TRI HULL RACING 101: Where and How to Start

[Ron Hill]

Explain how you'd get started...Four things needed, boat, motor, propeller and driver...

1. Boat:



2. Motor:

A. All secrets

3. Propeller:

A. All secrets

4. Driver:

A. Coaches wanted for new drivers.
B.

5. Speeds, costs, and....

[tthibodaux]

#1 Call John MIFFCO for a brand new boat or info on how to find a good used one. (John can fill in the details on $)

#2 Find a 140 crossflow V4 omc and make sure it's a 140 because the tuner is different than other V4 models. Also the block should be a 3 port motor and not the old 4 port motors.

#3 Big ear Merc choppers work well for me 18 to 20 pitch range.

#4 Driver is up to you. Doesn't really make any difference the amount of experience because you will soon find out the driving a Tri-Hull at 60 mph is unlike anything else you have ever driven and requires more B@lls than tallent.

#5 The boats set up to race on our tracks run 61/62 mph. Punch is way more important than top speed considering we stop to turn around so it's like drag racing twice a lap. Cost to get started depending on new or used equipment can be anywhere from 5 to 8 thousand. Fun with family and friends and a great racing experience PRICELESS!

[Ron Hill]

But what if I want to just "FIND" a TRri Hull...Which models (s) do I need to find...?

About what year model 140 ????

[john miffco]

miffco raceboats 713 946 9097
johnmiffco@sbcglobal.net

on the 1st tri hull thread is the complete rules
line 12 is a list of our legal hulls
if some 1 knows how to add rules to this thread ,,it would help
used tri hulls are laying everywhere,,,,so best to keep looking till you find a v166 or 1 of the pop off copies
no use in spending time on something that doesnt work as good
or not a true legal tri hull
a boat that has a tri bow and pure v in the rear,,,is not a true tri hull

any 88=140 mid that has the 3 ram trim is used
late 90s model gearcase is optimum,,,but old style works fine
as tim stated need a bubble exhaust powerhead from 135 -140
use new style electronic ignition
3 hole ex is best,,,4 hole works fine,,,can cut out the bridge on the 2 outside holes and leave middle bridge in and d shape top,,,will flow all that is needed
and if you know crossflows,,,you know which carbs,heads,ect to use

and as tim also said
it dont matter if you driven a knee rider to an unlimited hydro
tri hullers have their own driving style,,,,,,,,,,,

