SOB Meeting, Minutes, Overview...

[Fast Shafts]

The "SOB" (Single Outboard Boat) group met for the first time yesterday, Nov. 16, 2003. The goal of this meeting was to determine if there was enough interest in a single engine outboard "offshore" race class and then to approach the OPA (Offshore Performance Association) for sanctioning. The initial goal of "interest" was easily met. The next step is to approach OPA.

The meeting started off with an overview of how this entry level class was popular in the early 90's, but was ruined by the "tweeking" of rule changes, specifically by allowing IO's.
Also addressed was the fact that none of the people who called this meeting was going to "profit" from these races. The only tie we have with OPA is that some of us have raced with OPA.
The SOB group also agreed not to race for prize money, but to race for "Trophys" in order to keep the expenses down.

Basic Rules were discussed, and all agreed on the following:
HULLS,
*Any conventional V bottom is allowed
*stepped and padded hulls allowed
*No "Air intrapment Hulls" allowed, ie; Batboats, cats
*No ballast tanks-this is ENTRY level class racing
*No "one off" Hulls-this is ENTRY level class racing
*No minimum weight set
*Numbers only, not enough room on small hulls for P6-###
ENGINES,
*ANY outboard engine of any Horsepower by ANY Manufature.
RACES,
*2 mile short course.
*One hour limit for all races-mileage to be detemined
*One or two crew members per boat-if Insurance allows this.
*SOB race not to be held with "Supercats" on course at the same time. Possibly run with P5 boats
SAFETY
*Follow all of OPA's rules regarding safety, ie: Kill switches, helmets, vests, rules of the road etc...

Some at the meeting stated they would like to see multiple races in/around Long Island. Some were under the false impression that all the races were in NJ. Next year's tentative race sites were announced to address this. The Group was informed that OPA would consider a race site if a sponsor were to come up with money.

It was made clear to the group that "money talks" and if this class is to move forward, EVERYONE who wants to Race MUST show up at the OPA meeting with boat registration MONEY! The OPA meeting is set for 12/13/03 location to be announced.

I think that we made a serious statement by having an organized meeting. OPA must consider that four high perfomance builders attend, Kryptonight, Progression, Superboat and Intimidator. In addition we have the support of designers George Linder, Rich Luhrs, Eastcoast Marine, Joe Imprescia and dozens of others who made time to attend this meeting.
See you at the Dec 13 OPA Meeting!!
BRING MONEY!
:)

[jerry]

jerry is wondering about the bring MONEY part . jerry does not know what the rules of opa are . jerry does not know how we are going to be classed, how much the entry fee is , what the registration fee is , does jerry have to be in maryland on saturday to race on sunday ,or any of the other particulars. jerry wants to race but jerry would like to know a little more before handing out his hard earned cash !!!

[JonesRacing#157]

Good job and good luck I wish this was happing in Florida.

[T2x]

Originally posted by jerry
jerry is wondering about the bring MONEY part . jerry does not know what the rules of opa are . jerry does not know how we are going to be classed, how much the entry fee is , what the registration fee is , does jerry have to be in maryland on saturday to race on sunday ,or any of the other particulars. jerry wants to race but jerry would like to know a little more before handing out his hard earned cash !!!

Does Jerry ever speak......? Or is this the stuffed dog on the thread?:p

Tell Jerry to come to the OPA meeting and either ask questions himself...or bring his trusty sidekick.....

The bottom line is there is a noticeable amount of interest...and a very good START to single engine outboard racing. I commend Pit Bull, Sharkey, Dennis, Bob, Joey, Dirk Pitt, Sonny Werner, George Linder, Robby (who stepped out of the hospital to attend), Rudden, Jerry, and the rest of you guys for taking your hard earned time and efforts in attending yesterday's meeting..... a lot of Jersey/Pennsylvania guys came to Long Island...surely Long Island can return the favor.

One question, since we "can never live up to the European/ Bermudan single engine racers"...does that mean that Progressions will only race overseas?;)

T2x

[jerry]

can you hear jerry ?? you deaf man ???

[Dirk Pitt]

T2x,

I am glad you brought up the comments that was made by Kevin,
about the UIM, and the people that attented Sundays meeting,
I heard the statements that were made, and quite honestly I was shocked, that a boat builder of his stature, and I say that with the upmost respect, would get as hostile as he did.
But before I come to my own personal conclusions, I would would ask Kevin or some spokes person from his organization to clearify his opinions on our endever, you see I beleive that the Superboats, Progressions, Indimitators, and other manufacturers will only benefit from our need to race................

[CUDA]

My only question , why only conventional V bottoms.??? The water conditions should be the equalizer.You all know V bottoms rule in ruff water ( in small boats under 25 feet) I don't consider a bat boat a true air entrapment hull.

