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What happened???
- Thread starter Top Banana
- Start date
JupiterSunsation
New member
A. This wasn't a race or business run with a load of contraband
B. The Vinoy is a really nice luxury hotel to be stranded at
C. To bad you weren't armed with a Banana Boat to go out and crush the waves yourself today. I suspect you would not have started this post....
Ratickle
Founding Member / Super Moderator
Most of you know, I am looking at getting back into racing. Haven't raced boats since kneebangers out west.
Right now, SVL seems to be the closest thing to what makes sense to me, but it is only legal for one association unless it's put in a timed class. I am really not into that. Probably will still do it, just not jumping in at this time.
The same thing happened with Drag Racing. Had a nice car and then it was illegal except for brackets. Didn't go over well with me.
For me, the perfect class....
Boat big enough for a backseat (take friends out when not racing)
Single engine, (less to break)
Canopy thats removeable (use for goofing off, see #1)-Safer when racing (wife wants to throttle)
Engine restriction cubic inches, carb or injector size, compression - that's it
Drive restriction, none
Prop restriction, you guys would have to tell me. Kinda like restrictor plates based on drive ratio.
Anything else, ?
Could also have a similar twin engine class.
Now, don't kill me. I'm still lookin at SVL's and am wondering if a removeable canopy would be legal.
Top Banana
Icon/Founding Member
Well it has been quite a 24 hours since my first post. Obviously some feelings have been hurt and for that I apologize. My intent was to put the focus on the boats, not the egos.
When this great sport first began, it was a wonderful place for boat manufacturers to show to the world that the product they made could handle open ocean crossings. The winners were rewarded with sales and the losers were allowed to go back and try it again at the next contest.
The boats that are made today are even better than the old ones. My question is why don't the owners (in general...no one in particlar was singled out) feel comfortable runnng them in tough conditions.
From the 50 boats that started, take out the boats with wives, girl friends and kids , and the boats that have owners with no experience in these conditions, there still had to be 10 or 15 boats with crews with experience.
The conditons were tough, but these boats would have given a lot of fun at reduced, SAFE speeds with plenty of jumping. These boats when they are run correctly do not get torn up or damaged as someone suggested earlier. That is a lesson learned from racing...you can't win if you don't finish.
This post was just a personal observation. I was surprised and thought I would post it here for comments.
And for Jupiter Sunsation.....I know what I have done in the offshore world....who are you again??
When this great sport first began, it was a wonderful place for boat manufacturers to show to the world that the product they made could handle open ocean crossings. The winners were rewarded with sales and the losers were allowed to go back and try it again at the next contest.
The boats that are made today are even better than the old ones. My question is why don't the owners (in general...no one in particlar was singled out) feel comfortable runnng them in tough conditions.
From the 50 boats that started, take out the boats with wives, girl friends and kids , and the boats that have owners with no experience in these conditions, there still had to be 10 or 15 boats with crews with experience.
The conditons were tough, but these boats would have given a lot of fun at reduced, SAFE speeds with plenty of jumping. These boats when they are run correctly do not get torn up or damaged as someone suggested earlier. That is a lesson learned from racing...you can't win if you don't finish.
This post was just a personal observation. I was surprised and thought I would post it here for comments.
And for Jupiter Sunsation.....I know what I have done in the offshore world....who are you again??
Tom A.
Charter Member
Ok guys,
I was there. I was boatless but working with someone who has been doing this for over a decade. The wind was blowing non stop from Thursday night on. 25-30 knots out of the SW. It barely slowed up Friday night. Tampa Bay had 6 foot rollers with a washing machine 2 foot chop on top all the way back at the Vinoy harbor. By the time the boats got to the intercoastal they were 7-8' rollers. Most boats did turn around and like others said, it was not a race and these are pleasure boats. If it is not pleasurable or safe, why beat up the crew and boat. I was happy my boat didn't make the trip, it made my decision easy.