Tri Hull X Boats Rules for 2003
1. BOATS MUST BE ORIGINAL TRI-HULL DESIGN, WALK THROUGH WINDSHIELD, BOW RIDER CONFIGURATION AND MUST BE A MINIMUM OF 15’ IN LENGTH FROM THE BOW TO THE TRANSOM AT THE POINT OF ENGINE ATTACHMENT.
2. ENGINES MUST NOT EXCEED 100 CID AS ORIGINALLY MANUFACTURED. ENGINE MODIFICATIONS ARE ALLOWED. A TOLERANCE OF 3 CID WILL BE ALLOWED IN MEASURING THE ENGINE TO ALLOW FOR OVERBORE. GEARCASES MAY BE MODIFIED, HOWEVER, LOW WATER PICKUPS ARE NOT ALLOWED, AND THE ORIGINAL LOCATION OF THE WATER PICKUP MUST BE MAINTAINED. GEARCASES MUST BE SHIFTABLE FROM THE DRIVER’S SEAT. ALL ENGINE EXHAUST MUST TRAVEL INTO DOWNHOUSING, NO EXHAUST STACKS.
3. FUEL MUST COMPLY WITH ALL APBA/OPC RULES.
4. ALL APBA GENERAL RACING AND SAFETY RULES MUST BE COMPLIED WIThKILL SWITCHES, FOOT THROTTLES AND DRIVERS’ SEATS ARE MANDATORY.
5. THERE IS A $2250.00 “CLAIMING RULE” ENFORCED FOR ALL OFFICIALLY ENTERED MOTORS. THIS CLAIMING RULE INCLUDES THE MOTOR, TRIM SYSTEM, PROPELLER AND MOUNTING BRACKET (JACK PLATE) EXACTLY AS RACED. THIS CLAIM MUST BE MADE IN CASH.
6. A BOAT MAY ONLY BE CLAIMED BY A S.P.O.R.T. MEMBER. A BOAT MAY BE CLAIMED BETWEEN THE FINAL HEAT AND THE AWARDS CEREMONY OR ONE HOUR AFTER THE FINAL HEAT WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.
7. ALL BOATS WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH A UNIVERSAL ROLL CAGE WHICH WILL INCLUDE A FIVE POINT SAFETY HARNESS AND SEAT. THE ROLL CAGE MUST BE MOUNTED TO THE FLOOR OR BOTTOM OF THE BOAT AND WILL BE “U” BOLTED TO A STRUCTURAL BRACE TO BE INSTALLED IN THE BOAT.FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING ROLL CAGE CONTACT JOHN SCHUBERT AT (281) 238-0060.
8. AN INSTALLED STRUCTURAL BRACE WILL BE REQUIRED FROM ONE SIDE TO THE OTHER BEHIND THE DRIVER’S SEAT INSIDE THE BOAT.ITS PURPOSE IS TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR THE GUNNELS AND THE DRIVER’S COCKPIT IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE IMPACT COLLISION.
9. EMERGENCY KILL SWITCH- ALL BOATS SHOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH MOTOR KILL SWITCHES WHICH ARE ACCESSIBLE AND CLEARLY MARKED ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BOAT.THIS CAN BE DONE THROUGH THE USE OF A TETHER, ON/OFF OR PUSH BUTTON SWITCH. ROLLOVER OR GRAVITY SWITCHES ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO KILL MOTORS WHEN BOATS ARE OVERTURNED.
10. STEERING WILL BE OF EITHER RACK AND PINION OR ROTARY TYPE CABLE. THE STEERING MUST BE ON THE ORIGINAL DASH LOCATION FRONT TO REAR.
11. ALL BOATS MUST HAVE ONE OR TWO DIGIT NUMBERS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSION.THIS NUMBER MUST BE PLACED ON EACH SIDE OF THE BOAT.NUMBERS MUST BE A MINIMUM OF 15” HIGH AND BE ON A BACKGROUND OF CONTRASTING COLOR SO THAT THEY MAY BE EASILY READ.
12. ALL BOATS MUST BE APPROVED BEFORE BEING ELIGIBLE FOR COMPETITION.
LIST OF APPROVED BOATS: GLASTRON V-166 - GLASTRON V-156 - GALAXY 15 FT - THUNDERCRAFT 160-SS - CAIN CUTTER 16 FT - INVADER 15 FT - PHANTOMHIGGS CRAFT.
TO APPROVE BOATS, SEND PHOTOS TO JOHN SCHUBERT @ 3925 FM 359 - RICHMOND, TX - 77469 OR CALL @ 281-238-0060.
13. BOATS MUST REMAIN INTACT. ANY MATERIAL ON THEINSIDE OF GUNNELS, MAY BE REMOVED WITH THE EXCEPTION OF DASH ANDSPLASHWELL. BOTTOM OF THE BOAT MAY BEWORKED.
14. FOAM FLOATATION- ALL BOATS MUST CONTAIN AT LEAST 6 C.F. OF FOAM FLOATATIONPERMANENTLY ATTACHED TO THE BOAT. ROLLCAGES MUST HAVE ENOUGH FOAM FLOATATIONPERMANENTLY ATTACHED TO IT TO FLOAT IT OUTSIDE THE BOAT.
15. ALL WINDSCREENS MUST BE OF SHATTERPROOF MATERIAL. (LEXAN - NOT PLEXIGLASS)
16. BOATS MAY START RUNNING IN NEUTRAL AND BE SHIFTED INTO GEAR OR BE IN GEAR AND STARTED WHEN RACE STARTS.
17. THE MINIMUM AGE OF ANY DRIVER IS 16 YEARS OLD.
18. HELMETS-UPPER 50% OF HELMET WILL BE OF ORANGE OR YELLOW COLOR AND BE SNELL 90, 95 OR NEWER.MUST BE NO MORE THAN TEN YEARSOLD.
19. LIFE JACKETS- MUST HAVE ORANGE SKID COLLAR AND MUST BE A RACING CAPSULE LIFE JACKET. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THIS LIFE JACKET BE DESIGNED WITH A BALLISTIC COVERING AND HAVE APPROX. 10 POUNDS POSITIVE FLOATATION. THE LIFE JACKET MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH EPAULET TYPE EXTRACTION LOOPS ON THE SHOULDERS. BUCKLE TYPE STRAPS ACROSS CLOSURES ARE NOT PERMITTED.
20. THERE WILL BE A FIVE MEMBER COMMISSION WHOSE DUTIES ARE TO INTERPRET AND ENFORCE ABOVE RULES AND TO IMPLEMENT NEW RULESAS THEY MAY BE REQUIRED. THIS COMMISSION WILL HAVE THE FINAL AUTHORITY IN ALL MATTERS REGARDING TECHNICAL, SAFETY AND RACING RULES AND THE EXCLUSIVE AUTHORITY REGARDING THE ACCEPTABILITY OF A GIVEN HULL.

[mercmack]

can o old in-line merc 140 be used in this class..

[corey thibodaux]

The 100 ci straight six 115

[corey thibodaux]

Tri Hull racing is like boat racing, but only different.

They would be fast if the courses were long at all.

You single pin turn a boat that won't turn.

You can't drive by the seat of your pants, you are too busy hanging on.

Just as it sets up and is runnin kind of ok, you either launch off a wave, or you need to turn.

They are ski boats from the early 1970s designed for about 40 mph.

The crowd loves all the bumping, crashing, and rolling.(Cody Ross rolled his alone out front in Port Neches)

All this being said, "I can't wait"

You don't have to take it too seriously, just have fun.

Timmy's is the loudest thing on the planet. His can be heard above all the others.

Imagine going out and buying a brand new F1 boat and bumping all down the straight away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It happens here in a new Miffco.........

There are pics of boats going 2 and 3 different directions on one straight away.

Sst 120 offers excitement, but everything stops when the tri hulls fire up.

This class is going to be around for a long long time. It will soon be coast to coast.

Next (SS Boston Whaler) with an old Evinrude CCC

Corey Thibodaux:cool:

[corey thibodaux]

Rumor has it that the 156 was to squirly.:eek:

[tthibodaux]

Does anyone use the 156 hull?
RichardThat boat will work just fine. Are you going to come race with us soon? Sure hope so. I'd love to see about 20 boats for next season. Nothing better than a big pile of boats in the first turn!

