Class 7 OPA "60mph" rule?

[Chaz]

Bay Rat was a very, very late entry but glad to see they could make it. Great racing all around. Ocean was a little choppy but the factor was the on shore swells of 6-7 foot with an occasional 10 footer thrown in there.

Peter G. had some last minute catchin up to do ... I gotz a Canole' on Bay Rat at the next one ...

[Baja170]

DAMN! I guess keeping the boats to 60 could be a MAJOR safety factor. That is enough air to where one mistake or flying off the face of a wave wrong could end up in nose dive city and a swim. Or body slam you so hard it would take a while to heal. WOW you guys have some serious balls.

Our lake in TN is the roughest I have boated on in NC/SC/TN/VA because it is in very steep mountains, it is basically linear in shape and the waves come back at you off the rock faces just like straight up retaining walls and the lake is oriented basically West to East so the wind funnels between the mountains like a venturi and there are a lot of large cruisers on it because it is deep but NOTHING like that. On the lake a Linder hull can smoke most any other hulls, at least so far. Padded hulls beat the hell out of people, you need a lot more deadrise than your normal lake boat on at least 3 days a week if not more. If wind is up, waves are up. If it is a weekend and wind is up, you got waves coming from every direction. A good 24+ Skater or other fast Cat could eat this lake for lunch but there are none on it. On the windy days the waves are all white capped and can get taller than a lot of boats can handle, (no size mentioned because you know the deal on that, it is a lake) especially pontoons and boats with not a lot of freeboard. If I ever had a problem with my Cougar 22 MTR on the rough days, the bilge pump would have had to keep the water out of it stopped. There are plenty of days we cannot drive the wife's planing 3 oversized tube bennington pontoon. NOTHING like what you are flying over, WOW. I warn people all the time to not go out in the main channel on those kind of days, some listen, some don't.

More power to you guys!!!! There will probably not be that many races where the 60MPH limit would be a factor if you run is water like that. WOW!!!!!!! Now that I am 50 and have a boat that could probably make the class, my back and my wallet are saying HELL NO. All growing up, it was all I ever wanted to do until I was in my 40's. My parents got their first cabin on the lake when I was 8 and I have been hooked ever since. Looking at your photo, I am thinking I am glad I never had the money and the time and the equipment at the same time over the years and never raced.

You guys have some serious stones and drive to go race and do that to yourself and your gear and to spend the money to keep your stuff and your body in shape to go do it again. Holy........

[hydrostreamvulture1]

Who manufactures that boat bay rat? Thats an awesome shot!! Looks like a ghost and velocity had a kid and out came bayrat.

[tux974]

It is a "23 Ghost". Measures 21'4" nose to transom, much narrower than a Velocity or Linder at the chine and less deadrise as well. It built very well and will take alot of abuse. Could keep my motor out of guardian mode otherwise I'd have been with the boys up front. Too little time and money, but we'll get it together.

Peter, well put, you sure will! Great job just making it.....

[Tom Foley]

Peter G. had some last minute catchin up to do ... I gotz a Canole' on Bay Rat at the next one ...

SERIOUS AIR !!

[tux974]

[tux974]

A little more flying!
Awesome picture for sure!
That boat has the right attitude, flying straight and perfect balance.....

[hydrostreamvulture1]

It is a "23 Ghost". Measures 21'4" nose to transom, much narrower than a Velocity or Linder at the chine and less deadrise as well. Its built very well and will take alot of abuse. Couldn't keep my motor out of guardian mode otherwise I'd have been with the boys up front. Too little time and money, but we'll get it together.

Very cool what year is the boat?

[bayratpg]

1982, second high deck built I believe, 2X8 stringers, no core, excellent layup. Stringers looked NEW when I had the floor open 33 years later.

Very cool what year is the boat?

[bayratpg]

Peter, well put, you sure will! Great job just making it.....

It wasn't easy, one problem after the next. Thanks for your help, and for introducing me to Richie!

[tux974]

It wasn't easy, one problem after the next. Thanks for your help, and for introducing me to Richie!

I know, but you at least got to run it! Your dedication and drive was amazing!
Always a pleasure helping good guys! You and John have always been a pleasure and fun to help! Richie is unique but an extremely talented guy...
We will get it done before next race for sure! Lets get started early.....
With a good tweaked setup, reliable running motor and your driving should put you on the podium...

[tux974]

That picture in post 68 is awesome and shows a well balanced setup!
John's driving and work has lots to do with his success and consisting good performance, well deserved buddy!

[Chaz]

Tux , I should-a known you waz involved in these hi-fliers ...

Ahhhhh to be young again ...

Travis Pastrana's got nuttin on these guys ....

[tux974]

Tux , I should-a known you waz involved in these hi-fliers ...

Ahhhhh to be young again ...

Travis Pastrana's got nuttin on these guys ....

I'm only involved with things with wings....
If you look closely Peters co-pilot sure looks to be getting up to jump over board....

[bayratpg]

I'm only involved with things with wings....
If you look closely Peters co-pilot sure looks to be getting up to jump over board....

Louie can't stand to sit!!! His first ocean race, I kept yellimg at him to get his ass in the seat. Last year in MI he got the nickname "Silver Surfer" because he stood half the race, looking backwards, yelling distances and positions of the guys behind me