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For there to be a future in Stock Outboard racing, everyone involved must understand its history. The following questions, as well as other questions, need to be asked and answered before the sport can move forward. The reason why I say this is because we need a plan or a set of goals to continuely strive for to keep the sport around for years to come. This can be accomplished by either staying true to the original plan or we need to create a new plan.
Why was Stock Outboard created?
Stock Outboard was created because there was an interest and a need for an entry level, grass roots, even-playing field type of boat racing. Boat racers wanted to be able to purchase equipment and not have to modify the equipment to go racing.
Who created Stock Outboard?
Mercury Outboard, most notably, Karl Keikauffer (spelling) who was the owner of Mercury Outboard, created Stock Outboard Racing.
What engines were used in Stock Outboard?
[I]Standard fishing engines in the 15HP, 20HP, 30HP, and 40HP ranges were utilized.
What hull types were legal?
Both Hydroplanes and Runabouts were legal hulls but had to be raced separate from one another.
Who built the hulls?
Numerous boat builders were available, such as; Sid Craft, Rinker, etc… as well as the do-it-yourself home builder.
How did someone purchase equipment such as engines, hulls, and safety equipment?
Engines could be purchased through Mercury Outboard. Hulls could be purchased through the various builders or built yourself. Not sure on safety equipment.
What restrictions were imposed on the engines, hulls and safety equipment?
Engines had to remain in their stock form. Meaning, no modifications could be made to the engine. Hulls had to meet strict length, height and width measurement that pertained to each individual class. Specific lifejacket and helmet had to be worn in order to participate in a race.
How was the general public exposed to Stock Outboard Racing and the equipment?
???
What changes has Stock Outboard gone through over the years? And, how have these changes led us to what we know of Stock Outboard Racing today?
More than one engine manufacturer has produced race engines. These companies include; Mercury, OMC, Hot Rod, and Yamato. Hull types have changes from being a pleaure boat, or more of a modified pleasure boat to full fledge racing hulls. Measurement restrictions have become more stringent to certain hull types and some measurements have become less stringent. More safety gear has become mandatory such as; cut-resistant pants and sleeves, automatic shut-off switches, etc… Classes have been added to the overall program of racing. When Stock Outboard started, there was an A, B, C, and D class structure. Now, we have a J, A, AXS, B, 20, 25, C, and D class structure. Motor manufacturers have come and gone, most notable Mercury outboard no longer produces race engines for Stock Outboard Racing and neither does OMC. Hot Rod has been recently purchased and is in the process of reproducing race engines and Yamato currently produces race engines for Stock Outboard Racing. Because of these changes, we have race boats that are trickier to drive for the new racer, multiple classes that serve the same size driver, and a higher expense to purchase racing equipment if starting new. Keeping in mind that it's hard to put a price on safety and I applaud those who have been instrumental in continuing to improve safety within the sport.
How has society and changes in society changed Stock Outboard?
When Stock Outboard began, there were not as many options for people who were looking to go fast or race a boat. However, today there are many options with some of these options being readably available and affordable. There are now more families that must have both parents working just to pay bills leaving less time and money for hobbies. Kids are more involved in sports and recreational activities of all kinds. Again, leaving less time for certain hobbies, i.e. boat racing. More and more homes are being built on lake front property making it more difficult to secure a lake for an entire weekend of racing.
So, how do we look at this information and move forward? I suggest we, Stock Outboard, get back to the basic of offering the sport of Stock Outboard Racing for the average person who does not want to tinker with equipment and wants to be able to purchase equipment that will be competitive right out of the box. Also, I suggest we offer a smaller class structure comprised of a J, A, B, C, and D classes. What would this do to our race day schedule? It would create a shorter race day and hopefully a fuller field of boats in every class. This would make our racing more appealing to possible sponsorship and potential race fans, which could make our sport more affordable and easier to attrack new racers. This could also provided some time for testing at each event or more race heats during the day for each class. How do we achieve this when we have racers who, would all of a sudden, have equipment they currently race become exempt? We could either A; cut them out of the class structure entirely, which I do not think is fair. Or, B; combine equipment, into the above stated class structure, according to the engines cubic inches. This would certainly pit different manufactured engines against one another, which might also allow for one particular engine being dominant over another. A competition committee could be set-up to monitor this and make adjustments as needed or nothing at all could be done. However, by combining current equipment all present racers and their equipment would still have a class to race in. This could also allow for new engines to be introduced into a class without leaving an older production engine or engines out. The racers could choose the engine of their choice and race in a class they were most suited for. There could even be a new type of racing engine produced by means of a universal tower and gear foot with any brand of powerhead available as long as it met the cubic inch requirements. The tower housing and gear foot could be produced and purchased through current suppliers and power heads could be purchased new through your local marine or used through other means. Neither one of the options stated would be an easy transition, however either one could be instated and would work. The bottom line is to first define or redefine what Stock Outboard Racing is and should be and work from there. We have a great sport that is not in that bad of shape. We simply need to get back to the basics and work hard to make a plan of action and make that plan of action work.
PS-Some of my information stated above could be elaborated on more thoroughly or more correctly by those who know more about the history of Stock Outboard, which would give us a better understanding of our roots. Maybe, someone with that knowledge can start a thread or post that information in this thread for all to read and understand. Lets come together and continue to move the sport of Stock Outboard Racing forward and into the future.
