BSR Sidewinder

[csh2z]

The Sidewinder "A"is well on its way to completion as are the "15" & "B". I'm sure this ommission was an error. The steering committee has already proposed this class structure, as well as the transition plan for each class, at the LA National Meeting and the the SORC voted overwhelmingly to approve it. The only additions are the current 25SSH & 45SST. Those two classes were left alone to grow or eventually be eliminated (there is currently no timetable for these two classes). The Steering Committee plan will be published in Propeller Magazine. Hydroracer is not the official medium for Stock Outboard nor should it be. These arguments on this website need to stop. This is a great place for us to communicate, and debate is ok but many times it goes too far. Let's use this site to enhance our sport and have some fun. Sorry, I digress. John Runne 2-Z

[G Stillwill]

Ryan needs to stop using mt beer cans to mix the West in sooner or later
he will drink out of the wrong one, just kidding but couldnt resist
But on a positive note it is a good plan for the future.

[Tim Weber]

I started this thread to see what people thought about what type of runabout we should run with the 20 cu side winder. What size, weight, fin configuration etc.

This thread was not started to discuss class structure. The 2-Z wins today's award for keeping the eye on the prize.

My beloved 302 restricted 25ssr ride is going away. Most of the 25ssr participants are in the same " boat ". I just would like to hear from drivers who are considering this new motor and from guys who ran the old 20 cu Hot Rod. I have personally driven every stock runabout class except a "B"
and I have no real idea what to expect out of this ride when it comes to be.

What do you all think?

Tim

[MGallagher]

I remember taking a ride in my uncles 20 ci runabout when i was about 7 or 8 in the local salty tidal river, and that was it, i was hooked. I think the rule should state 9'6" boat(min.), 40" wide(min.), 380 for weight and bottom fin only. You CAN slide your way around a turn without a side fin.

I can't wait for the new motor, I think I am about 13th in line. Wooo-Hooo!

I ultimately plan on buying the whole armada of "Sidewinder" hot rods!

And if your not a racer and want to start this is the motor you got to get, tons of control at the throttle!

This is not a plug, just the truth.

[jsilvestri]

I've raced ASR, BSR (15ss), and currently race CSR. I'd like to see the new B sidewinder on a 10-1/2' boat open to side fin or bottom fin designs. I've raced both side fin and roll-up runabouts and prefer the roll-up boats but having nothing against the side fin boats and racers. If the new B class was made a roll-up class only I do believe it would hurt participation as there are fewer and fewer new or existing racers racing the roll-ups. There is a true art to successfully driving the roll-up boats and I do believe there are less people who want to invest the time to properly learn how to drive them. This is obvious with the number of drivers who race hydros versus runabouts. Do not kill the class before its ever reborn.

[22W]

Jeez Joe, driving a side fin runabout is BORING! If you want to be bored or lack the talent, stay in a hydro. (Not you Joe, just a general comment.) We need a medium runabout class. If you want to drive a flat turning tub, stick with CSR. Add a ton of weight if you have to. If you are a little guy, stick with ASR/15SSR. Right now we have a bunch of classes that are tailored to a 165lb guy. For the love of the boat racing gods, lets fill in the gap! I race CSR because I have to. But I am eagerly looking forward to hitting the gym to fit my large arse into a roll-up BSR. I think Matt and many others can't wait to do the same.

[ryan_4z]

Why would we leave the A classes with only an engine that is out of production? I thought the whole point of the Sidewinder was to replace all of the "two cylinder" classes? If there is not going to be a Sidewinder for the A Classes, then we should restrict the OMC so that the Mercury is the engine of choice (or at least competitive, like in the AX classes).

Ed,

This ommission was intentional. I was simply trying to paint a picture of what our basic class structure could look like 5 years from now. At that point I actually see the A class transitioning to the new Sidewinder. I would also think that the 25xs(restricted most likely) would run with the 20 Sidewinder in BSR. As well as the Yamato 80 in BSH. The class structure I posted, is what you sell the new guy. Those should be the motors you can go win with, as we slowly phase out the OMC, Merc 25, and Y80. Maybe 8 years from now, we will be transitioning from the Yamatos to the "new" Sidewinder C. No matter what, if we plan for it now, it will be much easier to make happen then.

[MGallagher]

What, are you saying I gotta hit the gym Ryan!

[Haüenstein]

I agree with Joe S. that it should be open to side fins. Times have changed. Ryan — you could run a roll-up against full fields of flat turners and be just fine. Just a little bit wetter. Now you and Matt have fun at the gym you crazy kids!

[csh2z]

Although most of the hardcore longtime runabout drivers may want to roll'em up, that could be a deterrant to new drivers and the growth potential. Remember that Racing Outboards needs to make money through sales volume or it won't be around for long. The class weight should be about 385 lbs. for both runabout and hydros. My opinion. John 2-Z

[dholt]

Little history...

I ran the old 20ci Hot Rod in the late 80's. It was a rocket compared to the 15ci Hot Rod. Way more punch. Was running 63mph and we were slow. The 15ci runs about 57-58 right now.

We had a true BSR Austin...and it is definitely needed. So, find a rule book from the 80's and check the dimensions/weight for BSR. That's what the boat/class needs to be.

Don't think current ASR boats will handle a 20ci motor. That is NOT what we want people to run. Not enough boat. Especially if you want to put a side fin on it.

Yes, in the old days people ran their KG4 ASR and 20H BSR on same boat, but times have changed.

Obviously, running an OMC and 15ci Hot Rod on the same boat is currently no problem...and would probably still be fine with the new Sidewinders.

[T Chance]

I started this thread to see what people thought about what type of runabout we should run with the 20 cu side winder. What size, weight, fin configuration etc.



Tim

Way-back-when I ran a B Alky Hot Rod on a 10-6 DeSilva. 24" bottom. The boat weighed about 130 pounds and at that time, so did I. The fin was attached to the middle of the bottom where God intended it to be (I think it is one of the commandments, but I can't remember which one - maybe a psalm). The boat ran real nice. I also ran an A Konig and a Stock 20H on the boat. I tried a B Konig once. Only once. My guess is that the new stock Sidewinder will make about the same horsepower as the old Hot Rod on fuel.

[Dave M]

Current Comparrison

I currently race a side fin runabout in E R and also S E R. In the class there is both roll up and side fins. We don't have an issue running together. In my opinion it is fun. I learned my lesson right away, roll ups dig holes. No big deal, just drive the thing.

So at 80 MPH they mix fine. I would imagine at 50 MPH they would mix fine as well, if not better. You can get away with a lot more mistakes at 50 than you can at 80.

Just my opinion.

[Dominc24Q]

Today's BSR is the best class on the water. It might be that i run the class but i think i am Speaking for just about anyone who has ever driven a BSR. I believe that one of the reasons it is such a great class is because there are no side finns. There is nothing like going to the first turn with 12 competitive BSR's and rolling it up 3-4 wide with no fear of a side fin boat coming in from the outside cutting off half the field. The thing with bottom finns is they are easier to drive then people think and you have total control over the boat. I feel safer in my BSR then any other class because of the side finn. You can make a right or left to avoid trouble in and instance with out fear of crashing. With a 10 foot boat, a 200 pound guy, a 20 C.I. hot rod and a bottom finn there will be alot of excited drivers out there and a lot more people racing BSR.

[ryan_4z]

That's what I'm talking about Dom, real runabout racing!! The way they used to do it in the old days.