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I'd like to start a thread to discuss the proposed rule changes for the APBA Modified Outboard division. I would also encourage everyone to go to the APBA website and review the minutes from the MORC national meeting to get a better understanding of the origins of these proposals.
Proposal seven is the only item that all mod drivers vote on and if passed would remove the OMC and Mercury 25 Hydro engines from the 350cc hydro class. The rational is that these engine already have a class to run in. I find it interesting that the Merc 20-H can be run in 250 and 350 and a 44 cubic in Merc can run in both 750 and 850 yet there is no proposal to limit these engines to one class. Also, the Morc approved as probationary engines the 20 cu in hot rod (already legal in 350) in 400, the 102/302 Yamoto (500 cc class) for the 350 runabout, and the Tohatsu in 750. I'm have little knowledge of the Tohatsu but I believe that they are legal in other stock and mod classes. This proposal was on the ballot last year and got voted down, so why is it back?
Proposal two (only 350ccm drivers vote) is also a proposal that was on last years ballot and failed. It would raise the weight of the 22 cu in OMC and Mercury engines by 25 pounds and the rational is to improve parity in the class. If you judge what engine has dominate the class by looking at data such as national high points and national championships it would appear that the Yamato is the dominate engine. Most racers would tell you that adding 25 pounds to their boats would slow them down. I believe that adding weight to the OMC and Merc rigs will not bring them into parity with the Yamato but instead will widen the gap. Also if parity is what we are seeking shouldn't we be doing something to make the 20 cu Mercs and Hot Rods more competive? I also object to making the weight change effective in 30 days when normally these types of changes would occur next year.
Proposals four and five are voted on by 400cc hydro drivers. One would allow more ignition systems and the other more carbs. The rationale is to make 400 a more open class. Currently the engines we have start well, are reliable, and are relatively inexpensive. I have not heard anyone complain that getting parts is a problem. I don't see either of these proposals bringing additional people to the class or to modified outboard. Also, we approved changes to the the tech rules last year and has yet don't know what effect those changes will have. If we make the engine faster and more expensive I'm afraid of killing the class.
I have little knowledge of the other proposals. Maybe someone else can add something to explain the pros and cons of each of the rest.
I am hopeful that this thread will start a positive discussion and lead to informed voting. A wise man once told me that great minds talk about ideas and small minds talk about poeple. Lets keep the discussion focused on ideas.
Thanks, Steve
Proposal seven is the only item that all mod drivers vote on and if passed would remove the OMC and Mercury 25 Hydro engines from the 350cc hydro class. The rational is that these engine already have a class to run in. I find it interesting that the Merc 20-H can be run in 250 and 350 and a 44 cubic in Merc can run in both 750 and 850 yet there is no proposal to limit these engines to one class. Also, the Morc approved as probationary engines the 20 cu in hot rod (already legal in 350) in 400, the 102/302 Yamoto (500 cc class) for the 350 runabout, and the Tohatsu in 750. I'm have little knowledge of the Tohatsu but I believe that they are legal in other stock and mod classes. This proposal was on the ballot last year and got voted down, so why is it back?
Proposal two (only 350ccm drivers vote) is also a proposal that was on last years ballot and failed. It would raise the weight of the 22 cu in OMC and Mercury engines by 25 pounds and the rational is to improve parity in the class. If you judge what engine has dominate the class by looking at data such as national high points and national championships it would appear that the Yamato is the dominate engine. Most racers would tell you that adding 25 pounds to their boats would slow them down. I believe that adding weight to the OMC and Merc rigs will not bring them into parity with the Yamato but instead will widen the gap. Also if parity is what we are seeking shouldn't we be doing something to make the 20 cu Mercs and Hot Rods more competive? I also object to making the weight change effective in 30 days when normally these types of changes would occur next year.
Proposals four and five are voted on by 400cc hydro drivers. One would allow more ignition systems and the other more carbs. The rationale is to make 400 a more open class. Currently the engines we have start well, are reliable, and are relatively inexpensive. I have not heard anyone complain that getting parts is a problem. I don't see either of these proposals bringing additional people to the class or to modified outboard. Also, we approved changes to the the tech rules last year and has yet don't know what effect those changes will have. If we make the engine faster and more expensive I'm afraid of killing the class.
I have little knowledge of the other proposals. Maybe someone else can add something to explain the pros and cons of each of the rest.
I am hopeful that this thread will start a positive discussion and lead to informed voting. A wise man once told me that great minds talk about ideas and small minds talk about poeple. Lets keep the discussion focused on ideas.
Thanks, Steve
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