Why was Stock Outboard created?
Stock Outboard was created because there was an interest and a need for an entry level, grass roots, even-playing field type of boat racing. Boat racers wanted to be able to purchase equipment and not have to modify the equipment to go racing.
Who created Stock Outboard?
Mercury Outboard, most notably, Karl Keikauffer (spelling) who was the owner of Mercury Outboard, created Stock Outboard Racing.
What engines were used in Stock Outboard?
[I]Standard fishing engines in the 15HP, 20HP, 30HP, and 40HP ranges were utilized.
What hull types were legal?
Both Hydroplanes and Runabouts were legal hulls but had to be raced separate from one another.
Who built the hulls?
Numerous boat builders were available, such as; Sid Craft, Rinker, etc… as well as the do-it-yourself home builder.
How did someone purchase equipment such as engines, hulls, and safety equipment?
Engines could be purchased through Mercury Outboard. Hulls could be purchased through the various builders or built yourself. Not sure on safety equipment.
What restrictions were imposed on the engines, hulls and safety equipment?
Engines had to remain in their stock form. Meaning, no modifications could be made to the engine. Hulls had to meet strict length, height and width measurement that pertained to each individual class. Specific lifejacket and helmet had to be worn in order to participate in a race.
How was the general public exposed to Stock Outboard Racing and the equipment?
???
What changes has Stock Outboard gone through over the years? And, how have these changes led us to what we know of Stock Outboard Racing today?
More than one engine manufacturer has produced race engines. These companies include; Mercury, OMC, Hot Rod, and Yamato. Hull types have changes from being a pleaure boat, or more of a modified pleasure boat to full fledge racing hulls. Measurement restrictions have become more stringent to certain hull types and some measurements have become less stringent. More safety gear has become mandatory such as; cut-resistant pants and sleeves, automatic shut-off switches, etc… Classes have been added to the overall program of racing. When Stock Outboard started, there was an A, B, C, and D class structure. Now, we have a J, A, AXS, B, 20, 25, C, and D class structure. Motor manufacturers have come and gone, most notable Mercury outboard no longer produces race engines for Stock Outboard Racing and neither does OMC. Hot Rod has been recently purchased and is in the process of reproducing race engines and Yamato currently produces race engines for Stock Outboard Racing. Because of these changes, we have race boats that are trickier to drive for the new racer, multiple classes that serve the same size driver, and a higher expense to purchase racing equipment if starting new. Keeping in mind that it's hard to put a price on safety and I applaud those who have been instrumental in continuing to improve safety within the sport.
How has society and changes in society changed Stock Outboard?
When Stock Outboard began, there were not as many options for people who were looking to go fast or race a boat. However, today there are many options with some of these options being readably available and affordable. There are now more families that must have both parents working just to pay bills leaving less time and money for hobbies. Kids are more involved in sports and recreational activities of all kinds. Again, leaving less time for certain hobbies, i.e. boat racing. More and more homes are being built on lake front property making it more difficult to secure a lake for an entire weekend of racing.
So, how do we look at this information and move forward? I suggest we, Stock Outboard, get back to the basic of offering the sport of Stock Outboard Racing for the average person who does not want to tinker with equipment and wants to be able to purchase equipment that will be competitive right out of the box. Also, I suggest we offer a smaller class structure comprised of a J, A, B, C, and D classes. What would this do to our race day schedule? It would create a shorter race day and hopefully a fuller field of boats in every class. This would make our racing more appealing to possible sponsorship and potential race fans, which could make our sport more affordable and easier to attrack new racers. This could also provided some time for testing at each event or more race heats during the day for each class. How do we achieve this when we have racers who, would all of a sudden, have equipment they currently race become exempt? We could either A; cut them out of the class structure entirely, which I do not think is fair. Or, B; combine equipment, into the above stated class structure, according to the engines cubic inches. This would certainly pit different manufactured engines against one another, which might also allow for one particular engine being dominant over another. A competition committee could be set-up to monitor this and make adjustments as needed or nothing at all could be done. However, by combining current equipment all present racers and their equipment would still have a class to race in. This could also allow for new engines to be introduced into a class without leaving an older production engine or engines out. The racers could choose the engine of their choice and race in a class they were most suited for. There could even be a new type of racing engine produced by means of a universal tower and gear foot with any brand of powerhead available as long as it met the cubic inch requirements. The tower housing and gear foot could be produced and purchased through current suppliers and power heads could be purchased new through your local marine or used through other means. Neither one of the options stated would be an easy transition, however either one could be instated and would work. The bottom line is to first define or redefine what Stock Outboard Racing is and should be and work from there. We have a great sport that is not in that bad of shape. We simply need to get back to the basics and work hard to make a plan of action and make that plan of action work.
PS-Some of my information stated above could be elaborated on more thoroughly or more correctly by those who know more about the history of Stock Outboard, which would give us a better understanding of our roots. Maybe, someone with that knowledge can start a thread or post that information in this thread for all to read and understand. Lets come together and continue to move the sport of Stock Outboard Racing forward and into the future.
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