New guy here, seeking guidance

[bostonhydro]

hello everyone, nice board you have here.
I have been given a half built clark craft wetback 10, and decided to finish it and race my rookie season this year. I am a professional marine technician and have the skills to build it right. I weigh 180 lbs and am 6 ft tall. I know this hull design is old but I am modifying it to remove the shovel nose in favor of the pickle fork. I also plan on using carbon fiber and kevlar in key areas to improve strenth and rigidity . What I'm unsure of is what engine class I should run in. any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance, dave kraus

[HRTV]

hello everyone, nice board you have here.
I have been given a half built clark craft wetback 10, and decided to finish it and race my rookie season this year. I am a professional marine technician and have the skills to build it right. I weigh 180 lbs and am 6 ft tall. I know this hull design is old but I am modifying it to remove the shovel nose in favor of the pickle fork. I also plan on using carbon fiber and kevlar in key areas to improve strenth and rigidity . What I'm unsure of is what engine class I should run in. any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance, dave kraus

Dave,

Welcome aboard its great to see new blood and new ideas come into the sport. Now the bad news some HR members might disagree with me but I would not even start on the Clark Craft project unless you intend to use the hull as a lake play toy in which case it will be just fine for a weekend cottage on the lake.

If you want to get your feet wet in the real racing arena SO MOD PRO find your self a nice used rig and start from there. Let us know what part of the country you are located in and we can help from there.

[bostonhydro]

oh no

I was afraid of that, I am curious about what is wrong with that hull, I plan on racing SO, am I too heavy to run the fifteens, what about a yamato 302? what group would that put me in? I live near boston MA

[kws]

to be truthfull. in my mind that would mostly depend on what it wieghs when you are finished with the changes. sorry not much help i know. the web site states it should weigh 175 pounds with hardware less motor. i would look for a class that the boat with changes, plus motor for that class, plus your weight.equals or is near the min. weight for that class. hope this helps. Better yet go to races close bofore you start on the boat, meet people and see if there are not other mods you might want to do

[HRTV]

I was afraid of that, I am curious about what is wrong with that hull, I plan on racing SO, am I too heavy to run the fifteens, what about a yamato 302? what group would that put me in?

The hull is old and outdated and will not be safe for the speeds that are run in todays classes. Your weight is not a problem at all but yes it is a bit over weight for the smaller 15hp classes, you would fit nicely into CSH and above.

I would urge you to put your wallet away and first show up to the local races in your area, take notes and talk to the drivers even ask for a test ride in the class that sparks your attention.

Where exactly are you located ?

[HRTV]

I was afraid of that, I am curious about what is wrong with that hull, I plan on racing SO, am I too heavy to run the fifteens, what about a yamato 302? what group would that put me in? I live near boston MA

Lets see if we can find you a local mentor since you are totaly green and will need the guidance of a seasoned member to help you avoid some the pitfalls of making a bad decision. I will try to get you in touch with Mr. Bill Giles please PM me your contact number. Anyone else in Dave's area please feel free to chime in or contact him through this thread or HR PM.

[bostonhydro]

I see

I live in North Quincy, Sqauntum to be exact. I already put together a workshop and built a nice jig for this thing so maybe I could finish it simply put a fifteen on it and sell to buy a nicer kit, I really want to get into building these. I've been to races before and was really into it. I work for a mercury dealer and have connections at the factory, what classes run merc engines in SO?

[HRTV]

I live in North Quincy, Sqauntum to be exact. I already put together a workshop and built a nice jig for this thing so maybe I could finish it simply put a fifteen on it and sell to buy a nicer kit, I really want to get into building these. I've been to races before and was really into it. I work for a mercury dealer and have connections at the factory, what classes run merc engines in SO?

I just sent Bill Giles a email and CC'd you lets see if he can give you hand local.

[aojesus]

You have some top notch racers in your area! They are great guys to share information with. Dan will hook you up, or they will see your post and respond. I have to agree with Dan about finding something safer and better suited. Welcome aboard!

[Gunjumper]

Calling Laurie Allen, your brother is about the best in the business, I still learn a thing or two from Billy every weekend! Can you help this guy out? Greg

[HRTV]

Calling Laurie Allen, your brother is about the best in the business, I still learn a thing or two from Billy every weekend! Can you help this guy out? Greg

Good call Greg, between Billy Allen and Bill Giles he will get the best advice there is.

[bostonhydro]

Billy Allen lives up the street from me! sweet, I'll try not to be a pain in the ass Billy

[Fast Jack]

SSOA is your local Club

SSOA is the club to join . Billy lives just a short distance from you, there are 4 races in the works for this season within Maine -MA -and Nh. Bill Giles and Bob Oconnor are two great boat builders , one near Taunton ( Bill ) and one in Farmington Maine( BOB ), If I can help out give me a call , 207 636 2563 Shawn in Maine.

[L. Allen]

Dave,
How long have you been in Squantum? We grew up there. Do you know my brother Bill?
Laurie Allen

[Bill Huson]

I ran a 15 at 180 pounds . . .

Course it was a Hot Rod 15. Boat & motor weighed 142 lbs. I was on minimum weight at 180, had to add lead whenever I trimmed down. Even ran an OMC A (15) at 180 pounds, but the boat, nicknamed "Puffa Dust", was beadboard foam and very thin skinned and weighed about 65 pounds w/hardware.

Anyhoo - contact your local racers (Allen/Giles/et al) and latch on to a good boat and engine. Mercury nameplate has a 255ss and a D motor, but dollarwise I'd go for a Yamato class = 20ssH or CSH. More bang for the buck!