Tri Hull Racing...

[Ron Hill]

Anyone heard how the Tri Hull season is shaping up? Since Buddy isn't around to write for the Propeller, I haven't heard much.

[Powercat]

Tri-hull photos :)

[Powercat]

A start :)

[Mark75H]

Trihull is practically a one design class; the absolute dominant boat is the old 16 ft Glastron trihull.

Somebody should buy the license to that hull from Glastron and start making it again. I'm sure they have no interest in making it. It is one of the most versatile hulls ever produced. With 125 hp you can snatch 3 skiiers up out of the water fast enough to pull their arms out of their sockets if they aren't teenage atheletes, a family of 6 can go for a comfortable cruise ...... or you can fly it solo at an easy 50 mph.

Go to 160 hp, add a jackplate and custom prop and you can tag 70 mph.

I bet a new light weight version (with modern construction techniques) with a blue printed bottom could go 75.

[Ted March]

Had a 1969 Glastron Swinger, the larger brother of the 16' model. Ran a 125 Merc inline. With a 22" 2 blade Merc Elephant Ear, jacked up about 2" on the transom it would run 52/53 on an Aquameter. Did evrything you said Sam regarding pulling skiers and taking the family for a nice comfortable ride. Great boat.

[Ron Hill]

in Texas there are 16 foot Glastrons everywhere... As Mike Schubert told me, when I wanted to buy one, he said, "Hell Ron, I have three right here you can have." Makes it hard to make them to sell, when they are giving them away!!!!

I've got a 16 footer at Elsinore...just have to figure out who's lot we left it at!!!!

Seems to me, a GREAT CLASS...besides they do have "SEX" appeal...even Todd Bowden likes them "TEXANS".....(Tri Hulls)...

[Tomtall]

We used to have quite a few of the Glastron tri's laying around in boat yards in Michigan.However,most are scrape now do to rotted transoms and floor boards.I was suprised to see this class in the propeller mag..I know the lake I grew up on had lots of tri-hulls,but in rough water I always thought they beat the crap out of you.Thank goodness the boat companys went with v-bottoms in years later.Does look like their having fun racing them though.:eek: Great pictures "PowerCat"! To read more on the classic fiberglass boats go here- http://www.fiberglassics.com/

[MrsWharfRat]

in Texas there are 16 foot Glastrons everywhere... As Mike Schubert told me, when I wanted to buy one, he said, "Hell Ron, I have three right here you can have." Makes it hard to make them to sell, when they are giving them away!!!!

I've got a 16 footer at Elsinore...just have to figure out who's lot we left it at!!!!

Seems to me, a GREAT CLASS...besides they do have "SEX" appeal...even Todd Bowden likes them "TEXANS".....(Tri Hulls)...

Is this one of those Tri-Hulls that I'm wanting Ron? :)

[kevin beaulier]

We have had about four races so far this year. The winners have been Mike Schubert (1 win) and Dustin Terry who is Tony Terry's son (3 wins). We have had three father-son teams racing at the same time. New boats are available through Mike Schubert, but a new boat is not needed to be competitive or to get started. As Bob Schubert said "racing these things is just stupid fun". They are rough and wild but the races are very competitive (usually lots of passing-repassing).

[john miffco]

we have had discussions over and over about new motors.
im open ears to the new motor subject.
how to make it work and keep competition even

originally the class started by takeing an old boat ,motor,bolt in roll cage and go ,,,,
CHEAP and fun entry level racing................

after a couple of yrs the class grew over 15 entrys
and bottoms,floors and transoms were breaking and being held together
with any kind of make shift bracketry to hold it together

now we started building new boats specifically for the class
enclosed top deck,thicker hull and stronger transom ,,,i made 14 so far

now we have a true racing tri hull that holds up
boats are painted and stickerd looking good
with the old motor claimer rule,,,,,,,,still applied

we took a new hull and bolted on a out of the box new omc( 120hp,,, )
disconnected the rev limiter,standard thru hub prop
boat launched out of the hole and guarentee ran minimum 5mph faster
bone stock,,,no fine tuning
now imagine porting,compression,relieving exhaust and racing prop

it would be like the champ boat program,,,,,
people with the money for new boat , motor , money for engine work,custom props would always lead
spend around 15,000 by time finished

and the entry level guy has no chance to compete

CHEAP is gone

with the old motors,,,,only so muck work can be done to them
if you want them to last,,,,,relieve exhaust,add compression,keep under 7,000 rpm,,,,they will run all season
no engine tech after heats,,,just have to hit weight
if runs too good,,,,claim it..........

so if you can give some input on how to make the new motors
fair for every1
we have a lot of tri hullers that would like to run a new motor
but keep the class affordable and even

[Ron Hill]

How much is a HULL? Are they being advertised here and on E-Bay???