I was there. I was boatless but working with someone who has been doing this for over a decade. The wind was blowing non stop from Thursday night on. 25-30 knots out of the SW. It barely slowed up Friday night. Tampa Bay had 6 foot rollers with a washing machine 2 foot chop on top all the way back at the Vinoy harbor. By the time the boats got to the intercoastal they were 7-8' rollers. Most boats did turn around and like others said, it was not a race and these are pleasure boats. If it is not pleasurable or safe, why beat up the crew and boat. I was happy my boat didn't make the trip, it made my decision easy.
I thought it was a great discussion-starter.
Here's one- How does a guy get started in racing these days? To most people on the outside, it looks like you have to buy a purpose-built boat and drop $300 grand to get in.
Who in the industry is doing anything to attract new racers? The manufacturers? The organizations? The boating media? Not that I can tell.
Maybe the best thing to come along was what Chris Reindl was doing with the batboats. Get out on the course for a few $$, see if you like it. No obligation- you rent the ride and walk away when you hit the docks. But it was never embraced. Could you imagine if a program like this was brought to one of the resorts where a major poker run was going on? Three or four boats taking guys out for a 3-lap "experience"? How many new racers do you think you'd find? Blowing along at 100+ in a 40' cat may seem like a rush, but bumping rubrails in a canopy boat at 65 is a whole different deal.
Here's one- How does a guy get started in racing these days? To most people on the outside, it looks like you have to buy a purpose-built boat and drop $300 grand to get in.
Who in the industry is doing anything to attract new racers? The manufacturers? The organizations? The boating media? Not that I can tell.
Maybe the best thing to come along was what Chris Reindl was doing with the batboats. Get out on the course for a few $$, see if you like it. No obligation- you rent the ride and walk away when you hit the docks. But it was never embraced. Could you imagine if a program like this was brought to one of the resorts where a major poker run was going on? Three or four boats taking guys out for a 3-lap "experience"? How many new racers do you think you'd find? Blowing along at 100+ in a 40' cat may seem like a rush, but bumping rubrails in a canopy boat at 65 is a whole different deal.
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Ratickle
Founding Member / Super Moderator
If the 28 Batboat was legal with a canopy, well...........
stainless
New member
cat outboard is a great class with great bang for the buck factor. can get a canopied 4 seater that can double as a poker run boat for under 200k new and i've seen some real nice used ones for under 100k
PARADOX
Founding Member
It's in the works Rat.
But here's my take on all this.
First of all, Safety is first, period.
It's not a race.. it's an event.. How often we hear this and yet,, people with deep pockets totaly ignore the "event theme".
No one in particular, however. some,, and I do mean "some" show up to these events with the big guns. Fine.. But now they got their entourage, mechanics, drivers and delivery boys with the quarter mill trucks and “some” couldn’t change a propeller. It’s great to “show off” the toys, but when you got some “corporate” claim of the boats capabilities, and they want to market their product, then let them run. Some drivers are great and there are some who has no clue what’s offshore driving and participating in a group event is all about. Yet, their there and showboating. Again no one in particular, but I been there and I seen it. Now we got some seas....
In all reality it should be up to the organizing staff to make a decision when it’s “Safe to run in a nonsenctioned event”. Lot of these guys wants to “race” or hit it a little, and that’s great at the right place, right time and right circumstance.
But here’s the thing. Some one spends mucho $’s and wants to “out do” anyone else, then fine. Get into racing. Now... if you lack the confidence in your equipment or your driving ability, then quit bragging about what the rig and “you” can do...
Lot of attendees leaves the “girls” on the dock. Not a bad decision, knowing that conditions can change, and if you want to run, your crew has to handle the ride.
But all the “show” boating has no place in a friendly event where the theme is to meet and greet, have a great boating day and perhaps show or market a new product. Poker Runs are great place to show boats, but in short… if you can’t stand the heat,, stay out of the kitchen. You worry about the flat screen TV? Don’t put one in.
All that being said.. I condone the smart and safe decisions on every ones part, staying, or turning around, and congrats to the “ballzy” guys who takes the performance boating seriously and knowing the rigs and drivers limitations and still pushing the envelope.
Many of these boats are designed and made to run hard. But deep pockets and an ego won’t get you to the lunch spot. It takes experience in chit waters and also common and humble sense to know when enough is enough, and waves are too big for the “fun of it”.
