Possible Creation of a Pro Open class?

I would like to start a thread on the possibility of creating a new or changing the current apba class structure to a Pro Open class, more in line with the UIM Classes. This would allow any motors from 500cc to 1100cc and would allow any kind of capsuled boat, capsule hydro or tunnel. This would require that APBA change the 60% hydro rule to apply only to all uncapsuled classes, making the Open class free from this rule. This Open class should be all jetty starts in my opinion. Methanol should be the only fuel allowed. Motor trim would also be allowed.

This would allow for better racing in rough water, if you had a tunnel boat or a capsuled hydro with a special bottom that would perform in rough water, and this also would hopefully allow for UIM world championships to be hosted in the USA for this class.

Also, I think it should be four heats of racing, two on Saturday and two on Sunday with the drivers able to drop their worst heat, so only three heats would count.

Here is a start of what requirements I had in mind:

• Must be capsuled
• Must be a two cycle engine
• Cannot be fuel injected
• Must burn Methanol fuel
• Engine must be from 500cc to 1100cc
• Boat can be a tunnel or hydro but must be a capsule
• Four heats of racing over two days, keep your best three for points

Post your comments and lets see what people think.

[David Weaver]

Question

Marc,

I like the concept.

Why would the classes not running capsules require a change in the 60% rule? Do the Euro style boats (Mostes, Dickfors, etc,) violate APBA's 60% rule? The Mostes that I have is close, but you might be able to make an argument that the pads in the back make it borderline.

I believe that any almost any liquid fuel is legal in PRO, but methanol is the first choice.

I guess if it is an Open class, you could run any size engine so long as the boat met spec. UIM races O-500 and O-700, but I do not believe that there is lower displcement limit in UIM "O" classes.

Good line of reasoning here. I sure would like to see something occur to jump start the big classes again.

DW

[epugh66]

QUICK! Get the feathers, I've got the tar on boil already! just kidding Marc.
It's a good idea, always has been. 500cc and above? let me get my 460 ready

[Composite Specialties]

60% correction

I corrected it David, should have read like this:

This would require that APBA change the 60% hydro rule to apply only to all uncapsuled classes, making the Open class free from this rule.

[nicf14]

Sound like a great idea. We need to eliminate the 1100 class before some one makes one. Right now the largest motor available is a 700. They can barely afford to keep maintaining the 700 with a crank rebuild every race or two. There is no need for 1100.

[Joe J]

Otis:

You should be hearing from Litzell any minute now.....

What about the Merc we run on the runabout? Granted it is not some off the shelf powerhead, but the Pro cateogry has always been open to whatever someone wanted to build.

Joe

Sound like a great idea. We need to eliminate the 1100 class before some one makes one. Right now the largest motor available is a 700. They can barely afford to keep maintaining the 700 with a crank rebuild every race or two. There is no need for 1100.

[sam]

Open is open

500cc and up and would allow any kind of capsuled boat

What are the rest of the rules of the UIM Open Class?

Without some displacement limt, wouldn't Pugh drag boats or OPC boats with V-6's dominate this? As soon as someone showed up with a big boat its wake would allow it to dominate the race course.

[Composite Specialties]

Pro

Ok, lets keep it Pro shall we, anything from 500cc to 1100cc, has to run methanol, can have trim and can move the motor up and down, no fuel injection, has to be a two cycle engine.

[David_L6]

Just curious.... Why methanol only? What would it hurt to allow gasoline and/or gasohol?

[Composite Specialties]

Options

This is why we are having the open discussion about this, lets keep it Pro, no drags or OPC, just give us some thoughts.

[T Chance]

I'm a runabout guy but I have run a hydro or two, but never strapped in only laying down or kneeling. And I raced a 17' Seebold with a 2.4L Mercury for a couple of years.

From what I see on video clips from Europe makes me think that a Pro alcohol burning racing engine on a full tunnel with power trim is the way to go in 500cc and up.

[guedo499]

Ok, lets keep it Pro shall we, anything from 500cc to 1100cc, has to run methanol, can have trim and can move the motor up and down, no fuel injection, has to be a two cycle engine.

I'm in.

First off, Chicks dig pipes.

Second, power trim is way cool.

Third, its a nice ride in a capsule.

[Steve Johnson]

uim

A great chance to adopt a UIM comliant class . O-500 O-700 . I wouldn't re invent the wheel. Cool , if the whole world would get at least a couple of classes on the exact same playing field.

One opinion.
p.s. Very sad to not make it to the worlds this year.

[sam]

I thought gasoline was still legal

Does UIM and US PRO have a fuel restriction other than no gaseous fuels and no oxidizers? Why add a new rule?

[alky6]

Does UIM and US PRO have a fuel restriction other than no gaseous fuels and no oxidizers? Why add a new rule?

Probably to ensure a green class. Easier to sell these days. I don't know anyone that runs anything but methanol in a full race PRO two-stroke. Nor would I see a reason not to, other than trying to encourage some MOD guys with their existing equipment. However, I think it would be difficult to compete with a 160+HP 500cc vs. a 60 c.i. Merc six cylinder on gas at 110± HP.

To answer first part of your question: PRO - no gaseous fuels only, UIM - not sure.
-Paul Fuchslin