I've caught "STUFF" from many on TRANSON HEIGHTS.....and I don't care...In 1`976 when I introducted the concept in kneelers, I was laughed out of the room...

When I wqrote THE NEW MOD VP rules, with the prop shaft 2" below the bottom I was told by EXPERTS this would make the boat undrivable...Seems it just slowed them down about 15 MPH....

Why not, require NEW MOTORS...2006 which by LAW can't be modified...How about making them run 2" or 3" below the bottom...

See, there are people, like me, that REALLY don't want to work on a motor for five "F" ING days before a race and have it not run or break...The TRI HULLS could be a play boat and Race Boat...something the WHOLE COUNTRY NEEDS...

Find me a cheap motor for NOW!!! (Evinrude or Johnson...don't want no stinking in line six...)...

How many races in Texas this year??? (For Tri Hulls)...

[Ron Hill]

If I get my Tri Hull together, can I keep it at your house?? And would you consider driving it at a race or two??? This could be fun...as a TRI HULL is a legal Division One boat for Parker!!!

Add You telling me a 140 Tohatsu will be an old V-4 Evinrude???? I doubt this 140 would??

Hey who are those guys?? Tri Hull Racers???

[Bob Valachovic]

How much is a HULL? Are they being advertised here and on E-Bay???

I've caught "STUFF" from many on TRANSON HEIGHTS.....and I don't care...In 1`976 when I introducted the concept in kneelers, I was laughed out of the room...

When I wqrote THE NEW MOD VP rules, with the prop shaft 2" below the bottom I was told by EXPERTS this would make the boat undrivable...Seems it just slowed them down about 15 MPH....

Why not, require NEW MOTORS...2006 which by LAW can't be modified...How about making them run 2" or 3" below the bottom...

See, there are people, like me, that REALLY don't want to work on a motor for five "F" ING days before a race and have it not run or break...The TRI HULLS could be a play boat and Race Boat...something the WHOLE COUNTRY NEEDS...

Find me a cheap motor for NOW!!! (Evinrude or Johnson...don't want no stinking in line six...)...

How many races in Texas this year??? (For Tri Hulls)...
Drove to the Jersey coast this last weekend to pick up a engine. the man said real low hours, only used 2 seasons. The engine is all he said it was. 1964 Merc 1000 silver anniversary, paid exactally as much as the engine says. Going on one of my Cats for period correctness.
I'm glad to see the comoditry is still alive between the two engine lines .
I am really smart, and could say something here but will just post the image.

[john miffco]

have been some what busy with them
so i havent been advertising the hulls,,,,,,we race these boats under john schuberts ( sport racing tour )

i have been building them pretty much at my shop cost as a promoter and sponsor of the class and series,,,,,
doing my part trying to help boat racing
call miffco at 713-946-9097
i have a mic code and they can be registered for public use for playing on weekends

john is the man to go to on the motor rules,,,,
he makes them,,,,,,
1 big thing about the low output motors is there is no engine tech,,,,,,
so when you pull out of the water,,you weigh and go on
we like to race and race with less tech
at an event we have 5 tri hull heats a day,,,,less standing ,more racing
and if you go to new motors then you have to have that added to slow things down,,,,and that line always comes in (hes cheating)
so with the claimer rule,,,,no cheating,,,,,,
if you run too hard ,,your motor,prop,set back plate gets bought for $2,250

but i would like to see newer motors ran
and other regions pick up the class
but some good motor rules would have to be thought up
thats why john keeps the motor program we have now

and a good built crossflow with a little cutting done in the right places,,,,,,,,
turns 7,000rpm with a 21 prop
gets up tp 70mph on a hull originally built for 30
and most tri hullers run the whole season with it
already gets loose and fun

we have not posted a 2006 schedule yet
but there should be at least 8 events
2 at chamboat races ,,port neches and new rhodes
2 tri hullathons,,which is tri hulls only 3 events
speed record run,1/4 m drags,2 hour most laps completed marathon

tony terry and dave barnett are 2 omc mod vpers and know how to make them run and stay together,,,,