[catndahats]

There seems to be a lot more 156's laying around than 166's...

Next question, is anyone running the 156's? Same motor size / setup?



That boat will work just fine. Are you going to come race with us soon? Sure hope so. I'd love to see about 20 boats for next season. Nothing better than a big pile of boats in the first turn!

[corey thibodaux]

I think all are running a 16 footer because they work better, but I would not hesitate to bring a 15 footer. They all handle terrible anyway.

[Ron Hill]

How does a 135 Evinrude differ from a 140?? And are things like 90's, 115's just junk? Or do they have some value???

I think the middle one is a 17 footer... The first and third are 156's...Are they 15 footers or 16 foots? Is a 17 footer too big?

[Skoontz]

Ron:

The 135 had a less hydrodynamic gearcase than the 140. The engine, in many cases, showed no significant advantages. The 85-90-100-115 could be made into 140's with an exhaust tuner and some carb's. me thinks....gotta talk to the V-4 guru Mr. Gore to set that straight though.....

[tthibodaux]

Those old boats are a dime a dozen but lets be honest, they won't work. The class has come a long way from it's beginning and speeds have increased by 3 or 4 mph just this season. In my opinion, the only way to be a front runner is to contact MIFFCO and get you a real race boat, build you a real race motor and then test, test, test...

The ski boats are how the class got started but boats are 20mph faster now and not only need to be alot stronger than the ski boat and the balance needs to be exactly right or the boat won't handle in the bumpy water and if it doesn't handle it's not fast.

Just my opinion, Instead of thinking this is a play boat class we need to take it seriously.

[Mark75H]

The ski boats are how the class got started but boats are 20mph faster now

Unless you guys are all running a little over 80 mph, I'm afraid you are mis-informed.

[tthibodaux]

Unless you guys are all running a little over 80 mph, I'm afraid you are mis-informed.Mis-informed?? Ok lets see. The boats when the class was formed would only run around 50 REAL mph. My boat runs almost 70gps.. Simple math if you ask me. All I was trying to say is instead of spending $3500 on an old fixer up ski boat just go get a REAL race boat and save yourself alot of time and money.

But then again, what would I know about Tri-Hull racing?

[Mark75H]

Actually, I was stunned when they started ... almost immediately they were running faster than my dad and I could ever get his V-166 going ... we could get 50, but never 60.

I still stand by my claim that you are misinformed ... they were running 60 from the start with ski boats before the new boats were made, not 50.

[tthibodaux]

You'll have to forgive me.. I'm NEW to this whole tri-hull racing thing.:confused: Looks like a cool class, maybe I could race one someday.:D

[yeeeha]

as for the driving, go fast, turn left.

[Ron Hill]

Claimer price for motor???

Boat? Trailer? Propeller???

[DKL]

Only the motor , jackplate and prop can be claimed ,,,not the boat and trailer
by another Sport tri-hull class member only!! that has participated in the race prior to making the claim.IT HAS TO BE IN CASH$$$$$

Rules state all of this, not just anyone can walk up and claim a motor at a race

new Miffco boat was around 4-4500.00 last I heard

[corey thibodaux]

Claimer price is $2500.00

I really think this rule needs to be abolished. I feel like is can cause a few hard feelings. What is to stop a wealthy racer from claiming the top 3 finishers at every race.

I would be just a little pissed if I worked all winter with a prop man fine tuning a wheel, only to get it claimed at the first race.

Imagine if someone had a brand new hydraulic jack plate claimed too.


What do you guys think????

[kevin beaulier]

As our motor was claimed after the last race I'll throw in my 2 cents. I think the rule is working as good as can be expected. I'm sure there are some tweaks we could come up with. The reason for the rule is to prevent the rich guys dominating the class. Without some kind of claiming rule I would imagine to motors would eventually get pretty exotic. What would stop someone from using a pure racing powerhead from an old factory racing motor. Some of that stuff is still around but in very limited quantities. The way it is now you have to weigh how much work / money are you willing to risk? The original design for the class was low buck / entry level. It isnt much fun to see the same boat smoke everyone at every race (my plan for next year). I feel it helps level the playing field for the guys just starting out who dont have the experience on engines and prop work yet. I supose we could place some kind of restrictions on how many times you can claim or be claimed but I'm not sure what would be best. I just hope the rule isnt misused. My suggestion would be that you cannot claim anyones motor if you have finished in the top 3 at any time in the previous 5 races and maybe if you win 3-4 races in a row you could be claimed by anyone. Setup and driving are still very important.

[tthibodaux]

Props....... There, I said it. You guys want to know what makes a Tri-Hull go fast? PROPS.. We race these things because we love to race. Claiming someone motor just pisses people off and as I have already said DOESN"T make you a winner. If you want a shot at running out front next season, get you a stock 140 and buy up all the props you can find then go get some seat time this winter. In the end you will feel better inside knowing you worked hard for a good result and didn't buy it.

In my opinion, a person should be embaressed to claim a motor and not do his own work.

Funny little story, I have 15 years racing experience racing so when I climbed in my tri at Highlands my mind told me I was going to win. What the other guys told me was to get out of the way or break out the fiberglass. Got my butt handed to me for a couple races before my big head allowed me to settle down and learn to drive the boat. By the way, I started with one of the fastest boats and got my butt kicked. My point is having a boat thats fast makes NO difference what so ever.

