Yamato 302, new driver

[mcb394]

I'm in the market for a couple 302's and I was hoping you guys could shed some light on a new driver.

They are advertised as new. But as I understand it they are raced in Japan and factory rebuilt before being sold in North America. Is this true? If so what exactly goes into the rebuild? Do they just spit shine them and test them or is there a total overhaul done? This is probably why resale is so high, they are actually used engines, correct? They likely wouldnt let them be shipped here with a leaky gearfoot or bad compression though.

Is a fair dealer price on a new one around $2100USD, or does anyone go less than/greater than 2100? Where is the best place to buy from(any Canadian dealers)?

They don't have engine cowlings, why? Can I get anything to cover them up?

I've never actually been to a race, how loud are they? I ask because the only real time we get much calm water on the lake to boot around on is early morning, will I wake up the whole lake at 7:30-8AM? I assume the exhaust is above water.

I appreciate the info from anyone willing to help me out.
Cheers
Mike

[RandY Aveline]

perhaps you would learn a lot and have a great time in going to a race or 2
just buying and running on your local lake may get you hurt if you dont know what to expect and this is the way to learn what to expect ! if you are not
careful you can get hurt real fast

almost all of the seasoned racers have gotten dumped in the drink it seems to happen when you least expect it and are trying to find that elusive speed that it takes to get out front on the ragged edge

here is a link that will help you to find a race in your area possibly

http://www.apba-racing.com/index.html

http://www.apba-racing.com/apps/race_schedule/index.php

they second link above will take you the the race calender and that is where you select a region and category

go there and click on events then choose a region that is close to you and choose a category in this case stock outboard the yamatos are ran in stock and modified outboard mostly
there is also a pro class that races the yamato engines
as far as a cover all you need is the usually red looking box cover on the front that protects the carburetor and ignition from getting hosed down in a race
in my opinion they are not all tha loud but then again we have mod engines and with the open tuned exhaust they are ear splitting loud
that would probably be a good motor to run on your local lake and not get the law called on you
but please do find and go to some races and ask the guys there that race the yamatos they will be glad to help out a new man get involved

also check out the buy and sell area of these forums at times you can get a feel for prices on motors and decent used boats trailers , all safety gear etc

hope this helps some good luck have fun and make sure you got some 1 in a tow boat ready to get you back to shore just in case
Randy

[reed28n]

302

This web page is a great source for motors. Check with TJ, Jerry Davids, Bob Goller, Rick Montoya, Darrel Sorenson (all available at this site) they probably know most of the motors out there. The fortunate thing about 302's there aren't too many that have been hacked up yet so most motors you will find are likely legal.

Remember the "new" motors need a kill switch wired, gear case needs to be shaped and the prop shaft needs to be changed to accomodate available propellers 9/16".....So buying a used motor from someone in the states maybe better than buying a freshly imported one because those are used also....

[silvermerc]

yamoto 302

I am also new to this after about a 30 year absence. As far as i know, I believe it is a complete rebuild. In Japan they use them for drag racing for bets like we bet on horses. A new rebuilt runs $3000 so if you can get one for $2100 go for it. I have seen some used for $2000. Of course you never know how "used" they are. I saw one at a race from a guy I believed would be reputable. He wanted $2000. He said they only thing he did to it was have the head milled. i don't know why. .Perhaps he dunked it and warped it. But I wouldn't be afraid to buy from him. If you learn more let me know. Let me know if I am all wet also.

silvermerc

[Tim Sidor]

Where are you located? Canada ?

I'm in the market for a couple 302's and I was hoping you guys could shed some light on a new driver.

They are advertised as new. But as I understand it they are raced in Japan and factory rebuilt before being sold in North America. Is this true? If so what exactly goes into the rebuild? Do they just spit shine them and test them or is there a total overhaul done? This is probably why resale is so high, they are actually used engines, correct? They likely wouldnt let them be shipped here with a leaky gearfoot or bad compression though.

Is a fair dealer price on a new one around $2100USD, or does anyone go less than/greater than 2100? Where is the best place to buy from(any Canadian dealers)?

They don't have engine cowlings, why? Can I get anything to cover them up?

I've never actually been to a race, how loud are they? I ask because the only real time we get much calm water on the lake to boot around on is early morning, will I wake up the whole lake at 7:30-8AM? I assume the exhaust is above water.

I appreciate the info from anyone willing to help me out.
Cheers
Mike

Mike, Michigan Hydroplane Racing Association has a Racers School in September at Grass Lake ,Michigan on September 10th. Friday if you are interested in getting your feet wet. Let me know and I can contact you about the details if you would like.

Welcome, Tim Sidor

[mdaspit]

Hey guys- Just last year I bought a new 302. $2100 sounds about right, but depending on where you are, you will more than likely need to pay shipping costs. As has already been said, you'll need to have it wired for a kill switch, and have the prop shaft changed to a smaller 9/16 in. size, because most all the american props are that size.

Those things are really no big deal and be done for you before you even take ownership.

To answer your other questions, they are very quiet, and I don't think you are going to wake anybody up in the morning. When you dry fire them on the beach, they will have a "ring-ding" to them, but they are quiet on the water.

They don't have cowling, because they are dedicated race engines, and "you don't need no stinking cowling." Just adds weight, and something that could fly off and cause a problem.

Also, to be legal, you can't run them as a fishing motor, because they don't meet EPA standards.

They are great motors and you don't have to be a wizard to keep them going.
What I understand is that they are low compression motors, and low reving for how they are built, so they aren't a finicky, prima donna, high reving queen.

Kind of like an ugly girl, very loyal and won't let you down.

[jeff55v]

Look up "Kyotei" on YouTube. You'll get a good idea about how they race these motors in Japan.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAN5B-5tUjI