[Bob Valachovic]

i havent been advertising the hulls,,,,,,we race these boats under john schubert ( sport racing tour )
as said built 14 in the last 1 1/2 yrs ,,,
i have been building them pretty much at my shop cost as a promoter and sponsor of the class and series,,,,,
doing my part trying to help boat racing
call miffco at 713-946-9097

john is the man to go to on the motor rules,,,,
he makes them,,,,,,
1 big thing about the low output motors is there is no engine tech,,,,,,
so when you pull out of the water,,you weigh and go on
we like to race and race with less tech
at an event we have 5 tri hull heats a day,,,,less standing ,more racing
and if you go to new motors then you have to have that added to slow things down,,,,and that line always comes in (hes cheating)
so with the claimer rule,,,,no cheating,,,,,,
if you run too hard ,,your motor gets bought

so i would like to see newer motors
its a snowball effect when you do

and a good built crossflow with a little cutting done in the right places
turns 7,000rpm with a 21 prop
gets up tp 70mph on a hull originally built for 30
and most tri hullers run the whole season with it
already gets loose and fun

we have not posted a 2006 schedule yet
but there should be at least 8 events
2 at chamboat races ,,port neches and new rhodes
2 tri hullathons,,which is tri hulls only 3 events
speed record run,1/4 m drags,2 hour most laps completed marathon

tony terry and dave barnett are 2 omc mod vpers and know how to make them run and stay together,,,,
Great thing promoting the class. Hats off to you.
How much is the claimer rule if someone decides they want to purchase your engine if they feel you are too competitive

[john miffco]

to claim a motor
you must be a member of the series
and a participating tri hull team
claim the motor before the last heat is done for the weekend
with cash in hand

the complete motor package gets claimed
including the propeller and set back plate for $2,250

and is taken off the boat before it leaves the pits

only 1 motor has been claimed in the last 5 yrs we been running the class

so the program is working pretty good

dustin terry drove HARD and stomped everyone in 2005 and was the team to beat
and bob schubert (yes bob has 1 ) claimed it at the last highlands event
dustin !!!!back off a smiggin (hint hint)

[Ron Hill]

The Engine battle is over...MERCURY WON!!!

[john miffco]

yea bob,,,gotta stir things up,,,,maybe hes planning of running in the front next yr
his 1st time out was st louis last yr,,,,came home with a podium 3rd finish
not bad ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

i love the mercs,,,ran them in unlimited o/b drags in the 80s and in the 120 class now,,,,,v's of course

there has been inlines mercs ran
michael schubert,john (meatball )murray,fairchild,couple others too
i even had 1 on an old glasstron 156,,,the motor worked better on the smaller hull in the drag and speed events at a trihullathon
the mercs are tempermental on starts and has tendacy to flood in the corners when the water gets rough,,,,,
but i had fun down the straights !!!!!!!!!

check out photo,,,,,
top deck busted loose from love tap,,,which busted the bottom again
boat was a hand me down from gaylor,,,,been patched so many times,,,,had to retire it after this race
there is a web site with photos and rules
tri hull racing .com
has not been updated in a while,,,we are trying to find someone to keep it up for us this winter,,,typical boat racing problem(funds)

[Bob Valachovic]

yea bob,,,gotta stir things up,,,,maybe hes planning of running in the front next yr
his 1st time out was st louis last yr,,,,came home with a podium 3rd finish
not bad ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

i love the mercs,,,ran them in unlimited o/b drags in the 80s and in the 120 class now,,,,,v's of course

there has been inlines mercs ran
michael schubert,john (meatball )murray,fairchild,couple others too
i even had 1 on an old glasstron 156,,,the motor worked better on the smaller hull in the drag and speed events at a trihullathon
the mercs are tempermental on starts and has tendacy to flood in the corners when the water gets rough,,,,,
but i had fun down the straights !!!!!!!!!

check out photo,,,,,
top deck busted loose from love tap,,,which busted the bottom again
boat was a hand me down from gaylor,,,,been patched so many times,,,,had to retire it after this race
there is a web site with photos and rules
tri hull racing .com
has not been updated in a while,,,we are trying to find someone to keep it up for us this winter,,,typical boat racing problem(funds)
I will look at the site. looks like fun!!!!!!!!!