[Mark75H]

Props....... There, I said it. You guys want to know what makes a Tri-Hull go fast? PROPS.. We race these things because we love to race. Claiming someone motor just pisses people off and as I have already said DOESN"T make you a winner. If you want a shot at running out front next season, get you a stock 140 and buy up all the props you can find then go get some seat time this winter. In the end you will feel better inside knowing you worked hard for a good result and didn't buy it.

In my opinion, a person should be embaressed to claim a motor and not do his own work.

Funny little story, I have 15 years racing experience racing so when I climbed in my tri at Highlands my mind told me I was going to win. What the other guys told me was to get out of the way or break out the fiberglass. Got my butt handed to me for a couple races before my big head allowed me to settle down and learn to drive the boat. By the way, I started with one of the fastest boats and got my butt kicked. My point is having a boat thats fast makes NO difference what so ever.


Very well said, Tim!

The point is ... Trihull is not about the money. The claimer rule keeps it that way. As you said, you bought a fast boat and built an excellent motor, but the real key ingredient for winning was something that could not be bought or replicated:YOU!

[john miffco]

heres my 2 cents

claiming rule is a good thing as kevin and tim have stated to keep the motors
parts and amount of workmanship within a price window for newcomers and
to make it a prop,set up and DRIVING class,,,,yes driving,,,,you got it right tim

i think at the 1st race tim bounced off of every boat but the rescue,,,
by end of the season tim and kevin had the best battle going for 1st place seen all yr till his boat broke he drove it so hard,,,,
its a toss up who got the most air,,,,,,awesome driving guys,,,,

i did lose a lot of respect at the orange race with the ABUSE of the claiming rule,,,,,
wayne barber and family has been supporting this class hard,,,as every1 knows,,,
he has been getting new boats built over winter to have a good used hulls available for newcomers or any1 needing 1 ,,,he has no need to do this exept for helping/supporting and sponsoring the class

at orange he arrived after working 100hr week,,major alergies,,,had some1 destroy his boat and motor in a prvious heat,,,,,
and thats another issue that the driver should have been suspended,,,,

trihullers got together and worked on the boat all night to run it the next day
he got his 1st podium
then the s...t hit when some1 that bought HIS used boat claimed his motor package
so now he has a complete wayne barber boat assembly
no respect ,,,,,,,,,
i suggest you sale the motor back,,,,,,build your own over winter and test
this is a family oriented class and thats not a good start,,,,,
i have a complete motor laying here at my shop
you can have it,,,,,,,free,,,,rebuild it and be able to say its yours
just right a wrong
john

[Scott23]

If there is the claiming rule, then why can someone get mad if someone claims a motor. Isn't that what it is for. :confused: Get rid of the claiming rule then or just keep your fingers crossed that no one claims your motor!!!

[john miffco]

if you read all the posts above it describes the reason for the claiming rule
it works ,,,,,
if you build too much motor and no 1 has a chance to catch you
be ready to get claimed,,,that simple
no reason to get mad,,your ready for it

i brought up abuseing the rule and disrespct of another
to buy a boat from some1,,,,show up at your 1st race,,,,claim the motor from the same guy you bought the boat from,,,,,,,
thats not cool in my opinion,,,,,,,

[corey thibodaux]

Both sides have valid points.

I don't care for the claiming rule myself, but I have been away from racing for a long time.

Maybe if just the powerhead was claimed and not the transom jack, and even the prop.

PROPS are sacred, and no racer should be able to claim a prop.


Just claim the powerhead, and the other boat goes home at least looking complete.

The claiming rule could cause much hatred and conflict, and possibly end the class. It takes a lot of time to fiberglass the beat up boats back together, and to build a new engine in a month is too much to do if you have a family and a JOB...

Most wives require a certain amount of attention, and if you spend an entire month building a new engine it could rerduce the numbers of people that are willing to race.

No other class has this rule. Maybe the rule needs to be re evaluated with much foreshadowing in mind.

I tend to side with Miffco almost entirely. Wayne spent a ton of money to go home with no motor, and he did it all without looking pisses off. That man deserves our respect.

Corey Thibodaux

[David Mason]

If someone's engine was claimed, don't they get the cash from the person who is claiming it ? If the claiming price is set right, they shoul dbe able to get another engine of equal value, right ? If all the engines are special tweaked and worked on engines I would agree that the claiming rule is not so good. Perhaps tweak the claiming rule to swap powerheads ? I dunno.

Sounds like you guys have some work to knock out on tweaking the rules this winter.

Tim, you said it perfectly.

[cnunez55]

I have to chime in and pick on my buddy Tim and a few others. This class was started for entry level racers and suppose to be stock. The claiming fee is to keep you from doing port,head,piston,intake,extra work to the motor. Unfortunatly there are no motor specs to keep the playing field even. All of the opc classes have specs to go by. Why not put them into effect in this class. If you have graduated and are able to spend lots of money and time to modify you engines then you shouldn't be racing in a class designed for beginners. Move up and nut up! lol. :D

Just kidding on the nut up part. I get a thrill out of watching you guys and have come to the conclusion that you are all IDIOTS! I be dang if I would run a 16 foot boat over yaht waves and then try to turn it around and go through it again. Any normal person would just keep on going strait or I would have to pull over for a cold one!;)

On another note, If you tried to get my prop I would just kick your a**. Don't mess with a mans prop. I use to keep mine under my bed. I took them out and the divorce came soon after! She said I just didn't seem as excited in there anymore!:eek:

Ok all kidding aside, under the splash catogory jeff grigs posted a "horrific f1 accedent" awhile back. It is on the second page of forums and is funny as hell.