[jerry]

cause thats the way jerry wants it !

[Sharkey-Images]

Originally posted by CUDA 21
My only question , why only conventional V bottoms.??? The water conditions should be the equalizer.You all know V bottoms rule in ruff water ( in small boats under 25 feet) I don't consider a bat boat a true air entrapment hull.

Sorry Cuda, but the line had to be drawn with a boat that has WINGS. They do trap air, and would simply have too much of a competitive edge on the conventional vees.
We want to see everyone come out to race, but to allow that, people may just say forget it.....
Then all you have is 2 or 3 boats including 1 with wings...;) out there running around.

[Sharkey-Images]

Originally posted by Dirk Pitt
T2x,

I am glad you brought up the comments that was made by Kevin,
about the UIM, and the people that attented Sundays meeting,
I heard the statements that were made, and quite honestly I was shocked, that a boat builder of his stature, and I say that with the upmost respect, would get as hostile as he did.
But before I come to my own personal conclusions, I would would ask Kevin or some spokes person from his organization to clearify his opinions on our endever, you see I beleive that the Superboats, Progressions, Indimitators, and other manufacturers will only benefit from our need to race................

Dirk,
I am at a loss here...:confused: One moment we were all discussing (possible rules) to bring to the table of OPA for this class. Then the sudden outburst.:eek: My apology for not knowing who he was and that he was there from Progression...but to insult everyone that stood before him? :confused: Many whom which could be future sales for him?
Some in the back of the meeting were fortunate not to hear what was said. My inbox was full tonight with inquiries about that incident. :rolleyes:

Maybe it was the fact that he was standing in the same room as the other 3 or 4 manufacturers of 21 to 24 ft hottest Vee bottoms on the planet? I just don't know....:confused:

Hopefully he will give some better clarification for his actions...

[Dirk Pitt]

Sharkey,

Lets give him the opportunity for rebutal, I'm sure he has some logical explanation..................

But remember omission sometimes speaks volumes...............

[Sharkey-Images]

Originally posted by Dirk Pitt
Sharkey,

Lets give him the opportunity for rebutal, I'm sure he has some logical explanation..................

But remember omission sometimes speaks volumes...............
Agreed!;)

[stvhelm]

ohhh, you guys and your v -bottoms. your gonna make me go get a Triad V21 and kick all your butts with a 260. www.triad-boats.com :D If this thing gets going look out. thats all I gotta say :P ............:D btw, these things easily break 100mph with a stock 260

[jerry]

bring it on , that thing wont last 10 min !

[Sharkey-Images]

Is that from the LASER molds???:confused:

I can't see much of the bottom, but that deck sure looks very similar...

[PhastBoat]

1,585 lbs
(fully rigged with
V-6 Mercury)

"Fairwell and adue to you fair spainish lady- Fairwell and adue to you lady of spain."

[stvhelm]

Im pretty sure its an original design. theyve been in production over a decade. and from what I here they can run over some pretty decent chop. I bet it'll handle whatever the bay will dish out.

[jerry]

phastboat cracks jerry up !!!http://forums.screamandfly.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=44963

[T2x]

Originally posted by jerry
bring it on , that thing wont last 10 min !

or maybe 10 yards.


T2x

[VELOCITOY]

YO GUYZ...Sounds like a good start...Just fill me in on the Kevin/Progression/UIM story?!?!?!...T2X...You can ALWAYS tell a good story...Fill me in...VELOCITOY is curious...:D

[Fast Shafts]

Velocity,
Not much to tell, I think his pants were about three sizes too small and it wasn't letting the blood flow to his brain. He babbled about "no one having pride in their boats like they do in the UIM", thats when I stopped listening.
Not a good way to sell boats, or represent your company to people who are serious performance boaters.....Maybe he was overwellmed by the other performace builders there, they at least presented themselves with "class".

[VELOCITOY]

YO FAST SHAFTS...Thanx for the 411...How many/who showed up from the boat companies???...The pix I saw showed a couple of "legends" were in attendance...Who else???...Just bein' a nozy bastid...;)

[T2x]

Originally posted by VELOCITOY
YO FAST SHAFTS...Thanx for the 411...How many/who showed up from the boat companies???...The pix I saw showed a couple of "legends" were in attendance...Who else???...Just bein' a nozy bastid...;)

I didn't see any "legends" just a few old guys......... like me, Coen, Sonny Werner and Linder.... and of course MISTER Imprescia

The meeting was in a word "refreshing"...... it harkens back to the days when people wanted to race boats..... for the sake of racing..... no major egos ...no major sponsor nonsense...and very little "look what I can buy" mindset. I am troubled by the questions concerning guys who earn 25-40,000/year being able to afford boat racing of any kind....much less this. For those people I respectfully, and with an open heart, strongly suggest that you buy a small stock outboard hydro..... Single engine outboard racing of the type we are discussing will require a budget of at least $10,000/year.....not counting the boat and engine.