[Bob Valachovic]

The Engine battle is over...MERCURY WON!!!
I was having some fun with you too there Ronnie...........................I just couldn't resist , you left yourself wide open.

[Bob Valachovic]

What are the latest rules on tri hulls, would a 17' johnson boat be legal, what motors can be run? All ican think of now.
Richard F.
I went to the site and read the rules. If you want a boat to run that is not listed in the rules, Have to send the criteria of the new hull to John Schubert to approve the use of any new hull .
The site is not finished but there is info there. Bob

[WharfRat]

good luck with the "funding" on a web site.......................

Like Ron said.........GET IT IN WRITING, OTHERWISE IT'S JUST TALK

I'd say more but the post would get deleted

[john miffco]

we have been discussing the motors all through this thread,,,,

the class has been running since the start 100 ci non looper motors
the 2 main motors being used is the inline merc and omc crossflow 140

the omc has become the dominate motor in the class


buddy used to write and run the web for us
since we lost him ,,,,,no 1 has stepped up to take over for (the love of the sport)
tri hull website was brought up ,but never finished,,,and not maintained since
there is a message board ,,,,and not hardly used
brf is a good discussion place to get input from all over the country
(thanks BRF) folks for loving the sport

im trying my best to promote and sponsor this and other classes
i do appreciate all the input from every1 out there
for taking interest in the class
and helping to get this class to grow in and out of region 15

thanks
john

[Ron Hill]

Is a 115 OK to build for the class or do you need to start with a 135/140??

[john miffco]

hey ron

john schubert just left my shop and we were talking about next season
and motors,,,

the difference in the 115=140motors is mainly the exhaust cavity
115s have a flat ex cover
the 140s have the tuned (bubble)ex tuner cover and stuffer guide plates in the exhaust cavity
this tunes the ex and allows more flow
the 115s of the 80s usually are cast to be able to put the 140 ex assembly on
to get the extra hp and flow

we have ran 115 motors in races

our tracks for the tri hulls are shorter straights,,,,,with more turns
this course design is what makes it more fun
so it becomes a cornering and passing event

so the 115 does fine,,,,,and has a tad more low end punch for the corners,,,,
so they will compete,,,,
just less hp for the straights

[clampon]

i started the class in my garage with john in 96 or so we wanted all moters to run like jp class trihull came up it changed like everything else any boat know a new boat the starts are draw and they run side by side for safty reverce start till final short chorse one turn on each end it is a show but it is not racing like the old days i know meatball murray

[john miffco]

hey meat,,,,,,

miffco here,,,,,glad we got your attention,,,,,,,,

this is a great web to discuss with every1
need more drivers to give their input

you and i know nothing stays the same,,,,,
yes the tris have came a long way since yall started them,,,,,
from spray painted #s on the side ,,,to new and stickered up
and johns made some rule changes along the way,,,,,,

but the roll cage makes apba happy,,,,,, and you know a lot of the guys driving cannot go straight off the dock when the bow lifts,,,,,,

hey
you got to admit you liked your new boat with the merc screaming on its rear,,,,,,,
trihullathon you had the fastest for speed and drag events,,,,,,
we had the loudest with our custom built tuner assy,,,,,,,,,,our bow was too light and was walking too much giong into the wind
final pass went over rollers on top end ,,, which caused me to feather throttle ,,,said he passed at the line,,,still got 2nd in drag,,,,,and had a blast

john

[clampon]

the boat miff builds is a very fine boat i did not like the weight and the roll cage because i am a puss. we talked about one more class for the sport and cant find one i thought a small tri with a 85 merc or a 75 rude and we all know a 75 omc is the answer all we have is 120 tri hull and very few 45s all we need is a show for the people on the bank so less find that class i bet we could find some who would pull a tube with a rider i will bring my camera the best show on the water is trihulls thanks meatball

[john miffco]

currently the tri hull class is in the sport series ,,region 15
we are racing prodomately in texas and
tag on with the champboat series at 2 events anually
and brought them to the st louis event in 2003 and 2004

it would be cool get other regions to join in

hey meat,,,,thanks for the kind words,,,,,
i know you dont like the cages,,,,,,

i was thinking of taking a 45 bottom and adding a center pod,, without a capsule and put a production 20 on for the younguns,,,,,,

then inbetween heats i can pull you on a tube with my 120 boat on a hot lap
dont need your camera,,,,,,there will be plenty of photos

that will make the shore yell as loud as when the tris run