger you will need a Class a license just to sit in it!