[tthibodaux]

Wait just a minute Nunez..:rolleyes: You can't very well say the class is for beginners because it is but it's also for guys like myself who love to race but are raising 3 kids and can't afford to run a 120 boat.

I agree that we need to change the rules. What I think could work is one motor per driver a season. Also, POWERHEAD ONLY is the right idea.. The guys who are fast now had their time at the back of the pack trying to get the boat setup right so it only makes since that everyone does their own work. Also every guy likes things different. For example, I run 24 volt trim and half the guys don't run the correct trim system to be able to run anything except 12 volts.

So what I'm saying is, leave our boat, motor, prop combo intact and give me $1500 for my powerhead.

[Ron Hill]

Can you claim your motor back at the next race?

Seems to me the claimer price should be "FAIR MARKET" value ...whatever that may be....

Hell, I can't find a 140 Johnson or Evinrude anywhere....

I always thought, that at the Nationals, the winnner's prop should be auctioned off with all CASH going to the winner...I wanted this rule not just for Tri Hulls!!!

[tthibodaux]

Can you claim your motor back at the next race?

Seems to me the claimer price should be "FAIR MARKET" value ...whatever that may be....

Hell, I can't find a 140 Johnson or Evinrude anywhere....

I always thought, that at the Nationals, the winnner's prop should be auctioned off with all CASH going to the winner...I wanted this rule not just for Tri Hulls!!!Ron you can use the 90, 115 and even the 112 motor as long as it has the bubble on it. You need to find a set of 235 or 140 (1 3/8) carbs and your ready to go. Some people change the tunner but you can just cut it to save the time of locating one. Dad has all the info you need on port timming and other little tricks you need to know to get one running up to speed if you want I have his #.

Come on get one ready and let Chad or Broc drive it! I'll talk Beaulier into being easy on you guys in the beginning!:D

No comment on the prop auction, I still say leave a mans prop alone..

[corey thibodaux]

The rule needs to be revised to powerhead only.

Driving home with no motor and transom jack just must suck.

The real kick in the knee comes from the loss of a great prop.

You might as well buy the racers wife and kids for Christ sake.


I would be afraid to finish better than fourth.


If we don't revise the rule you might have a "SlowRace" on your hands next season.


You can see boats slowing down and not wanting to win anymore.


Hell we might hace 15 boats that race for 6 laps and refuse to cross the finish line.


The tri hull race might take a couple of hours to finish one heat.:(

[catndahats]

Thanks to all of you guys...I'm learning a lot here (seriously). Very good points being made. Motor claiming is good in spirit as written, but it sounds like the problem comes into play when a racer does not honor the spirit of the rule. Frankly, I'd rather have one of the winners teach me how to build a motor, than to claim their motor out from under them...just my $.02.

Excuse my own ignorance, but why not auction off the winners prop? Couldn't you use the money to fund your racer? Can't a new one just like it be made? I get the idea of competitive edge, and "may the best tuner win" but isn't it a drivers class, beginner's class?

And yes, I really am asking this question innocently as some one that is new to props and motors, etc...so go easy on the guy.

The rule needs to be revised to powerhead only.

If we don't revise the rule you might have a "SlowRace" on your hands next season.


You can see boats slowing down and not wanting to win anymore.


Hell we might hace 15 boats that race for 6 laps and refuse to cross the finish line.


The tri hull race might take a couple of hours to finish one heat.:(

[Miss BK]

i brought up abusing the rule and disrespect of another
to buy a boat from some1,,,,show up at your 1st race,,,,claim the motor from the same guy you bought the boat from,,,,,,,
thats not cool in my opinion,,,,,,,

On the flipside, I see this as a great way to get a lot of new racers in the sport - both mechanically-inclined as well as the mechanically-deficient. What other class lets new racers start off with the BEST equipment so they can be competitive almost right from the start, without having to spend years tweaking?

From my perspective, this rule would help non-racers gain the confidence to race - maybe those with no engine-building skills - to get a boat and race. Who knows...this rule may have been what prompted the claiming guy to buy that hull in the first place?

Yeah, it would stink to lose a good motor..... but in the end, you have to weigh the consequences. You'd hate to see tri-hull end like so many other classes; with one or two boats constantly whipping the field til everyone else loses interest. And that's where the real beauty of this rule lies.

Just my 2cents!

[kevin beaulier]

[QUOTE=Miss BK;41461]On the flipside, I see this as a great way to get a lot of new racers in the sport - both mechanically-inclined as well as the mechanically-deficient. What other class lets new racers start off with the BEST equipment so they can be competitive almost right from the start, without having to spend years tweaking?

From my perspective, this rule would help non-racers gain the confidence to race - maybe those with no engine-building skills - to get a boat and race. Who knows...this rule may have been what prompted the claiming guy to buy that hull in the first place?