My passenger’s safety is the outmost priority. If I want to go nuts, I do it alone or with some one who’s just as nutty as I am.
For me.. if I can’t light my cigarette in the wind,, it’s to windy for a fun run. :rofl:
I never smoked when I was racing.
Sean Stinson
Founding Member/Contributor
I ran a 30 Phantom in Big Water under the Golden Gate bridge have the photos, shirts, checkered flag, and dirty underwear to prove it!!!!!:sifone::sifone::sifone:
Ratickle
Founding Member / Super Moderator
Emphasis on dirty underwear?:sifone:
I've been stuck coming back from Grand Haven in the 24 when the water kicked up into 8 to 10's with the wife and the dog. I had a blast, they didn't. Had to slow down.
In the Scorpion or BT, no big deal. Wouldn't do it if I had a choice, and there was a nice bar, though....:sifone:
Sean Stinson
Founding Member/Contributor
I thought they were supposed to hand out checks to the winner after all it is a "Poker Run"!!!!
I had a conversation once upon a time with a good friend who had went out boating in like conditions with 3 reputable manufacturers boats involved we were all supposed to meet at the end of the run at a local cocktail establishment (imagine that) and converse about what else.....boats and women!!!! To make a long story short the conversation at the marina the next day was.....What happened to you guys......Well we had to put our cabin back together.....the other broke a bolster loose and the third cruised comfortably back to the cocktail establishment!!!11
points if anyone can name the 3 boats involved...:26::26::boxing_smiley::boxing_smiley::boxing_smiley::boxing_smiley:
Sean Stinson
Founding Member/Contributor
If you have ever been under the Golden Gate in big water you will understand the dirty underwear!!!!:sifone::sifone::sifone:
Ratickle
Founding Member / Super Moderator
Troublemaker:26::sifone::26:
Ratickle
Founding Member / Super Moderator
Not in a performance boat, just fishing.
The whirlpools are kinda cool.
Deception Pass in Washington is similar at tide change.
stainless
New member
Skater , MTI, Nortech ??:sifone:
RollWithIt
Charter Member
Cigarette, Fountain and Apache!!!
Chris.. the dilema you are talking about has been discussed for a while. I remember talking to a few people back in the day over on OSO about what can be done to promote or grow the sport of offshore racing and attract; fans, racers, teams and sponsors. Personally, I think if we could get more media coverage of the sport, it will make the biggest difference. Its all related. You get more media coverage, maybe get more fans from exposure. The promotors and sponsors get more coverage so they are willing to throw more money in or new sponsors jump in. You get more money flowing in the sport and make it more... ahem.. profitable for the racers and teams, then you will get more involvement. Just my take on it. I can remember watching APBA races on tv years ago. I couldnt even tell you where I could catch a race on tv anymore.. When Discovery Channel did a show with AMF offshore, I thought that was great.. Love Muscle Racing did thosw promo videos.. It'd be nice to see a major media outlet pick them up for a show.. I mean, you had OCC, Billy Lane, Monter Garage, Pimp my Ride... How many show can you make without taking that step to a boat related show.
Chris.. the dilema you are talking about has been discussed for a while. I remember talking to a few people back in the day over on OSO about what can be done to promote or grow the sport of offshore racing and attract; fans, racers, teams and sponsors. Personally, I think if we could get more media coverage of the sport, it will make the biggest difference. Its all related. You get more media coverage, maybe get more fans from exposure. The promotors and sponsors get more coverage so they are willing to throw more money in or new sponsors jump in. You get more money flowing in the sport and make it more... ahem.. profitable for the racers and teams, then you will get more involvement. Just my take on it. I can remember watching APBA races on tv years ago. I couldnt even tell you where I could catch a race on tv anymore.. When Discovery Channel did a show with AMF offshore, I thought that was great.. Love Muscle Racing did thosw promo videos.. It'd be nice to see a major media outlet pick them up for a show.. I mean, you had OCC, Billy Lane, Monter Garage, Pimp my Ride... How many show can you make without taking that step to a boat related show.
