European style Hydro Wanted

[Al Peffley]

O-125 vs OSY-400 Euro-design Laydowns

From what I have been told, by my trusted info source in Europe, the Euro laydowns are different from the aspect that all of the OSY-400 hulls are more individual in manufacture and composition than any other UIM classes. Most EURO OSY laydown hydros do not use a cowling (see many pics from recent UIM races linked from this website in European Forum threads -- thanks Dan). The UIM OSY motors are not allowed to be "optimized" like in the APBA rulebook, and they are more self-contained with the gravity feed tank and standard carb cover than the smaller 125cc motor (with a separate fuel cell in the boat, a thoughtfully designed air flow cowling, and a lower motor center of gravity.) Some more recent 125/OSY Euro combo graphite epoxy hulls (GSC Italy) or other composite-wood mix designs (like a KALA O-125 boat at 3.63 meters long) are longer than their US counterparts because they are mostly raced in rivers and rough water in long course racing conditions with a LeMans start.

My guess is that the Euro OSY laydowns would not perform as well as a good US hull design on a typical US short course with large corners and a flying start, as David has eluded to in one of his posts. Also, the Euro hulls have a weight restriction that is not required in the US, therefore a larger driver could be even at more of a disadvantage in APBA races in a Euro hull, because extra weight means more drag and slower speeds against US open-spec hydros with smaller drivers. Diane Murray has a cool laydown that usually performs well (that I believe was built by Tom in Florida.) Bob Wartinger knows more about this subject than most folks here in the US. If one of these hulls were an advantage, I would imagine Wart would have been the first one over here to buy a Euro OSY laydown and run it at DePue.

As for me, I have decided to retire from OSY/CSH and stick with O-250 racing -- I am just too darn heavy (and have less tolerance for the beating my lower back and knees take) to be competitive in a US no-weight restrictions OSY class any more. Look into the KALA custom-made hull designs before winter comes (they are really nice people), or ask Tom to build you a laydown if he has the time this winter. Giles also makes a great small laydown. Ask for sandwiched GrEp/Kevlar composite-reinforced sides if you are going to drive a new OSY laydown. My advice to you is to research the current fast hull designs and write your own "wish list spec" for a US builder to build you your OSY dream boat (that's what I did).

Al

[Dave M]

Options

You have many otions, some were pointed out already. You should really go to FL and observe the differences yourself. In addition to that, most of the top notch builders/designers will be there as well.

Marc Johnson - MJR Composites (proven abilities with many championships in CSH which is really OSY400 with a min weight)

Bill Giles - Multi time champ and builds some of the most competitive hulls in the U.S.

Tom Cronk - Lives in Fl and builds most of the Helstons crews boat I believe, multi championships.

Pugh - Has built a lot of boats in all categories, has a ton of titles.

I know most of these guys will be in FL, so you can talk to them and pick the one that you like th ebest, talk to them, get a feel for personalities and pick the one you want. Any one of them will get you a top notch boat. All it takes is some leg work from you to find the one that fits you. Call them now, email them now, whatever, and get the ball rolling.

[bill giles]

At Depue a few years ago, two drivers came over with their equipment from Europe. After having Craig Dewald help them set up, they were VERY competitive! In fact, they almost won that year. Most of the European drivers are smaller than the average American driver, but not all. Last year, the World Champion in OSY was Sean Barnard from the UK. He is about 6'2" and 190 lbs! Great young man. As mentioned, the UIM does impose a class weight now on most the classes. It is around 400 lbs last I knew. They do get off the beach extremely well. They do run river races and a few lakes as well with 2 bouy turns, not that different than here, except "The Broad" in England.- That is a real challenge after a very few laps! I am still trying to get the setup on my new boat but am pleased with it so far. It is a kneeler compared to their laydowns. Diane Murry has done very well in my laydown from a few years ago as well. There is still a future here, just need to find out one more secret I think~! Their laydowms do ride light & lively compared to ours. Lake Alfred should be an eye opener. Looking forward to watching it~!
Bill Giles

[drbyrne55]

Take a chance and then test a lot over the winter.

We picked a used CSH last year as an OSY experiment ....and still an ongoing experiment.... advice: make the trip to Depue for Nationals; people are great and the 3 heat format was a blast!

Ok, so would a 125 Euro boat work for a laydown osy boat? I think a 125 euro style would be too long. However that is why I'm asking.