Yeah, it would stink to lose a good motor..... but in the end, you have to weigh the consequences. You'd hate to see tri-hull end like so many other classes; with one or two boats constantly whipping the field til everyone else loses interest. And that's where the real beauty of this rule lies.

MY POINT EXACTLY!!!! We need more racers. Your driving and set up skills will still rule but give the new blood a chance. They won't belive it's not just the motor until they prove it to themselves.. Every good motor that gets claimed should mean another good motor gets raced. It would be a nightmare to try and make this into a "stock motor" class with all of the headaches of inspections. As a last thought you guys take it easy on me as I didnt even win a race all year. Give the old guys a break. My suggestion the starting grid will be aligned by age, oldest in the front whippersnappers way in the back....:D

[David Mason]

Are impossible. Ask Ron Hill himself. He can tell you that no hand forged props will ever perform exactly alike. So you find a good one, put it away for the big races. The APBA J props obviously point this fact out as well. Some are better than others.

Perhaps if someone has the bucks to CNC props and then find someone with enough cash to buy one, you coul dmake identical props.

I am like the others here, leave a mans and womans prop alone. If they want to sell it to you go for it.

Just my opinion. I would love to try trihulls sometime. Looks like a fun class. You guys seem to have a ton of fun. Don't let the politics ruin the fun................

[Ron Hill]

Kevin...never thought of you as in the "OLD" group...Did you want the old guys at the back because of our experience...or at the front?

I have seen, over the years, the same prop win...many Championships...I won the 1967 John Ward Race with harry Bartolomei's prop....Harry loaned the same prop to Fred Hauenstein in 1968 to win the John Ward race...Level the playing frield, like draft choices...

My "AUCTION" Concept was to level the playing field, but also, a guy might have several good wheels...and selling one to the highest bidder might be a nice chunk of change in the pocket...


Back to engines....

235 Carbs on any V-4 with a "HUMP BACK" exhaust.....Tuner or no tuner??? Our best MOD VP 235 had no tuner, just let the exhaust gases get out....No nose cones...Can you plug any water holes? Exhaust relief holes leagal? I guess there ain't no real motor rules....Just 99.9 CUBES!

OMC pistons????

[corey thibodaux]

Anything goes, but you cant use a low water pick up. I was a lil high and burned #4 piston in Orange.

Nose cone is fine, but you just cant use the cone that has the low water pick up.

My exhaust has no tuner it is just cut, and two of the four intake holes are plugged.


Get crazy there is no need to tahe the hood off unless it gets knocked off.

[texnine]

Well I don't race anymore but that won't stop me from putting in my two cents worth since I don keep up with all the post. Powerheads only in the claiming department. Will help keep cost down and also allow some innovation if a person wants to put the work in at the possible risk of losing it. DO NOT mess with a man's prop though. I litterally raced a Sport E boat three years with one prop I was in love with and if you would have tried to take it away from me there would have been issues. Exchange powerheads but my prop is my own business. Everyone keep exchanging ideas, it's good for the sport.

[tthibodaux]

Hey Beaulier..... Did you say whipersnappers at the back? Where the hell does that put me?:D :D

Ron.. Back to the motors.. Your right about 235 carbs and any bubble 99 cube will do. Leave the tuner in but take it out and cut it off to - - - - (call me) inches long. And again dad has the port info your looking for.

One more thing, 3 port motors I have found work better than the old 4 port motors. You can't tell until you take it apart what powerhead you have.

[corey thibodaux]

Here we have another one that agrees powerhead only.

Props are to be covered with a rag, and be treated like a lady, not any lady (Your Mother)!!!!!!


Corey Thibodaux:D

[Tony M Terry]

heres my 2 cents

claiming rule is a good thing as kevin and tim have stated to keep the motors
parts and amount of workmanship within a price window for newcomers and
to make it a prop,set up and DRIVING class,,,,yes driving,,,,you got it right tim

i think at the 1st race tim bounced off of every boat but the rescue,,,
by end of the season tim and kevin had the best battle going for 1st place seen all yr till his boat broke he drove it so hard,,,,
its a toss up who got the most air,,,,,,awesome driving guys,,,,

i did lose a lot of respect at the orange race with the ABUSE of the claiming rule,,,,,
wayne barber and family has been supporting this class hard,,,as every1 knows,,,
he has been getting new boats built over winter to have a good used hulls available for newcomers or any1 needing 1 ,,,he has no need to do this exept for helping/supporting and sponsoring the class

at orange he arrived after working 100hr week,,major alergies,,,had some1 destroy his boat and motor in a prvious heat,,,,,
and thats another issue that the driver should have been suspended,,,,

trihullers got together and worked on the boat all night to run it the next day
he got his 1st podium
then the s...t hit when some1 that bought HIS used boat claimed his motor package
so now he has a complete wayne barber boat assembly
no respect ,,,,,,,,,
i suggest you sale the motor back,,,,,,build your own over winter and test
this is a family oriented class and thats not a good start,,,,,
i have a complete motor laying here at my shop
you can have it,,,,,,,free,,,,rebuild it and be able to say its yours
just right a wrong
john

The motor claimed off of Waynes boat was originally Dustin Terrys motor that was claimed two years ago. They made money because the price went up $500.00 since then.

[cnunez55]

The only thing that was the same was the block then. That motor was built over the winter and they were waiting till they needed more power to use it! It's good and fresh with only 2 heats on it!

