It's about the weight

[Instructor]

Ok, so I'm new to this, even though I had a couple race boats 25 years ago that I just goofed around the lake in. I would like to build a boat this winter and start racing next year in the north west (I live in Calgary, AB). I'm the type of person who loves to spend hours and hours collection info before going ahead with a project so I have been learning all I can about the different classes. My issue is with weight, as I see the min weight for each class and even though I know I am 175lbs, and all the boat designers list the weight of the boats they offer. Other than the Yamato 302 (41.4 kg), and the new Sidwinder (60lbs), I can't find the weight of the OMC 15a, or the Mercury 25xs. I would like to keep as close to the min. weight for whatever class I end up in but if I don't know how much weight the motor adds I can't complete the equation (even though I was very good at trig in school). I know that even a couple pounds makes a huge difference in racing so if anyone can help me out I would be very thankful.

PS: any suggestions as to what hydro class would be good for me (5'8", 175lbs)
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Aiesha

[Bill Huson]

I seem to recall . . .

the OMC A at around 70#. For a good ride I'd go for the B Sidewinder, soon to be 15ss again like the good ol' days. Figure 150 boat & engine - you should tap min weight with race gear on. My 15ssH weighed 142 with engine.

[bh/]

... start racing next year in the north west (I live in Calgary, AB)..... know that even a couple pounds makes a huge difference in racing.... would be good for me (5'8", 175lbs)

-a few pounds, +/-, does not make a significant difference in stock racing, at the entry level.
-your big issue is geographic.
Where will u race, and what classes are running there?
-my advice, worth only what I am charging u for it;
buy a good used 302, a restrictor,
buy or build a boat, and get to a few races.
Good luck, and have fun

[Instructor]

Well I have been looking around and although it will involve drive times of 6-8 hrs, there are races in Montana, Idaho, Washington, and BC, all of which offer a pretty full field of the stock classes and OSY 400. I also have a cottage in Ont. near Peterborough, that I should be able to visit for 4-6 weeks/year allowing me to race in the Toronto, area.
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real estate Pattaya

[blueskyracer]

Well I have been looking around and although it will involve drive times of 6-8 hrs, there are races in Montana, Idaho, Washington, and BC, all of which offer a pretty full field of the stock classes and OSY 400. I also have a cottage in Ont. near Peterborough, that I should be able to visit for 4-6 weeks/year allowing me to race in the Toronto, area.

Not sure where you are located but if you are in the area stop by Ione Washington on the 1 and 2 of Aug for our next race. We will help, even have an extra engine if you need one to use for the weekend.

[Wayne mtl qc]

Mike is right,pick a race in the north/west US and go. Boatracers are freindly people and just love to help out new racers.You say that you like to collect lots of data beforehand well bring a notebook.I am sure you will get hooked,probably decide to jump right in and learn as you go. Lots of luck to you . Ps. if you should get to run in the Ontario area I'll see you in the first turn. Cheers 96CE

[Instructor]

Thanks for the offer, however work (and life in general) doesn't give me any time to travel this summer. Next year I will do my best to race every weekend.
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SophiaShine

[Dave M]

Some Options

Some general information based on what I have read about you (you posted)

Your weight would be a great match for a D Stock or D Mod. To get more bang for your buck sort to speak, on how far you will travel to race, this class makes great economical sense for you. Speeds are in the 70's to low 80 range for the stocker. You could purchase brand new equipment from Sid Bass in terms of the Tohatsu. There are boat builders in your region, well closer to you than the midwest, or southern or eastern regions.

For around a $10,000 investment you could have a brand new D Stock Hydro and be competitive, maybe not a top runner at first, but you would be in the hunt.

With this engine, you could compete in 750CCMH (DMH) in the mod division without changing anything on your rig. You could purchase a few additional props that are four blades and gaina few extra MPH to compete in this class. Stock restricts you to three blades max on props, and also has height restrictions in terms of engine placement on the boat. You could also run this engine in the 850CCMH class as well, but you would not be competitive to most of the rigs. You would be simply out for experience if you chose to step up into this class. Not a bad idea for a new racer. Time in the boat and in actual conditions will teach you more than you can learn from reading or even listening.

A cheaper route you could take is the Merc D Stock engine, the 44XS. You cna find these as used rigs ranging in price from real cheap to around $7,000 dollars. You can't buy them new from Mercury. There is a Canadian that is producing the Merc engine from old pontoon boat engines. Basically putting all new parts into the block and selling as new. I beleive they are priced in the $5000.00 range, but don't quote me on that. I am also not sure if he is still doing this.

If you want to go slower, I would stick to CSH. Your weight might be on the high side for the class, but you can over come that. Have a lighter boat built new. Then you can race the engine in two categories Stock and Pro. OSY400 is a Pro category class. Some events do not put both on the schedule, so you would have pick the events you attend if you want to race both at. One more thing you could do with your CSH is step it up to 500CCMH (CMH) in the mod division. You won't be very competiive to a decent mod rig, but again, more boat time.

Now then, if you want to try your hand at one engine two boats, have a runabout built with your hydro and race two classes. Sounds ambitious, yes, but when you discover how much fun the competition is you will want to race more than once a day !

Best advice you can get form all this is to attend a race nearest to you and see it all for yourself. Most racers are friendly and happy to talk your ear off and help out. You might get a few cold shoulders at times, but typically when you get that it is from someone having a bad day or is trying to fix a problem on their rig and simply does not have the time right then.

P.S. - Sorry for all the mis spelled words in advance, my work computer does nto allow me to download the spell checker for this.

[B Walker]

Advice for new racers:

Find out what classes are popular in your area. Find out what classes are growing and which are not. It makes no sense to buy a bunch of equipment and have nobody to race against.

Go to some races and ask lots of questions.

Get some rides

Have fun!

BW

[Instructor]

Hey thanks for the input. I think DSH will be the class for me (although BSH also has some pull) . I am a little confused by what you said about CSH, when I do the math I come up about 50lbs short of the 440lb weight limit. I understand I can add weight to the boat with lead but from what I have read so far suggests that it's best to come as close to the min weight without having to add lead.
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VAPORIZER-INFO

[Wayne mtl qc]

I am 190-195 lbs and last year had to add 12lbs to make weight in CSH . With a restrictor in to run 20SSH with the same outfit over weight but I had fun getting in boat time anyway.

[mercguy]

I concur..........

Advice for new racers:

Find out what classes are popular in your area. Find out what classes are growing and which are not. It makes no sense to buy a bunch of equipment and have nobody to race against.

Go to some races and ask lots of questions.

Get some rides

Have fun!

BW

well said Brad!!!!!!! Also, I would recommend AGAINST going out and buying all NEW equipment right off the bat.........there are lots of used rigs out there for sale and until you try one, you do not know what best suites you.............

PS: you also have the option of runabouts................25SSR or CSR in STOCK, then you could step up and run MOD in 500mod runabout...........