Legal or not?

[Big Don]

First let me say I’m not picking on these guys but they are great examples of the question.

In talking to someone on the SORC this summer about boat numbers they felt they do meet the rule. I on the other hand do not. I also said I would not throw someone out if I could read them.

Are these numbers legal per our rule book?

Ok since several of you seemed to be concerned about if I got permission to use that picture I decide to delete it.

All I’m trying to do is clarify the rule in the rule book so everyone understands it.

So let’s try this…if the number in the picture below were on the side of a hydro or runabout and it had 1 inch of black around each number would they be legal?

I have been told by some that no they would not be. That the black has to be one solid black color not outlined. I said the black is solid and all the black is attached. Their argument is the intent of the rule means that it has to be solid and no other wood or color can be between them.

[crfabbro2F]

They appear legal. Height, colors, and size look ok, but background hard to tell if at least 1 inch. This rule does leave a little interpretation by the "if space permits" part.

[Tim Weber]

Nope, they are not legal for stock.

You MUST have an all white background with black or an all black background with white. I would hope they would be tossed. The scorers can not SAFELY read them.

Am I being a little sarcastic? Darren's boat is obvoiusly easy to read but technically he is not legal.

Tim

[dwilderacer]

I don't get it sometimes!?!

My family use big numbers and bright boat colors. We want to be easily seen and identified on the course. This is better for spectators, officials and other boats in the race. I don't know why so many people go so stylized, I like the fans, officials and and that guy I just passed to know who I am (as egotistical as that sounds now that I've typed it ).

[pops67g]

Fought that fight....

but the pictured numbers are not legal. Outlined or shadowed numbers are a no-no. Yes, we all feel better if our stuff has a bit more style or originality but why fight it? Give the scorers a break and just do it right. My current profession is vinyl signs and graphics so I like snazzy better than plain however I read the rules and follow them.

[guedo499]

63-R, 100% legal. 7-R, illegal.

7-R's number were redone for the next race and are now legal. 63-R has a solid 1.25" boarder around the numbers, and the background is solid for the entire length and width of the number plate. Take a quick read at the rules, you'll see all they are asking for is a solid background which 63 does have. Where a number plate design of this nature will run into problems is if part of the background is removed, showing the boat's color through the middle of the number plate.

The intent of this rule is for the scorers to be able to read the numbers, not to have a SQUARE, solid backplate. 63's number are 14" tall, that is plenty tall for the scorers to see. 7-R was warned at the legibility the first race these numbers were used - it was fixed by the second race.

[guedo499]

Btw Don, keep being a trouble maker! I'm serious, I'm sure the rule book hasn't been read this much in a very long time. In a couple of weeks, pick a new, not-clear topic and let us discuss it out!

[guedo499]

And really Daren, stop Big-Birding it!

[mercguy]

63-R, 100% legal. 7-R, illegal.

7-R's number were redone for the next race and are now legal. 63-R has a solid 1.25" boarder around the numbers, and the background is solid for the entire length and width of the number plate. Take a quick read at the rules, you'll see all they are asking for is a solid background which 63 does have. Where a number plate design of this nature will run into problems is if part of the background is removed, showing the boat's color through the middle of the number plate.

The intent of this rule is for the scorers to be able to read the numbers, not to have a SQUARE, solid backplate. 63's number are 14" tall, that is plenty tall for the scorers to see. 7-R was warned at the legibility the first race these numbers were used - it was fixed by the second race.

ya, what he said!!! No worries Don, that boat won't be heading East anytime soon to race.......

BTW, if you need anymore pictures of my boats, let me know.......I am glad you were so concerned about my equipment..

[Lee Sutter]

7-R - Legal Numbers?

I own 7-R and the numbers in the picture are NOT LEGAL as the black outline is less then the 1" minimum stroke rule. The rest is legal. I think the rule could be written better, with the following suggestions:
1) Write intent of rule with diagrams of what is and is not legal, and
2) Eliminate the statement "Where Space Permits" from the rules.
Oh, I change the number for the next race.
Respectfully,
Lee

[Jean Mackay]

I own 7-R and the numbers in the picture are NOT LEGAL as the black outline is less then the 1" minimum stroke rule. The rest is legal. I think the rule could be written better, with the following suggestions:
1) Write intent of rule with diagrams of what is and is not legal, and
2) Eliminate the statement "Where Space Permits" from the rules.
Oh, I change the number for the next race.
Respectfully,
Lee

Thanks for your input Lee. We can take your recommendations forward onto the SORC.

The challenge continues to be:
1) How can we, as members, and category commissioners, support the officials entrusted with our rules.?

2) How can we, as members and commissioners, create rules that are enforcable?

Lee . . . if you wany to pm me we can work on verbiage.

[Greg Jacobsen]

Bending The Rules

I own 7-R and the numbers in the picture are NOT LEGAL as the black outline is less then the 1" minimum stroke rule. The rest is legal. I think the rule could be written better, with the following suggestions:
1) Write intent of rule with diagrams of what is and is not legal, and
2) Eliminate the statement "Where Space Permits" from the rules.
Oh, I change the number for the next race.
Respectfully,
Lee

Lee,

Nothing changed in 50 Years - your still "Bending" the rules!!

Love Ya,

Jake

[bill boyes]

Legal or not? If they the Numbers cannot be read by the Scorers/Race Committee you may not be scored.

[Big Don]

I've changed my original post since several were concerned if I got permission to use that picture. Figured the Gleasons wouldn't mind since I've given then several hundred dollers for pictures over the last few years.

But that is ok I'll play by the rules.

BTW...The Gleason's did not complain...it was several others.

[Big Don]

ya, what he said!!! No worries Don, that boat won't be heading East anytime soon to race.......

BTW, if you need anymore pictures of my boats, let me know.......I am glad you were so concerned about my equipment..

Darren, was not worried about your equipment. While looking at Gleason's pictures that just looked like a good picture to use. But obviously it wasn't...My bad.