[kevin beaulier]

TIM, Two key factors to be in the whippersnapper group, Age and weight. Tim you are in on both. Old guys definitely get to start in the front, Except for Jerry Rinker because he hasn't figured out he's old yet. :eek:

[corey thibodaux]

Everyone just calm down, the season is over.

Hopefully winter will get cold enough to cool everyone down.

We don't want to have another thread closed down because we can't get along.

I feel like the rules might need to be revised a little bit for next season.

We need to make it powerhead only, and it would be nice to widen up the turns to save us all money and keep us out of the fiberglass shops.

Corey Thibodaux

[tthibodaux]

Rules to be looked at for next season..

#1. All driver MUST be in the drivers meeting in order to race. (Highlands Tx, No Terry's at the meeting but yet Dustin won the race).

#2. Unsafe driving.. (on multiple occasions Dustin Terry ran over boats simply because nothing is done about it).

#3. Misrepresentation of a product. ( No more Yamaha decals on the Terry's motors) it's in the rule book.

APBA guys, you need to look at these thing very close.. Lets get it right.

[NERSTROM]

The OMC V4 has a bending moment at the flywheel end of the crankshaft which caused failures of the top main bearings. This was the reason we developed the flex-flywheel for the KC/KR race engines. A lot of testing went into the development of flex flywheel before it was put into production. I am very concerned about safety with the modified production diecast flywheel shown in the picture from the Orange, TX race. This flywheel has been significantly weakened and is an accident waiting to happen. In addition to the V4 bending moment the acceleration/deceleration and rpm's associated with boat racing increase the stress exerted on the flywheel. I have tested production flywheels to failure and the result looks like a grenade went off.
PLEASE, for the safety of the drivers and spectators, ban any modified flywheel from use.

[Skoontz]

As Jim has put, maybe you guys need to add an engine rule. Flex flywheel, no blanket....If stock or lightened flywheel, you have to run a transmission scatter blanket....

If you have ever seen what a 10 lb metal fizzbee can do to a persons head and neck, you would understand! I had a friend who lost a foot because he was too cheap to install a scatter shield on his street racing Mopar...A Hayes clutch came unglued and it looked like the fireman took a chop saw and the jaws of life to his firewall and floorboards....

BTW, that flex flywheel was a stroke of brilliance. i remmeber watching slow mo videos of it at the '72 Chicago Boat show next to the model of Johnny Sanders world champuion boat. Very cool promo!

[DKL]

Lets face it, the rules are there for a reason ,but i think we all have probably bent them one way or another at one time.JUDGEMENT FOR THEM,,,MERCY FOR US??????

Dangerous driving to the point where injury to another person may happen should not be tolerated for any reason.

I think everyone who races the class knows a trip to the GLass man is probably going to happen sooner or later.

Why am I getting involved??? BECAUSE US 45 RACERS FOR THE MOST PART GET ALONG AND WE DON'T HAVE OUR OWN Bitch thread and I'm bored:D

Seriously Guys ,,take a 6 month chill pill, I'M shure John would entertain modifying the rules if everyone come to some sort of concensus on what would help better the class and keep racers involved.

[corey thibodaux]

What about putting a piece of aluminum expanded metal around the inside of the engine cowling?:confused:

[cnunez55]

As a guy that once turned on the wrong turn bouy, I can say that even the best drivers sometimes make a mistake.:D :D ;)

[kevin beaulier]

Everyone just calm down, the season is over.

Hopefully winter will get cold enough to cool everyone down.

We don't want to have another thread closed down because we can't get along.

I feel like the rules might need to be revised a little bit for next season.

We need to make it powerhead only, and it would be nice to widen up the turns to save us all money and keep us out of the fiberglass shops.

Corey Thibodaux

We had normal turns when tri hull started. The problem was getting the boats around a larger radius without hooking in front of another boat. Although there is some bumping (ok-alot of bumping) we havent had as many of the high speed t-bone type impacts with the one pin turns. The biggist problem I see with the one pin turns is all of the different lines people take to round the bouy. Belive it or not the shorter course with very tight turns is much safer. As a final thought "Can't we all just get along":)

[cnunez55]

Rules to be looked at for next season..

#1. All driver MUST be in the drivers meeting in order to race. (Highlands Tx, No Terry's at the meeting but yet Dustin won the race).

#2. Unsafe driving.. (on multiple occasions Dustin Terry ran over boats simply because nothing is done about it).

#3. Misrepresentation of a product. ( No more Yamaha decals on the Terry's motors) it's in the rule book.

APBA guys, you need to look at these thing very close.. Lets get it right.

Tim you are right in a way, but by that statment then all cowls should be as stock!! That means no yamaha,hunter 00, and yes orange as well:eek:


It seems that we got a pisssin match going on here and since tim sent me some viagra for my 30th bday yesterday and I love to drink a few, I GOT YOU ALL BEAT>:D :D :p

We all love the sport races because this conflict does't exist, or didn't. That was one of the main selling points to get so many boats to orange! Lets do our talkin on the water. Lets face it, it's winter time and thats where we find 90% of our speed for next year! So lets get in the shop and save the trash talkin for when were on the porch drinking a cold one!

