First time driving today! went well

[Silas_53A]

So we showed up nice and early, Billy Gayle (Billy Allen, Not Giles) was a huge help. Brought us right to his site, helped us set up, height, angle, etc. I had some problems at first... steering was WAY to hard, my vest was stopping me from looking up when crouching down. got all those out of the way. First few laps I only got about 45mph (its a CSH), then fixed a few things, saw a top speed of 62mph. Then we noticed a rather large problem. The crank case had previously been welded on my 102 and it appears there is a porous weld which caused the upper cylinder to run really lean and it seemed to be running slower as I drove it, only seeing about 58mph with the same prop. so tonight we are covering the weld with Yamabond.

Tomorrow is race day and it should be good to go. I will keep you posted. I also have some video of my testing, but I can't upload it tonight.

Silas Jordan
53A

[Kev43V]

Thats Great! Im very glad you had someone in the know helping you out.

[Silas_53A]

Bill Giles (It was Billy Allen) is the correct spelling. I also had my first races today (4), and saw speeds up to 64-65. Though I was told to hang back. Tomorrow I think I will be going for it in the pack.

I also tried another prop of mine and saw some higher rpms and better top speed.

Man does it suck riding behind in the chop, its soo nice riding around the coarse not following anyone.

Silas Jordan
53A

[PopPop]

Gee Silas, couldn't you find someone with a little more experience than Bill Giles to help you get set up and started. SUCH A SHAME. Go for it tomorrow.

[G Stillwill]

There are reasons why you were told to hang back till you get some boat time. Going for it in the pack there is no room for mistakes which can get someone hurt. I think there is also a rule in the book for rookies that says for so many races you have to be the last one over the starting line within reason.

[wdlong1226]

george

your right it is a rule and much safer.my buddy rich started racing again after a 20 year lay off. boy have things changed since then,he had a couple of close calls. even got the motor wet once.so my advice would be same get some boat time. AIN,T AS EASY AS IT LOOKS.

[pops67g]

"Ain't as easy as it looks"

Probably the biggest mistake a rookie can make is thinking something is easier than they thought. Drivers with many years of experience make it look easy and it is anything but. I personally have known a number of guys that thought it was so simple all the way until they got into a situation they were not prepared for, got hurt, and never raced again.

[DiGia54D]

good luck

Silas,
Well I am sure Giles set you up pretty good. He has only been racing say about 100 years . My first 2 region 1 races when I started back in the mid 80's they didnt want me to jump into the mix of things. Once they see how you drive and respond to things they will give you the go-ahead. Plus you are running CSH so usually everyone hits that first turn at the same time. Definetly not the place to make the wrong decision.
Good luck with your first season and once you start meeting the guys from the other regions you will realize you picked the right sport. They are ALL helpfully and want to see everybody on the water.

P.s.... Region 3 and 4 loves BEER so always carry a couple of spare 30 packs with you

[Silas_53A]

I completely understand why they asked me to hang back, and I did for the first four races, then saturday I was given the go ahead to to give it a try. I had two decent starts and jumped the gun one time though I came in last in three outa four races. I made sure not to be cocky and didnt try and run in the lead.

My first four races I ran with a thin pad, like 3/4" and bruised my knees up nicely. I don't think I will be able to kneel for quite some time.

I will be getting some testing in when I can, I can't wait until Warren.

Silas, 53A

PS, Wayne, I am only 19, I guess I will have to get my dad to bring you guys down some...

[DiGia54D]

Silas,

I here you on the bruised knees. You will get used to it. Just remember dont get to bent out of shape when finishing last. There are A LOT of great CSH drivers around. Once you get the hang of it you will be just fine. Did Scott Clarke come up to Maine? I will be In Thompson, CT and if you go I will be glad to help you in any way. How did the boat handle?

[Silas_53A]

Iam not sure if Scott was there, I only know a handfull of drivers by name. Once I get the video on here you can look to see. There were about 6-7 CSH's there. I do plan on making it to Thompson, CT. as well as Warren, ME and Kingston, NH. Those are all pretty much deffinate.

[Jakeroub]

Yep, Scott Clarke was there.

[Kev43V]

I hear ya about the knees!
I like the plastic on the outside with the jell foam on the inside. the silly straps never hold then exactly where you want them. Duct tape over comes that inconvenience very nicely

[Silas_53A]

Bill (Allen) was a huge help too. We were only there for about 10 minutes before he was over talking to us. Helping us set up height, angle, giving me driving tips and so on. I would go out for a few test laps and come back in, he would give some advice on how to improve, telling me to always stay low soI don't loose my balance. Lock my legs against the combing if it gets rough, if you lose you balance and lean to much you will drag the boat with you.

Thanks Bill (Allen) and the may other for all their help and advice.

Silas, 53A

[Fast Jack]

got the wrong Bill

Bill Giles was in Hawii last weekend. You got help from that guy from the cover of Propeller or" Propella"