Future of FEH

[Hunter]

I can well remember when the D Mod Runabout class was close to disappearing in the northeast. Don Frickland used to haul a complete extra rig around and let clowns like me race it to help get the class on the water. It has made a pretty good come-back. If someone out there knows the where abouts of an available boat that will hold up with the monster 3cyl OMC hung on it, I'm about ready to put a loaner rig together so we can count on at least three boats showing up. Believe it ,or not, once you have a gear foot and mid-section, this is one of the least expensive classes.

All that aside, can we get an indication that we'll have enough boats for Lock Haven ??

Hunter III

[sam]

Hunter, don't forget ... runabouts are legal as hydros in Mod.

[Dave M]

Growth

While the NBRA is seeing a good growth in the class, I can see why the APBA version is dwindling.

Hunter, to bring the class back up to a National status as it once was on needs to look at simple economics. I have seen the class grow in cost exponentially. I see $1500 tower housings advertised here and on BRF. I see front cover mod's offered at nearly 3K. And this is with you sending the parts in. While this front cover mod is pointless unless you do some other things, the new racer has no idea this is true. All they see is a very expensive class that needs a lot of work. I am just saying perception is a key declining factor. While some might argue these mods are not necessary to compete at a higher level, the perception to potential racers in the class is “expensive.”

Not long ago one could put less than 2K total into a complete set up including gearbox and tower and powerhead and compete. If they knew a little about engines they could get up front in short order. If the rules restricted it to the basics that it once was, you can remove at least one barrier to entry. Today, one can buy a gearbox for under $1500 race ready. Cliff Johnson sells very nice tower housings for under $500.00 this is brand new stuff. So here is the 2K mark. Now I know for a positive fact you can build a competitive engine for under $1000.00 with some stuff farmed out. Do it yourself for probably $500.00.

I have sold very competitive powerheads, once recently, for $1200.00 complete. I didn't lose money, but did not make a killing either. It had good new stuff in it.

This is just my opinion for part of the reason the class has declined so quickly. One simply can't try to make a living building boat racing engines and parts. 80% of the racers simply won't pay it.

[Guest]

Fe

We are building a new FE OMC and will have it on the water for next year. We will most likely get another MRC to hold the engine. We also have a FE 6 merc that will have the same leg setup. Briunkman tower and SST45 foot.

Alan

[David_L6]

I agree with Dave. If mods to the 3 cylinder OMC motors were limited that would be a big step in the right direction. Balancing - OK. Porting - OK. Aftermarket pistons like the ones Phil McDaniels had made - OK. Any open exhaust - OK. Most of, if not all of the other powerhead mods that are being allowed shouldn't be. Keep it as simple and as inexpensive as possible.

[FairWindRacing]

how do you guys feel about the 45sst kneeldown like i use to watch in the 1980s....

[nbranews]

Dave Mason and any one else who has been around NBRA can attest my father, Homer Schultz, builds a very competitive 3 cyl OMC engine. I don't know all his secrets but I do know it's not much more than porting, jetting and a megaphone exaust system designed by the late Dennis Black.

[werners racing]

mike werner in dunnville very intrested close to buying last year backfire
not scared of speed but very willing to drive will share expensces any takers?
905 701 0762

[form-e one]

i think if some boat builders would offer a good hull/ kit for feh,,, it would grow also,,,maybe mrc????,,,,deff a shortage of good porpose built boats for the v-rude,,,,

[David_L6]

i think if some boat builders would offer a good hull/ kit for feh,,, it would grow also,,,maybe mrc????,,,,deff a shortage of good porpose built boats for the v-rude,,,,

I don't believe there is a problem getting boat builders to build boats. The problem is getting boat racers to pay what the boats cost to build.

[form-e one]

hence kist or plans people can build there own boat as most c stockers are doing these days,,,

[Dave M]

Boats

I don't believe there is a problem getting boat builders to build boats. The problem is getting boat racers to pay what the boats cost to build.

David,

You don't start out in FEH, it should be worked into after experience in other classes. So at that point hopefully the potential racers of FEH would have the means or know how to get what they want.

Most boats are in the $3K range. Some get near 5K, and some want 8K. That is buying new hulls.

[G Stillwill]

Some just reach a point in speed and just dont want to go any faster. I have always ran A and B from the begining and never had a desire to go any faster. Do I have fun at those speeds sure I do To many mistakes driving an A and your running last.Jeff Hutchins always said his favorite class was ASH. Some quit FEH because of the speed when a real good one will run close to a 100 with no capsule. just sayin.

[raceright]

speeds???

Some just reach a point in speed and just dont want to go any faster. I have always ran A and B from the begining and never had a desire to go any faster. Do I have fun at those speeds sure I do To many mistakes driving an A and your running last.Jeff Hutchins always said his favorite class was ASH. Some quit FEH because of the speed when a real good one will run close to a 100 with no capsule. just sayin.

I think George hit on it Hunter. 100 mph in a open boat is quite fast.
The Pro's only had 500's and up going that fast when they were forced to
go capsule --several other classes have been running that fast in open boats
and it is only a matter of time. Plenty will say i'll quit before i run a capsule
well to them i say better you do not race than be put in the ground.(get told all the time every year at Pro Commish meeting, make capsules safer for same reasons, you could get killed)
Dave is also right cost to go faster can be hard.

Pat Wright

[mercguy]

i think if some boat builders would offer a good hull/ kit for feh,,, it would grow also,,,maybe mrc????,,,,deff a shortage of good porpose built boats for the v-rude,,,,

The best FEH boat builder on the West Coast is in Oregon.......Larry Darneille......I'm sure he will gladly build anyone a QUALITY well built boat that won't fall apart.....