[Mark75H]

OK, I think we are heading for a thread lock or delete

Please take a chill pill, count to 100, preview your posts TWICE and if you don't ... don't be surprised if Ron or Ted hits the delete button ;)

[Ron Hill]

How is it, Jim Nerstrom's post RE: Flywheel Safety was not even "MENTIONED". Mr. Nerstrom know about OMC motors. I'm putting in a call, today, to Mr. Mike Wienandt, OPC Chair, to pass this flywheel rule as a safety measure.


Anyone been reading about John Force??? Seems he's found a new gaol.....Safer Racing!!!!

[tthibodaux]

I deleted my own posts!!:D Didn't think about my 8 year old reading this when I typed it. HOWEVER, I do feel that if a guy drives with his head in his --- he should be put on the trailer.

[corey thibodaux]

I mentioned it Ron. We can put an expanded metal liner inside of the motor cowl.


This will fix the explosion problem.

[Skoontz]

Ron:

Excellent idea. As I said, run a transmission scatter blanket around the motor hood and light flywheels will be fine. As far as a piece of aluminum, you would need a .375 minimum hardened piece of steel around the entire flywheel, just as a scatter sheild for a clutch is made or the Gyroscopic force would be enough to shatter the aluminum causing it become the projectiles. For some safety ideas, study drag car drivelines, particularaly the flywheel/clutch/torque convertor/wuto tranny areas to give you a start.

[tthibodaux]

How is it, Jim Nerstrom's post RE: Flywheel Safety was not even "MENTIONED". Mr. Nerstrom know about OMC motors. I'm putting in a call, today, to Mr. Mike Wienandt, OPC Chair, to pass this flywheel rule as a safety measure.


Anyone been reading about John Force??? Seems he's found a new gaol.....Safer Racing!!!!I agree with you... I run one of those flywheels and to be honest the boat is so heavy that the the small amount of difference it make isn't worth the risk.

[tahawk]

hey texnine--i have agree with u on the se wheel.after i FINALLY talk u out
of it i won alot with it. props are valuable and important part of winning.i think i almost cried when i tore the best wheel in the country up in 120 in the big wreck in mexico in 94 never could get close to another one.

[tahawk]

I agree with you... I run one of those flywheels and to be honest the boat is so heavy that the the small amount of difference it make isn't worth the risk.
hey texnine--i have agree with u on the se wheel.after i FINALLY talk u out
of it i won alot with it. props are valuable and important part of winning.i think i almost cried when i tore the best wheel in the country up in 120 in the big wreck in mexico in 94 never could get close to another one.

[tthibodaux]

hey texnine--i have agree with u on the se wheel.after i FINALLY talk u out
of it i won alot with it. props are valuable and important part of winning.i think i almost cried when i tore the best wheel in the country up in 120 in the big wreck in mexico in 94 never could get close to another one.Hey uncle Robin, you gave Hawkins your SE wheel? Man your a GOOD guy!:D I think you should come race Tri's with us!!

[texnine]

Well Tim, as Tracy will tell you he received that wheel after my SE days were over. I never would have given it up and then have to chase it around the course all year. Simple idea with that wheel, get me to the first turn first and then try to hang on for dear life cause everyone would be gaining on me at the other end of the course.

[cnunez55]

I guess all you guy's who keep arguing to keep the cut down flywheels didn't see the 8 yr old boy that had a champ flwheel rip into his face at bay city. I do believe that all flywheels shouldbe balanced for safty though!

[tahawk]

Well Tim, as Tracy will tell you he received that wheel after my SE days were over. I never would have given it up and then have to chase it around the course all year. Simple idea with that wheel, get me to the first turn first and then try to hang on for dear life cause everyone would be gaining on me at the other end of the course.
and tim by no means did he give it to me.i think i paid more for that wheel than any i have ever brought.but i may have paid for itself after 2 races.
hey robin good hearing ur keeping in touch.we all had some great racing in se &45 back in old days

[yeeeha]

Hey Robin, I didn't know that was you. How are you doin?

[texnine]

Hi Jery, good to read the post from all you guys. Brings back alot of good memories. Stuck out here on the west coast but got to admit they're are a lot of worse places to live then the Napa Valley. Made it back to Texas in late July and was reminded about that word HUMIDITY. Anyway, am going to try to take some vacation next summer and catch a race down there and see what those crazy tri-hull drivers are up to. Just by reading these post I can tell I'm going to be very entertained. Hope to see all of you next year.

[fred padgett]

Since you all are tri-hullers, I know that the boat I am showing you a picture of is not a racing item, but I am trying to identify it. I bought it this spring from a guy locally, and I cant find out how old it is or who made it. I checked with the Wisconsin DNR and they only have it listed as MFR. Unknown. If you guys know any information about this I would appreicate it. IT is 10 Ft long and has an old Merc. 40 horse hanging on it.

Thanks

[Ron Hill]

Any V-4 Yamaha legal for Tri Hull???


How come Tri Hulls aren't coming to Tempe???? Or are they?

[john miffco]

hey ron
no looper motors are allowed in our rules
too much can be done to create more hp
the boats have gotten fast enough as is with the crossflows

the yamaha on the cowl
is tonys boats,,hes a yamaha dealer
so its omc with yammy stickers

the st louis event was our long distance race for the yr
we brough up 22 boats for tri and 120 from texas
lots of boats for a state to travel

we have our orange race coming september 20-21
you still need to get here to see them race
hopefully hurricane ilke dont hit us this coming weekend,,,,,,,,,,
john