Gentlemen, this is an interesting approach to what we all like to consider a sport.
Fountain did ask me about the rules weeks ago, and I referred them to the rule books. This is not a "Factory" boat, it is a customer boat, and it is not my place to make determinations on what is or is not legal outside of the rules as determined by each organization.
I was not made aware that this boat was indeed being built until a few weeks ago myself, and did not hear it from the factory, or, the boat owner. However, I can clarify a few facts that seem to be of some importance to the discussion.
1. The boat is built out of the production 33 Lightning mold, with the swim platform blocked out.
2. The deck is built out of the production canopy mold and fitted to the 33 Lightning hull.
3. I am told that the boat actually measures just under 30’ (29’11”) so it should be a comparable match to the existing fleet, considering that it also has the Fountain nose that really does not add to the running surface.
4. The final weight of the boat is going to be within the 4750 pound requirement.
5. Since Fountain filed for Chapter 11, I can assure everyone that there is no such thing as the kind of “factory support” that is being suggested here. They simply no longer have those resources.
A manufacturer built a boat well within the letter, sprit and intent of the rules and it is being challenged and considered for DQ based upon the notion of how it might run? If the boat is illegal, then let the rules take care of it.
From my perspective, this class has accomplished something that has not been done for nearly 10 years. Someone built a new boat to compete in a spec class. The SVL class is to be commended for that. That is the kind of thing that this “sport” and the marine industry in general need today. We can only hope that more racers decide to get into this class and seek out both new and existing manufacturers to build more boats.
Martin Sanborn