What prop?

[BillCNC]

Pete,

Yeah, ... it's starting to look like their is nothing within reason except to just use them as lake racers. I wouldn't mind another hydro still, ... heck one of my kids could race just me until someone or something decides to release their head from down below, if you catch my drift.

WOW, ... so disappointing to say the least. I feel like a kid who had his balloon popped and his candy stolen.

I guess at some point there will be a silver lining soon as in CHEAP boats, equipment and motors and such for people wanting lake racers. I mean, who would want to store all that stuff for a race or two a year. It takes an enormous amount of space to store all that ... how can it possibly survive?

Bill

[PRO-MOTIONRACING]

"how can it possibly survive"

Over 100 years and counting.

I would bet on over 100 entry's at Cullaby Oregon this weekend including some from Canada, Washington, Nevada, Northern and yes Southern California

I once asked a guy why he moved to Washington from Califonia
his reply... "more boat racing" anyone care to guess if this was you?

[ZUL8TR]

Apba

Unfortunatly some regions are low to none in sanctioned stock outboard events see list below. But as you say there are regions where it is thriving like in the Region 6 and 10 but travel to those is an issue if one lives far away.

Here are the Number of APBA races for 2012, first number is Region, second is number of races:

1-5, 2-3, 3-5, 4-7, 5-1, 6-12, 7-5, 8-0, 9-0, 10-10, 11-5, 12-5, 13-0, 14-2, 15-0, 16-0.

See page 11 section 17.2.12 for Regions Map and states list:

http://www.apba.org/sites/all/files/...%20By-Laws.pdf

Bill

Looks like for 2012 Regions 11 and 12 (include california) were active but not sure how far from you. 2103 might be a different story. But still pick a race that is not to far away and go look and ask Q's.

[BillCNC]

Yup, ... I saw that region 12 has 5 races scheduled for the year.

From my house to the races, round trip = 2003 miles I picked the most conservative figures from google maps.

My truck gets 17 miles MPG = $471. 29 Again, a conservative figure for California at $4.00 a gallon.

Now you figure $2,000 - $3,000 for decent to GOOD boat and motor? Not sure.

$1,500 - $2,000 for a multi-boat trailer, ... and that's used.

$1,000 for a helmet and Jacket.

Whats the cost of APBA?

Whats the cost of entry fees?

Now, ... I ask you all this question, ... ALL this money, for 5 races per year assuming it wont DROP below 5 races per year, ... Is it really worth it?

Sorry, ... but I'm just not seeing it, ... can someone please show me where I am wrong?

I got an email from someone reading this post offering me a deal on a racing rig and I'm sure the $$$$ in the ball park, ... but after doing the calculations, ... I cant see justifying half that amount for 5 races a year.

Heck, I had just given away about $2,000 in camping gear which I store in the rafters and it wasn't in the way at all. But I just couldn't justify keeping it for 3-4 outings a year, and I'm supposed to store a couple of boats, trailer, motors, boat dollies, safety gear and everything else that goes with it, ... At this point, ... I think not.

I think I just came to the realization, ... I would just own lake racers.

Bill

[ZUL8TR]

races

Bill

The reality is to race you have to move to Region 6 or 10 to get enough races or travel a hell of alot. Really you make good points based on the $$ side of it.

Just enjoy lake running and tinkering with them with your son and .

Pete

[bill boyes]

Where do you plan on using the boat as a Lake Racer? You Live near Victorville/Barstow. No lakes around there. Maybe travel to the River at Needles. Or maybe go up the hill to Big Bear. So your mileage costs are all wet.

[BillCNC]

Where do you plan on using the boat as a Lake Racer? You Live near Victorville/Barstow. No lakes around there. Maybe travel to the River at Needles. Or maybe go up the hill to Big Bear. So your mileage costs are all wet.

Bill,

I live in Hesperia, it's south of Victorville. I go to Lake Silverwood, ... which is only 18.4 miles from me. Or, ... there is Big Bear Lake as you stated, but it's 48 miles. Silverwood is perfect as it's right at the edge of the mountains and the desert floor. It's tucked in so the wind blowing to much is rare. I'd go this weekend, but it's going to be 106, ... I'll pass.

Bill

[stevegray]

boat racing

Love it or leave it, if it was easy everyone would be doing it!

[BillCNC]

Love it or leave it, if it was easy everyone would be doing it!

Steve,

You missed the point entirely.

Bill

[stevegray]

Hey Bill, I got your point, it sounds like financially, practical, which is cool, but by your post's, you seem to be giving up before you even hit the first turn, like I've stated before, get to a race, run what you brung, and take it from there, you never know, you might like it. I've run at races before, where I barely had enough cash to get there, and pay for entry fees, but I ALWAYS SEEMED to make it home, and have ablast no matter how I finished running, You will not find a better group of people, Then BOAT RACERS. If you don't have the safety gear, or trailer, throw the boat on the roof, show up and be amazed at how people will welcome you, us boat racers need you as much as you need us!

[trident]

Dewald

why not just call Craig De Wald, he's a very well know prop builder, very knowledgeble, overall good guy and likes to help new guys

Ditto on Dewald.

And, a good prop is a good prop. On one of our smaller river courses, I ran a three blade DU wheel, for punch and control on my EMH. Won both heats. Came in, put it on my wife's 102, she won CSH. Go figure.

Tell Craig what you have, and you want a good 'play' prop for an older boat. I'm sure he'll have something that won't break the budget.

Jerry

[BillCNC]

I sent an email to Dewald and one to Ron Hill.

Does anyone know how to decipher Dewald Numbers?

Thanks
Bill

[BillCNC]

Steve,

I REALLY would love to start racing, I really would. But in region 12 the action is just not there. 5 races for the year. 2 of them Sandiego and Long Beech are in salt water.

So for me in region 12, it doesn't seem logical at this point. I know the Hill's go practice at Lake Irvine, So I think I'll go check that out and ask him about the racing situation in region 12.

I'm definitely not giving up the hydro, to much fun and I'd like to try my hand at designing one for myself. I will still press on, have fun and try to develop some decent driving skills in case I do end up trying to race. I know driving by myself (not alone) isn't the same thing, but at least it's something.

Bill

[bill boyes]

I sent an email to Dewald and one to Ron Hill.

Does anyone know how to decipher Dewald Numbers?

Thanks
Bill

Nope.Craig has a book, or better I should say many books that has all the info. It is not on the prop. You can call him give the letter and nbr and he will look it up and tell you.

[BillCNC]

Bill,

Boy, That makes it kind of tough trying to buy used props without pestering the poor guy, doesn't it? I'd hate to have call him everytime I saw one up for sale.

Bill