Mod Proposals for National Meeting...........

[Jack Stotts]

While I agree that the pipe could be a hazard, I believe that most impacts happen from angles other than directly from the rear. Before we change to something other than the present system we should have just a little more data. I saw Dick's accident. Yes, it could have been worse, but to make such a rule based on what could have happened would not be prudent.

[brian]

Bad example....Willard hit a lot of stuff that nationals. One of his best friends and others... We can not race in padded bubbles, no need to submit this one.

Jack just said it better than I did.

[David_L6]

Ya'll know I just gotta say this......

If that guy had not been running megaphones then there is a good chance Dickie wouldn't be here now.

Lets make open megaphones the only legal exhaust that doesn't go down through the tower.

[T Chance]

I think it should be worth some discussion that when running chambers that the stinger should not be sticking straight back. I am NOT proposing requiring the whole pipe be wrapped around the motor but the stinger should be rolled or bent to at least 90 degrees to keep from punching someones face out if they should run into the back of you. My pipes are back far enough that I am very worried about this.

I had a Super E last year, sold it, and am planning on another one in the future, so I do have some interest in Mod.

Look at this photo out of Hydroplane Quarterly from 35 years ago. No good reason for turned down stingers then, no good reason for it now. although back then it was said it was to reduce noise.

As far as noise is concerned megaphones are just too loud for my liking. And on the A, B, C, 250, 350, 500 etc. I was against it when the Pro Division switched, but I got used to it. My first ride was in a BU, now a BSR. I didn't race NOA Semi-Pro, but I did run some Am-Pro and Mod. My AOH and ARR are now 250's. I raced alot in NOA's Pro Division but would sometimes race in APBA's Outboard Division.Times change, nomenclature changes.

[Dave M]

Sorry Pat - Thanks Howie

Dang.....just when I was getting another bowl of popcorn going for Bill and Ed.......

R-19

Pat,

I already digressed, so there was no goading me into anything.

Howie,

The last several years, FL in particular, has seen Hydros on a rollercoaster as far as numbers. I know all of you really want to grow the sport. I also know from personal experience that some minds can't seem to agree on the way things should be run down there. Get everyone on board and work towards the same specific goal, and not such a broad goal. I think that will grow the FL numbers. And thank you for all your work to growing the sport. We need more promoters like youself down there.

My first race in Ocoee was winter Nat's probably 7 or 8 years ago. At that race there was Mod, stock, Pro, and even some inboards. I really enjoyed hearing the open exhaust of those inboards. It was great to see four categories working together at a major event. I think having the larger boats that are more nationally recognized such as those inboards helped at spectators and sponsors identifying that indeed we were boat racing. At any rate, that was my favorite FL race I have participated in.

[modifiedoutboard]

TOHATSU 42ci

Is the TOHATSU 42ci legal in FEH with all the mods?

The YAMAHA 42ci is alomst the same and showing up at the local outboard graveyard.

would be nice to mod an engine with out bottom end deficiencies and reliability issues that require custom and special parts just to make it through a season. The supply of new 45 cranks is gone.......

[mercguy]

pro units...........

could someone post or email me direct (mercguy@verizon.net) the R/S dimensions (and gear ratios) of the various PRO lower units out there ...............Konny, Konig, Yamato, etc............thanks.

[JBM]

Yamato foot

The R dimension on my Yamato (screw in cone type) pro foot is 1.92"
S= 1.28". I dont see why there has to be a spec for the S dimension in mod.

[sam]

More Yamatos

I have 2 of the pointy rear load Yamatos, both measure the same as above

My vertical split Yamato measures 1.85 for R and 1.40 for S

Out into the snow and I'll be back with the measurements of a "small case" Konig

[sam]

Small case Konig: R=1.95" S=1.25"

Looks like the skinny puppy is the hatchet

[mercguy]

thanks.....keep em coming..........

so, with all the various units out there, a good min "R" dimension could be 1.750 (min dimension in C/D) and if needed "S" dimension of .750 (Hot Rod)......so far......need the current PRO lower unit R/S dimensions still.......

so far the largest "R" dimension falls with the Merc 55H lower unit at 2.375 and "S" dimension of the Bass unit at 1.950........

[ram95]

Let the Bass-Tohatsu run in D-mod and FE in its stock form, "as received from the manufacturer", ie El Sid & Bro. Get rid of any 'probationary' status. A person who purchases this motor ought to be able to have as much fun with it as possible and earn points while doing it. It will help build these classes which are often lacking enough entrants for a race.

[ram95]

[QUOTE=Ron Hill;119101]As I knock on the door of 65 years, being a boat racer basically all my life...Little has really changed, but then again much has changed....most rule changes appear to be self serving to the person who wanted them changed....

I feel a responsibility to make boat racing "BETTER"......frequently I see changes that make no sense, at least to me.....AND we frequently don't point out the GOOD THINGS IN BOAT RACING THAT WILL NEVER CHANGE and one good thing is the PEOPLE that race boats.....and the races themselves...

Myself, I think by re naming classes allows people to FORSAKE...or THROW OUT all history. I was F Runabout 5 mile record holder....Today, I see some runabout with two in the boat called 1,100 CC...I ask myself....What is 1,100 CC in English??? When 1,100 CC started all HISTORY of F Runabout was gone....The internet can keep history alive....

We have Cracker Box inboards in Regions 10, 11 and 12. Cracker Box is the oldest class in APBA...A 40 year old boat can still compete and win....Motors change, boats chnge, a little...but they are still Cracker Boxes. They have a 50 year tradition....they have there own club. They have boats at every race....

I'm with you Ron. I like the 'letter' designation for classes. Let the rule books sort out the allowable cc's, cylinders, engines, etc, but label the classes A,B,C. Is that too simple or what? Good post!

Alex
D Stock Hydro 12A "the Mad Russian"

[ram95]

Let's drop the probabionary stuff with the Tohatsu - with five plus years on the circuits, this is hardly a probationary motor.

Allow the Tohatsu to run in D mod and FE in its stock (as manufactured by Bass) configuration FOR POINTS. Don't restrict it with propshaft depth, max spark timing, or number of prop blades. Let it run the same weight in D-mod as the Formula 44XS (425); and dump ALL the lead when running in FE. Since D-mod and FE already allow 40-49 cu inch engines, what's the big deal with allowing a stock Tohatsu owner to be able to race in three classes a weekend instead of one, and earn some points along with the adventure?

Also: I'm not about to "cut my motor up", but I'll darn sure jack it up and throw on a 4 blade prop for grins.

[jeff55v]

Let the Bass-Tohatsu run in D-mod and FE in its stock form, "as received from the manufacturer", ie El Sid & Bro. Get rid of any 'probationary' status. A person who purchases this motor ought to be able to have as much fun with it as possible and earn points while doing it. It will help build these classes which are often lacking enough entrants for a race.

Amen Alex.
However, I doubt the D Merc owners will agree with it. At least in this area, there are plenty of D mods. (at least for now) So...why would they vote to allow a motor into the class that has a REMOTE chance of beating them?
I hope this comes to a vote. I hope that the Merc racers will prove me wrong and vote in favor of the Bass/Tohatsu MOD status.