Composite cockpit sides at work

[Composite Specialties]

Testing

I have two different samples that passed Ziggy's test. One using 3/8" foam core that passed the 2100 newtons test and the other that used 5/8" foam core that passed the 3000 newton test. I will be using the 3000 newton layup for all of my Pro boats cockpit sides and safety cells that I build.

[raceright]

I have two different samples that passed Ziggy's test. One using 3/8" foam core that passed the 2100 newtons test and the other that used 5/8" foam core that passed the 3000 newton test. I will be using the 3000 newton layup for all of my Pro boats cockpit sides and safety cells that I build.

We are looking to buy a new capsule boat for 2008 season to put a 500or 700 on gonna retire the Fire Wagon but new boat will still be called Fire Wagon. (II) Need cockpit to be wider as Jim is a big boy. So what do ya say Marc is this a possibility for you If you wish eamil me at Raceright @aol.com

Pat Wright
Top Hydro
because in the end there can only be one

[Dick Tyndall]

Composite coamings...........

Marc, I would be interested in how your 3/8" foam composite sides are made up and what they are composed of............wood, kevlar, foam, epoxy, total thickness, etc.? How each layer is positioned ( wood on outside, foam on inside, kevlar between foam and wood ? ). I have a CSH kit that when I get the use of my right arm back I would like to use composites in the coamings when I am able to start building this. If you would like to send an email to me about this, my email is "rcracerva@yahoo.com " . Thanks

[Composite Specialties]

Composites

Pat, I will email you on your request.

Dick, I will also email you on your info request. I use all composites sides with foam core, no wood except for the very end of the sides where the transom fastens to the sides.

[Big Don]

So what protect the drivers head in these lay down boats other than the helmet. Broach in the corner and the guy behind you takes your head off because that is the only thing sticking up over the side? Doesn't seem safe to me.

We are talking safety correct? Is the current overlap rule in PRO safe? Doesn't seem safe to me.

OK let me have it.

[22W]

Won't come from me Don, we agree on this one. I WANT to fall away from the action, not be held inside of it. That is why I do not race PRO/OPC. Let me dress appropriately and trust me, I know this sport has risk. I have a rather crude tattoo on my foot to prove it.

[Cameraboy]

For those who were at Stock Nationals this year, it is enlightening to see the damage to James' boat compared to Kyle Bahl's D-Stock. Some cockpit penetration compared to obliteration.

[22W]

True, but Kyle was WELL clear of the boat at that point. As a matter of fact, he almost took a gearcase to the head after the other boat went over his and launched over him. Do you think a reinforced cockpit side would have helped that? I was in turn one for that one so I saw the whole thing. Trust me, Kyle's cockpit looked ugly, but it had nothing to do with that accident. If you want to split hairs, maybe a reinforced cockpit would have launched the other boat at a higher angle of attack, causing it to lose momentum. That would have taken more of the energy out of it and maybe Kyle would be wearing a Tohatsu in his helmet.

What I have been saying from the beginning is that you cannot predict every accident and we do NOT want capsules. If YOU do, there may be a 45 or a 500 in your future. This is not meant to be a dig on anybody at all. I just would like to have people remember that stuff happens. If I am going to spend money on safety, I prefer to spend it on the stuff I wear. I think it is much better spent.

[wagner-racing16-s]

Hey Marc can you should me the same email on how to make the composite sides. I know your really busy but i am stuck up in my apartment with nothing to do since my august wreck. O and we just finished are 2nd Roper. My dad seems to have grown very attached to it and doesn't want to let it go so it might become my new 20 or bmh. Gotta love the roper hydro best ride i have ever been in. Also working on getting roper stickers made for advertisment. Hey do you still have the dmod plans you made for Jim Robb. My dad thinks that maybe that hydro might suit him better.


Skippy

[Cameraboy]

Ryan, I was just comparing the result of impact, not accident result - you're right, two different situations, and once you're in the water it's a whole other story.

[Kristi Ellison]

I will not argue with any of you or attmept to change your minds. I have seen some horrific wrecks in PRO with some impressive outcomes which I would directly attribute to the reinforced cockpits. My brothers 250R wreck in the first turn at the Nationals in 06 sealed the deal. The deck was gone but the cockpit was completely intact and he took a hard enough hit at 80-85 mph to rip open the side of the boat. Had it not held I shudder to think

Don
I won't argue the overlap rule but I have learned that once guys really understand it ( and no I am not saying you don't) they like it better. Paul Fushlin gives the best explanantion of the rule. I have learned that a lot of stock guys once they "get it" or see it in action actually think it is safer.

[ian]

My only comment would be, if re-enforced cockpit sides increase the safety margin by more than even.05 percent, how can you argue that? Would Nascar drivers themselves have voted in Hans devices? I doubt it, but they all seem to like them after a wreck. Of course, if it where up to me, we would still have open cockpit 700's.
I'm off to Millville,

[L. Allen]

James has a long recovery ahead of him and we wish him and Cheryl all the best.

The Allen's

[speedracer024]

Just a note to all of this OPC has rounded pickles and reinforced cockpit sides. Does that really make it that much safer??? I'll let you be the judge. The picture is of a Revolution, it was hit by a newer style hoffman, 1994-present, probably a 94 version. I thought revolutions were some of the safest 45's according to that test that was mentioned earlier in the thread.


We need to remember that racing is a dangerous sport, we all choose to take that risk.

[speedracer024]

The boat that hit the revolution. I believe before the wreck it had the proper safety devices.