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Why not race STOCK runabout equipment?
When I started to race in the 1950s the idea was that stock racing was for factory boats and mototrs that were not especially equipped for racing. I recall motors without quickies in comptetition, not unlike the "36" class that later saw some popularity. Also, the runabouts were truly "utilities" that meant two cockpits with a seat in front. As such, I fished from my AU and even carried my grandmother across the lake for a pleasure spin when I was not in competition.
I read in hydroracer so much controversy about the need for available, affordable and truly stock equipment, and the present need to improvise custom made lower units to stock powerheads. Why not just race engines with the "service" lower units that come as part of the unit? The speeds would be less but perhaps competition might be keener. Maybe there would be more robust fields when people can compete with a truly out of the box engine that can be purchased at local dealers. And, what's wrong with either recoil or even electric start...is this not what "stock" really is, these days? There is ample accomodation for the specialized lower unit and high rpm flywheels in the pro and mod classes.
Some thought might also be given to the runabout hulls that are usd in stock. They really are no longer called utilites. That name was dropped years ago. Even though the term "runabout" is technically a flat bottom craft, the name infers some minimal amount of utility, which is really not there in today's versions. A Boston Whaler and other types of fishing or utility hulls competeing against one another might make for an interesting ride, particularly if this approach yields more competitors in a given class.
A recent exception to the comments above is the stock sport Cs popular in region 11. Even in this case, the engine is no longer for sale new in the US as a complete unit.
During the 60s, when "stock outboard" racing ceased living true to its name, a new breed of racing came along and was for a while, almost stock. It was then called 'outboard pleasure craft" but has since evolved into "outboard performance craft" and is even more specialized than stock outboard.
Today we see "stock" boat competitors with small fields at fewer and fewer races. They do have great speed and are beautiful specialized "runabouts" typically utilized on long, wide courses.
Perhaps a return to STOCK racing would be fun, easier on the older competitors and might also help revitalize our wonderful sport.
When I started to race in the 1950s the idea was that stock racing was for factory boats and mototrs that were not especially equipped for racing. I recall motors without quickies in comptetition, not unlike the "36" class that later saw some popularity. Also, the runabouts were truly "utilities" that meant two cockpits with a seat in front. As such, I fished from my AU and even carried my grandmother across the lake for a pleasure spin when I was not in competition.
I read in hydroracer so much controversy about the need for available, affordable and truly stock equipment, and the present need to improvise custom made lower units to stock powerheads. Why not just race engines with the "service" lower units that come as part of the unit? The speeds would be less but perhaps competition might be keener. Maybe there would be more robust fields when people can compete with a truly out of the box engine that can be purchased at local dealers. And, what's wrong with either recoil or even electric start...is this not what "stock" really is, these days? There is ample accomodation for the specialized lower unit and high rpm flywheels in the pro and mod classes.
Some thought might also be given to the runabout hulls that are usd in stock. They really are no longer called utilites. That name was dropped years ago. Even though the term "runabout" is technically a flat bottom craft, the name infers some minimal amount of utility, which is really not there in today's versions. A Boston Whaler and other types of fishing or utility hulls competeing against one another might make for an interesting ride, particularly if this approach yields more competitors in a given class.
A recent exception to the comments above is the stock sport Cs popular in region 11. Even in this case, the engine is no longer for sale new in the US as a complete unit.
During the 60s, when "stock outboard" racing ceased living true to its name, a new breed of racing came along and was for a while, almost stock. It was then called 'outboard pleasure craft" but has since evolved into "outboard performance craft" and is even more specialized than stock outboard.
Today we see "stock" boat competitors with small fields at fewer and fewer races. They do have great speed and are beautiful specialized "runabouts" typically utilized on long, wide courses.
Perhaps a return to STOCK racing would be fun, easier on the older competitors and might also help revitalize our wonderful sport.
but i am sure that it would make it much easyier to get into racing in the first place. maybe some prop people can tell us if they could build props that could give much greater top end than is currently avalible,given the limitations of thru hub exaust. Ron ? or someone else that understands what it takes to make wheels move boats fast
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