Figure annual minimums without "blowing up" anything:

1. Props:........................ $1000.00

2. Gearcase -rebuild, parts, lube.............$800.00

3. Powerhead- rings, plugs,parts, bushings and etc....$1000.00

4. Safety items, life jackets, helmets, extinguishers,....... $600.00

5. Fuel(testing and racing 50 running hours minimum).....$2000

6. Race travel expenses...... $2400

7. Entry fees(6 races)......... $1500

8. Misc..... meals/beer for your crew/friends while testing, trailer reg. ...etc.....$1000

Blow a power head....add 5 grand,...a lower unit try $2500

Flip/barrel roll the boat....... re-rig from scratch and pray the engine doesn't hydraulic...and the deck stays on.

I am most certainly a fan of this effort and want desperately to see it catch on, but I would hate to see somebody lose his rent money chasing a dream that he'll never catch. This class has the potential to have a lot of boats, create new grass roots racers, and offer a cost of entry that is only a small fraction of a Factory 1 boat.... but do not delude yourselves into thinking that it is free.


T2x

[VELOCITOY]

YO T2X...PHEW!!!...I thought we lost you down in the historical section???!!!...You don't like legends???...OK...How about old farts that mess/messed with boats???...;) ...BTW T2X...You did behave, I hope???...:p

[T2x]

Originally posted by VELOCITOY
YO T2X...PHEW!!!...I thought we lost you down in the historical section???!!!...You don't like legends???...OK...How about old farts that mess/messed with boats???...;) ...BTW T2X...You did behave, I hope???...:p

Yeah....... I behaved......and I admire anybody that raced boats and makes it to the point where he can be called "old".

T2x

[DPT Motorsports]

T2X,

Again Thank You for your support on this front and also to all the other Legends/Old Farts that attended to make this happen.

Thanx Again,
Dennis P Tracey

[stvhelm]

Just wondering where you propose these races take place. 10 minutes? 10 yards? Tell me. have either one of you even riden in one these v21's?

[PhastBoat]

These races will be 50 miles or 1 hour which ever comes first- some of which will be in the ocean in 4-5 footers. I dont think that would be the boat of choice.

[jerry]

nuff said , helmut go buy one and please come join us , we need more people to run with .

[stvhelm]

In the ocean in 4-5 footers?.... Why the hell would you even want to race in that and tear up all your **** and risk loosing it altogether? And to boot, pay someone to do it? thats just stupid. I'll stay in the bays. I only go in the ocean to fish, thats it. oh, and surf.

[blkmtrfan]

Because its cool :cool:

On a more seroius side, the thrill of race, who is the best, the fastest, has biggest balls and so on.


I think this type of racing is the best thing that could happen to our type of boating. It should make outboards popular again and show that they are better suited to this size of boat than the typical (boring) stern drives.

Just ho[e it will make to the west coast again
:D

[insptech]

Originally posted by stvhelm
In the ocean in 4-5 footers?.... Why the hell would you even want to race in that and tear up all your **** and risk loosing it altogether? And to boot, pay someone to do it? thats just stupid. I'll stay in the bays. I only go in the ocean to fish, thats it. oh, and surf.

Okay, say it with me:

Scars heal.
Glory Fades.
Pain is temporary.

Chicks dig it..........:D

[sho305]

Sounds like a good one for S&F TV:) I'd love to see those run. I never been boating on the ocean, but I would not want to get in any less than a 24 I/O here on Lake Michigan unless it was calm. You would need kidney belts and it just trashes your boat; plenty of air time in a 24'. I know the ocean has more rollers so it might not be so bad.

[Sharkey-Images]

Originally posted by insptech
Okay, say it with me:

Scars heal.
Glory Fades.
Pain is temporary.

Chicks dig it..........:D

Oh yeah!!!!!!!


And we're all a glutten for punishment!!! Boats & Chicks!:D :D :D

[T2x]

Originally posted by stvhelm
In the ocean in 4-5 footers?.... Why the hell would you even want to race in that and tear up all your **** and risk loosing it altogether? And to boot, pay someone to do it? thats just stupid. I'll stay in the bays. I only go in the ocean to fish, thats it. oh, and surf.

Why risk your powerhead with salt water?...try a lake.... a calm lake. Real boat racing..is a son of a b*t*h.

T2x

[VELOCITOY]

YO GUYZ...I's NOT just the beatin ya can get...It's also the ability to focus on the task at hand for an hour or so WHILE you get your balls beaten up...:D ...The WHY you do it is....BECAUSE WE CAN!!!...;) ...HI T2X, you old fart!!!...lol...:p

[Sharkey-Images]

Where is everyone?:confused:

[jerry]

jerry is here !!!

