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Don,
I agree, that is what concerned people. Unfortunately, the perception of the plan, in most peoples mind, became reality. As Brad stated, all of these proposals were no more than just that. The SORC(elected individuals) made all the decisions by vote, not the committee. We recommended a three year phase out of obselete motors to give people plenty of time to plan ahead, but the commission would decide when to begin implementation of that three year period.
As an example look at 20ssh. We have a motor out of production since 1979 and a new motor designed specifically to run in that speed range. Currently 20ssh is a relatively popular class, although the participation had dropped over 20% in recent years(Remember this was 2007! BEFORE the recession). Rather than being reactive and do nothing as in the past, we had an opportunity to be proactive so that everybody would know what options were available in the future. We thought it necessary to to inform people BEFORE the numbers dropped to a point where the classes survival was in jeopardy. Example: How do you resurrect a class after most of the drivers quit(DSR). If we see a trend, we have to react to it before we lose too many drivers. Everybody would know that if they were interested in 20ssh that eventually the Yamato would be replaced with the Sidewinder and could therefore make an informed decision. Having a plan in place for each class promotes stability. The only question then is, "When will this happen"? The answer is 3 years after the SORC decides that the class is growing at an acceptable rate due to the influx of the Sidewinder and decline of the Yamato.
How many years would it take before a commission would see the need to begin that phase out period? 2? 3? 5? I'd say closer to five than two. Especially with this current recession. If I'm right, you'll be able to run your Yamato until 2018! That is only one year short of the motor being out of production for 40 YEARS! If the plan is embraced and promoted rather than fought against we would feel way more confident in our future. Another thing to think about is sometimes plans do change but as long as the goal remains the same there still is stability.
That leads to Darrens question of how long will a manufacturer be producing that model motor? As far as Yamato 302, Tohatsu and Mercury I'd imagine there will be enough parts available to sustain us for at least 20 years after production stops. Just like the last 20+ years. As for the Sidewinders, they'll meet the demand and produce motors indefinately. Remember, APBA Stock Outboard is not their only group of customers, just the first. There is a world wide market out there. The opportunities are endless. Wherever there is water, there are boats. Wherever there are boats, there is competition.
Knowledge defeats fear every time.
Jeff, We left 25xsh alone to grow or die.
I agree, that is what concerned people. Unfortunately, the perception of the plan, in most peoples mind, became reality. As Brad stated, all of these proposals were no more than just that. The SORC(elected individuals) made all the decisions by vote, not the committee. We recommended a three year phase out of obselete motors to give people plenty of time to plan ahead, but the commission would decide when to begin implementation of that three year period.
As an example look at 20ssh. We have a motor out of production since 1979 and a new motor designed specifically to run in that speed range. Currently 20ssh is a relatively popular class, although the participation had dropped over 20% in recent years(Remember this was 2007! BEFORE the recession). Rather than being reactive and do nothing as in the past, we had an opportunity to be proactive so that everybody would know what options were available in the future. We thought it necessary to to inform people BEFORE the numbers dropped to a point where the classes survival was in jeopardy. Example: How do you resurrect a class after most of the drivers quit(DSR). If we see a trend, we have to react to it before we lose too many drivers. Everybody would know that if they were interested in 20ssh that eventually the Yamato would be replaced with the Sidewinder and could therefore make an informed decision. Having a plan in place for each class promotes stability. The only question then is, "When will this happen"? The answer is 3 years after the SORC decides that the class is growing at an acceptable rate due to the influx of the Sidewinder and decline of the Yamato.
How many years would it take before a commission would see the need to begin that phase out period? 2? 3? 5? I'd say closer to five than two. Especially with this current recession. If I'm right, you'll be able to run your Yamato until 2018! That is only one year short of the motor being out of production for 40 YEARS! If the plan is embraced and promoted rather than fought against we would feel way more confident in our future. Another thing to think about is sometimes plans do change but as long as the goal remains the same there still is stability.
That leads to Darrens question of how long will a manufacturer be producing that model motor? As far as Yamato 302, Tohatsu and Mercury I'd imagine there will be enough parts available to sustain us for at least 20 years after production stops. Just like the last 20+ years. As for the Sidewinders, they'll meet the demand and produce motors indefinately. Remember, APBA Stock Outboard is not their only group of customers, just the first. There is a world wide market out there. The opportunities are endless. Wherever there is water, there are boats. Wherever there are boats, there is competition.
Knowledge defeats fear every time.
Jeff, We left 25xsh alone to grow or die.
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