J & AX Topics

[14-H]

Weigth Needs To Be Changed

I asked, and no one answered, whether the weights have changed since the J-60 days. I think 5 pounds was added for kevlar, etc., and that's it. The weight of the engine has gone up about 25lbs. since then and the boats are much bigger too. The weight should be increased!

[Big Don]

I agree my kids are far from being big and were overweight at 105/110 lbs.

[sponsonhead]

Ahem....

I asked, and no one answered, whether the weights have changed since the J-60 days. I think 5 pounds was added for kevlar, etc., and that's it. The weight of the engine has gone up about 25lbs. since then and the boats are much bigger too. The weight should be increased!

See the following:

http://www.hydroracer.net/forums/sho...8&postcount=34

R-19

[14-H]

Touche', Patrick

Okay, I missed that. But the boats are still twice as big as they used to be with the J-60. That hasn't been factored in.

The 30H versus Y102 weight is interesting, though, isn't it?

[42M]

I couldn’t agree more. Now that the lighter OMC is no longer the motor of choice in J why not bump the weight up? My last year of J when I won nationals – 16 years old, weighed 105lbs and ran an OMC. Weight on the scales – 310lbs DRY

[BP125V]

ok, but....

Jim and Stephen answered about the weight but what about the speed issue?

Bill

[Matt Dagostino]

Bill..............

Jim and Stephen answered about the weight but what about the speed issue?

Bill

The speed issue is on the top of Chairman Tennell's list!! Along with the "plugging' issue in regards to the Merc 15.

Many believe that 45mph J Hydro's with punch are a little to fast.......should be a lively discussion on 'how' to slow em down some.

[Matt Dagostino]

Weight Adjustment.............

The real issue should be adjusting the weight problem so the kids can compete in the class longer.

Hearn has the best idea of how to get the weights raised..... An adjustment should be made to at least adjust the class weight based on the introduction of the new Merc 15 which is 10 pounds heavier than the old OMC. This takes the 'politics' out of the arguement and just focuses on facts!

If you remember this was done in DSH years ago when the 44XS came along!!

[csh12M]

Problem with raising the weight

The problem with raising the weight is that you hurt the 85lbs nine year old that is ready to race. That's why I was trying to attack the problem from another angle.

Why don't we look at slowing down AXS, then at least the heavier kid moving early is not as bad of an issue. Right now I believe AXSH is within 2mph of ASH. Knock another 3mph from it and this situation is not as bad.

Just a few random thoughts.

12M

[Jim Sweeney]

J Weights

Dean, We all know how important being close to weight is in the smaller classes, Its much easier and less expensive to add weight to an existing boat or just build the boat heaver for the smaller kids, than to build a light carbon fiber boat. Kids that are under 100 lbs have a distinct advantage over the heaver kids for the two reasons you spoke of earlier. The smaller kids can run more radical setups and still plane off, and they are faster around the course. Why not keep the playing field level so more kids can compete and stay in the class longer?.

[Kev43V]

The problem with raising the weight is that you hurt the 85lbs nine year old that is ready to race. That's why I was trying to attack the problem from another angle.

Why don't we look at slowing down AXS, then at least the heavier kid moving early is not as bad of an issue. Right now I believe AXSH is within 2mph of ASH. Knock another 3mph from it and this situation is not as bad.

Just a few random thoughts.

12M

I do not see how raising the wieght really hurts the lighter drivers.
but I do see how this motor being heavier than the last two motors for the class hurts the larger J drivers. Add to that I doubt the trend of kids being bigger at a younger age is going to change anytime soon.

[csh12M]

Weight

I agree with everything you said Jim, was just thinking out loud. All my experience was based on working with a 100-135lb driver. I was just asking "out loud" would upping the weight hurt the 85lb newbie. It sounds like your experience says "no, it can be overcome easier". If that is the case, then no problem, I agree. Again, I have no stake in the game, just trying to add Wellings experience.

Jim, what about the speed of AXS. You are the best source to ask, you have one of the fastest ASH and fastest AXSH in the country. How do the speeds compare? Do you think that AXSH is to fast? I am just curious as to the thoughts of the AXSH speeds? I know it could hurt your program, so no worries, if you do not want to respond.

Thanks,
12M

[Big Don]

I know we are not as fast as the Sweeney’s in ASH or AXH but our difference is around 2 maybe 3 MPH.

[Matt Dagostino]

Axsh...............

I know we are not as fast as the Sweeney’s in ASH or AXH but our difference is around 2 maybe 3 MPH.

Same here!

Matt
ps.........as a footnote, should the J Committee choose to 'unplug' the Merc 15 that will knock those plugged motors down a good 1 mph in AXSH and even more in J Hydro!

[Susan Rautenberg]

hmmmmmmmmmmmmm more lead!!!!???

so a smaller driver doesnt necessarily have an advantge set up wise---- try getting a "little" kid with 60lbs of lead on plane!!!!! no extreme set up there---a real bugger actually so I dont buy into that one Jim---LOL sorry. We have a few pipsqueaks out here in region 10.

AXSH--- two top outfits from region 10----- 2009 UNPLUGGED!!!!!!!!!
I think its a bigger difference in the j classes than axs

i get adding weight but dont go too far--- even with heavy boats its tough to be on the other side of the coin with small drivers. Ashley is killing me with "A "hydro and 60lbs of lead--cant run extreme set ups or half our props--she still runs 35lbs of lead in axs and actually now at age 15 is right on j weight with no lead lol. Just saying remember the other side