[DPT Motorsports]

I am here sometimes. When I am not here I am working.

DPT

[Sharkey-Images]

Originally posted by Wazzup Racing

Sharkey


We have two 21 Challengers here, one is already being rigged Wazzup II


__________________
Wazzup Racing.....Jersey Boyz Crew Smitty and Sticks

[DPT Motorsports]

To all those interested in this form of racing. We need more input,concerns and ideas to make this happen. The OPA Winter Meeting is Decmber 13th(Location to still be announced) and we need to have a presentation organized for this. We need to have everyone try to show there face at this meeting. Another meeting in L.I. has been talked about and everyone will be updated on it as soon as we get more information on it. It wil be before the 13th so we can go over more of the ideas and get an agreeance on which way is the right way to go with this. Looking very forward to working with all of you. Frrl free to email me with questions, concerns or ideas.

Dennis P Tracey
dpt@csionline.net
:D :D :D :D

[jerry]

jerry is all for keeping it easy , but he thinks there has to be some minunum weight restriction !

[Fast Fred]

no minunum weight, NO POLITICS, NO CRY BABYS! :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :mad: :mad: :cool:

[jerry]

jerry wants to know what boat fastfred has ??

[Fast Fred]

well all I will say is it meets the rules set forth, any more than that , well you'll have to go TO THE SHOW :eek: :eek: :cool:

[jerry]

uh oh jerry says look out boys fastfred has a stealth super secret boat ,that no one can keep up with !!!!! HHAHAHAH

[DPT Motorsports]

Sharkey and I met with the Smitty and Kurt of OPA today and they are ready to listen to us and Smitty is even talking about putting a SOB together himself. Good news today for everyone. We are moving closer and closer.

We also talked about another meeting up in LI before the OPA meeting.

DPT

[Fast Fred]

well jerry, I did not say any of that :mad: :eek: I'm not much for trailer racing, I'll leave that to you:eek:

allreddy it's not a true "SOB" class, not that I'm runin a cat or a batboat thing, who disceided that, the five vee hull reps:eek

:eek:eek: looks like "SOBV":eek: :mad: :cool:

[Sharkey-Images]

Fred, Nothing has been decided yet. We are still looking for input.
I think I recall the majority was in favor of no air intrapment hulls. Not just the factory reps that were at the meeting.
We want the racing to be fair and competitive. That only happens when you stay as close to the same type boats as possible. 21 to 24 Single Outboard Vee bottoms.
If you have a Bat Boat, there is already a racing class for those. It is called One Design.;)

[Sharkey-Images]

You have a Private message....

[Fast Shafts]

Sharkey,
I didn't get your Mail. Can you try again, BOBG1060@aol.com
or call me-I'm in the book.
Thanks!

[Sharkey-Images]

Attention all Single Outboard Vee Bottom owners!

We will be having a 2nd meeting to fine tune your requests for a basic rules proposal that can be presented at the OPA meeting the following week.

Also, a board member of the OPA will be on hand to answer some questions that many of you may have.

Location:

Joey Impressia's

East Coast Marine

200 Union Boulevard

West Islip, NY

Date: Sunday 12-07-03

Time: 9:00am

Link to Mapquest for directions. (http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?country=US&addtohistory=&address=200+Union+Boulevard&city=West+Islip&state=NY&zipcode=&homesubmit=Get+Map)

[Sharkey-Images]

Billy Frenz of NPBA will be in attendance for the SOB meeting this Sunday Dec 7th. :cool: :cool: :cool:

[Sharkey-Images]

Great news! :)

It has been confirmed that 2 of the OPA Board members will be attending the meeting this Sunday @ East Coast Marine.
Smitty of Wazzup Racing and Augie Pensa of Pensa Racing will be in attendance!
Thanks guys!!!

BTW: This meeting is rain, shine or whatever else mother nature dares to throw at us this weekend. We will be there regardless!

[Sharkey-Images]

Augie & Smitty,

Thank you for showing your interest in making these boats a possible reality in the racing field once again..... :cool:

See you all on Sunday!

The roads will already be cleared for us by then.;)

[DPT Motorsports]

To all potential SOB's

A final meeting between SharkeyMarine,Myslef and Board Members of OPA will be taking place very very soon. Sorry for such a delay with all of this but now it is full speed ahead for the SOB's. We will keep you all informed of what happens with this meeting. I am awaiting a phone call today from an OPA Board Member about this meeting. I can tell you first hand that things look very good for the SOB's in 2004.

DPT
:cool: :cool: :cool:

[DPT Motorsports]

:cool: :cool: :cool:

[Superdave]

ttt