Y-80 / Sidewinder Controversy

[burl11]

The sport has got to progress and if it means a few folks get left behind then so be it, it cannot stay where it is now.

Leaving folks behind will definitely put the sport in a place where it is not now. And it probably will not look like progress. I still believe in a free market economy, even with outboards. Let racers new and old buy what is available and they can afford. Attrition works, so do the basic supply and demand curves to set price...

Anyway, since we are pitching pennies on this subject again, there's my two.

[kev29p]

now I can sleep tonight...

been checking back every hour or so since you asked earlier... I couldn't come up with anything other than maybe the year you met Robin! But I'd guess that was a year or two later? '82?
-Kevin

I asked earlier about an upcoming anniversary, apparently nobody was interested so I'll tell. Next month will be the 30th anniversary of the Yamato 80 going OUT of production. Although it is in the plan to eventually obselete the Y80 to transition to the Sidewinders we are not going to cut our throats and kill one of the best classes we have. That is one of the reasons the original timetable is no longer viable. Many things have changed since the beginning of this project and nothing is set in stone as far as a time line is concerned but ultimately the goals remain the same. When the time comes to move forward with the program, a three year phase out will begin. That time is not now. Believe me, getting the SORC to embrace change is something that requires patience. The reason for this plan is so you folks know what the future will be so that you can plan to buy the right stuff rather than spending a lot of money on equipment that may soon be obselete.
There are also alternative ways to keep some of the older motors on the water until you can buy a new motor, like schedule Stock Classic classes and run combined with the regular classes, or run some of these older classes as a local event. Granted you won't get "APBA National Points", but you will race and that is the most important part.

[AZ Outlaw]

Lyons BSR powered by Sidewinder.....sweet!

I won't post the picture of how the driver treated his ride at this years Nationals.....

[MGallagher]

Here she is in one of her newer version...

I think he is saying in his helmet, "DON"T I LOOK SO COOL WITH MY COOL PATCHES AND MY COOL SHINY HELMET STICKER!!!"

[MGallagher]

The great thing about the state of the Sidewinder is that if you have the money, there is now no reason NOT to get one if you want to continue to race. Tried and tested, these motors will carry you to the competitive area of Stock Outboard racing. There are enough owners of these motors that they can have there own little forum here on hydroracer to talk adjustments and testing notes. If there was any doubts they should be answered by all the positive PERFORMANCE feedback here in this thread.

THIS STATEMENT AND THIS PICTURE are
NOT APPROVED BY RACING OUTBOARDS LLC.

[Gunjumper]

Defeat...

Here is what happens when you drive too hard and forget that you have three laps to do what you have to do... Pat didn't even charge me for this JPEG! For the record I am not crying, I'm wiping my hair out of my face!

[HRTV]

Leaving folks behind will definitely put the sport in a place where it is not now. And it probably will not look like progress. I still believe in a free market economy, even with outboards. Let racers new and old buy what is available and they can afford. Attrition works, so do the basic supply and demand curves to set price...

Anyway, since we are pitching pennies on this subject again, there's my two.

Try this on for size

Fun don't come cheap! some of these folks have well over $6 - $7K tied up in these little boats and they never complain.

[AZ Outlaw]

Got soap??

[Sonny]

All the rich guys will say that 4500 isn't a lot of money... especially when compared to the national debt.. I live in a fat house with all the goodies we have two incomes me and my wife both have good jobs and I'm here to tell you that 4500 for just the motor might as well be a million.. I have 3 Y80's and truth be told ...If I sold all 3 I still wouldnt have enough for 1 sidewinder.

[DiGia54D]

Greg, Driving hard is why you have all those 1US patches on your are. Also, yes you need a hair cut

[blueskyracer]

All the rich guys will say that 4500 isn't a lot of money... especially when compared to the national debt.. I live in a fat house with all the goodies we have two incomes me and my wife both have good jobs and I'm here to tell you that 4500 for just the motor might as well be a million.. I have 3 Y80's and truth be told ...If I sold all 3 I still wouldnt have enough for 1 sidewinder.

This is so true!

Another thing is Sidewinder must be a East Coast, Mid west thing because I have yet to see one here in Washington, Idaho, or Montana. Maybe when we go to Eatonville someone in SOA might have one??

[Tom Cronk]

Y-80 Ruled

I remember when MERC tried to to kill the Y-80,It didn't
work then.
Registered 2009 drivers
BSH-26
25SSH-26
20SSH - 91
Tom

[MGallagher]

Sonny, I'll take one of those y80's from ya for that cheap price. Then I can go to that antique meet I always wanted to go to. Or, maybe I'll turn it into a fishing motor like they do in JAPAN!!! LOL, j/k buddy. I think I might buy a used Daihatsu too and go race it at my local track too!!! Shouldn't be too hard to find parts for a Daihatsu mini pick'up should it?

Thats the one thing I would do in a down US economy, BUY FOREIGN!!! LOL!!!

[MGallagher]

Mr. Bluesky, I believe there are more sidewinders that have been purchased west of the Mississippi than hear in the east. A Lot of the positive posts have been from those on the west coast.

[kampkurz]

I think Greg's crying!

Here is what happens when you drive too hard and forget that you have three laps to do what you have to do... Pat didn't even charge me for this JPEG! For the record I am not crying, I'm wiping my hair out of my face!

Okay...clearly you have your hair out of your face..... I think your crying.
Probably should have run the marathon instead.... at least there is always the possibility to 'spin and win'. KampKurz