New Boats for 2013

[Tim Kurcz]

Power trim not needed

The sit down is not practical unless electric choke/start is used: Features my "Super Thunderbolt" does not have. No way I know of to lock a foot throttle for starting, get around a seat, pull a rope, and get the boat on plane with a throttle under the deck. Not double jointed and it just doesn't sound safe.

Back in the 70's I had the chance to drive a "family G" OPC boat. It was a 14' Checkmate with Merc 800 four cyl. Center steer and foot throttle to control persistent V-walk with both hands. No power trim and it planed just fine.

Haven't read the whole rule book, but somewhere it used to refer to "open and free". Also, pretty sure the foot throttle text mentioned was intended for lay down hydros.

[Tim Kurcz]

Very interesting

Foot throttles are legal in stock.. This is from the rule book, first page

SAFETY RULE 5 • OPERATION

1. Locked throttles are prohibited in competition. While getting on plane, drivers must keep one hand on the throttle and one foot in the cockpit. No driver may assume a driving position which requires that he/she remove his/her hand from the throttle. A foot throttle may be used in lieu of a hand throttle, but it must be operated in the manner described for hand throttles.

Another thought is that if you wanted to sit, a power trim might be a good thing, and relative to stock outboard the following applies....

11. Engines must remain firmly clamped and/or bolted to the transom at all times. Stock Outboard hulls utilizing reinforced cockpits with the driver harnessed in a seated position, may use a power trim system. If power trim is used, the propshaft depth shall be measured with the trim in the “full out” position.

So if you want to sit and use power trim you've got to be strapped in, but that might not be a bad thing if getting bounced out is an issue anyway. Just something to think about....

Power trim & seatbelt? I've got to read the rules again. AOK with bolting the engine. Gotta look at definition for reinforced cockpit. Hmmmm. Still makes sense to lake test it before decision making. My plan is still open & free.

[Tim Kurcz]

222 Lbs

Hey Tim, what did the hull weigh?

Much to my surprise, the empty weight is 222 including fuel tanks.

Sanding is done, paint shop Wed....

Tim

[Mini Max]

Tim,

I have Harry Johnson's (oldest Evinrude dealer, Branford Conn.) last outboard, a big four that was his F class Marathon Race engine. It did the Albany to NY and Connecticut river races. He raced a Plasticraft. I was thinking of building up a replica. Any chance they would let my brother and I race the top O Michigan in it? I am a boat builder, not a racer but I think we could handle it without too much trauma to anyone but our old hides.

It was his last engine because I was told he took his entire outboard collection and filled 3 or 4 20 yd skips with them and sold all for scrap. This engine was forgotten under his cottage and was discovered by his daughter. It sounds like a DC-3 on take off.

[Tim Kurcz]

Top-O is a Nationals

Tim,

I have Harry Johnson's (oldest Evinrude dealer, Branford Conn.) last outboard, a big four that was his F class Marathon Race engine. It did the Albany to NY and Connecticut river races. He raced a Plasticraft. I was thinking of building up a replica. Any chance they would let my brother and I race the top O Michigan in it? I am a boat builder, not a racer but I think we could handle it without too much trauma to anyone but our old hides.

It was his last engine because I was told he took his entire outboard collection and filled 3 or 4 20 yd skips with them and sold all for scrap. This engine was forgotten under his cottage and was discovered by his daughter. It sounds like a DC-3 on take off.

It was explained to me that exhibition motors cannot be run at Top-O because it's a national championship (I wanted to run a 45SS with the D's). You might be able to run it with the antiques (river course only), but there's no class for an F. My guess is you're out of luck.

Tim

PS Great story about the engine. Sad that the others went to scrap!

[crfabbro2F]

Hey Tim, have you run this thing yet?

[Tim Kurcz]

Splash down

Hi Chris,

95% of rigging with a 45SS Mod is complete as of yesterday - the Super Thunderbolt is still in boxes. Splash down will be Sunday, or soon thereafter. Cross fingers!

Tim

[george55]

tim'came out great!I see small gussets that will probably keep pad in place. I never asked-is there a skeg? Putting mot/mid back together right now.Where are you running Sunday?

[george55]

OH.I forgot to tell you I have aquired Harry Brinkmans Lathe from his shop! It will get a tune up and continue to turn shafts,pins,bushings etc. for boats ,as it should do.I shall carry on the tradition! I'll get it this week.

[Guest]

Brinkmans machine

Just wondering where you acquired the lathe? When I bought all of Harry Brinkmans engines and parts I acquired his milling machine, tools, fixtures and a lathe that he used to grind cranks. I gave that item to Doug Kay some years back.

Alan

[Guest]

New Boat

Hi Tim,
Boat looks outstanding! It will be fun to hear your report on the performance and handling that's for sure. When you out in front you might want to consider adding some rod holders in that you will have lots of time on your hands.

Alan

[george55]

Alen-I got it from Doug-I'm the guy who used to run with him when he had the bzoat.I had a Ben Hur,then I owned a 145 inboard "lil lectron'-a Ruark boat.Now I got back into it with a850mh.Known Doug since the 70's,did the car thing(got a 55 Bel-Air).I've known about you for long time,we just haven't met.

[Guest]

Great News

Doug found a good home for the item. Hope one day that we get a chance to meet at his place. I have a 75-H with him , four loopers, a 44XS and a bunch of other things.

Alan

[Tim Kurcz]

Accessories

Hey guys,

If you look closely, you'll see ski hooks for tie downs. Never much of a fisherman, the down riggers and rod holders weren't installed - LOL!

Your interest and support is greatly appreciated. I can only hope the hull behaves itself. There are only 2 months to test & get comfortable.

Will report as testing progresses.

Tim

[blueskyracer]

Hey guys,

If you look closely, you'll see ski hooks for tie downs. Never much of a fisherman, the down riggers and rod holders weren't installed - LOL!

Your interest and support is greatly appreciated. I can only hope the hull behaves itself. There are only 2 months to test & get comfortable.

Will report as testing progresses.

Tim

And Pictures too?