APBA's Days Numbered?

**Da Bull** · 01-17-2021, 11:19 AM

I think that since they killed Mod-VP I have not even said the words APBA.

**Instigator** · 01-18-2021, 08:40 AM

I have helped a friend off and on for yrs, planning an OMC effort for the Formula 150 class.
On paper, I really like the class/rules.
It attempts to bring all the fish motors out of the barns, bolt the p.head to any mid w/any gear case and go racing.

The engine tech attempts to level the field between smaller/race p.heads to larger/stockers.

I think you start there, design a mid w/replaceable, interchangeable exhaust plates for any p.head.
My idea for the mid is to fab one up out of 1/8” alum plate and Allen screw it together.
Could offer patterns for DIY’ers.

Look at an OMC V-8 20” mid.
Theres your pattern.

Fab the trim and clamp out of industrial hydraulics (from any supplier).

Only real issue I see is the case.
Could restrict it to OEM w/cones or attach a weight penalty if you run a speedy.

Tech rules would be a sliding scale based on lap times by an appointed test driver.

For it to survive, you’d have to remove all, brand prejudice and focus solely on competitiveness.

4 strokes against 2, new against old, etc.

Also, If you run your own stuff, you don’t have to worry about a motor supplier getting pissed and cutting you off.
No politics.

Originally Posted by Da Bull

I think that since they killed Mod-VP I have not even said the words APBA.

**WaterZebra** · 02-09-2021, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by Instigator

I have helped a friend off and on for yrs, planning an OMC effort for the Formula 150 class.
On paper, I really like the class/rules.
It attempts to bring all the fish motors out of the barns, bolt the p.head to any mid w/any gear case and go racing.

The engine tech attempts to level the field between smaller/race p.heads to larger/stockers.

I think you start there, design a mid w/replaceable, interchangeable exhaust plates for any p.head.
My idea for the mid is to fab one up out of 1/8” alum plate and Allen screw it together.
Could offer patterns for DIY’ers.

Look at an OMC V-8 20” mid.
Theres your pattern.

Fab the trim and clamp out of industrial hydraulics (from any supplier).

Only real issue I see is the case.
Could restrict it to OEM w/cones or attach a weight penalty if you run a speedy.

Tech rules would be a sliding scale based on lap times by an appointed test driver.

For it to survive, you’d have to remove all, brand prejudice and focus solely on competitiveness.

4 strokes against 2, new against old, etc.

Also, If you run your own stuff, you don’t have to worry about a motor supplier getting pissed and cutting you off.
No politics.

The French UIM group who orchestrated the long standing 24 hr Rouen race (LeMans for tunnelboats) just were given their death sentence for the event in 2021 by declaring that all engines used in the race shall be "carbon free". I wouldn't spend another penny on any formula of a racing outboard at this point.

**Instigator** · 02-09-2021, 12:26 PM

Saw that and agreed.

Originally Posted by WaterZebra

The French UIM group who orchestrated the long standing 24 hr Rouen race (LeMans for tunnelboats) just were given their death sentence for the event in 2021 by declaring that all engines used in the race shall be "carbon free". I wouldn't spend another penny on any formula of a racing outboard at this point.

**OMCAllTheWay** · 02-09-2021, 01:32 PM

What or who makes a “carbon free” outboard? Or what is the definition of “carbon free”?

**WaterZebra** · 02-09-2021, 02:57 PM

Originally Posted by OMCAllTheWay

What or who makes a “carbon free” outboard? Or what is the definition of “carbon free”?

Yep, yep and yep! It's kinda like a multi-paragraph statement that decrees that no more racing outboards will run there anymore effective spring of 2021.

**OMCAllTheWay** · 02-09-2021, 08:03 PM

Originally Posted by WaterZebra

Yep, yep and yep! It's kinda like a multi-paragraph statement that decrees that no more racing outboards will run there anymore effective spring of 2021.

Dinghy’s with electric trolling motors?

**WaterZebra** · 02-15-2021, 07:33 PM

Originally Posted by Da Bull

I think that since they killed Mod-VP I have not even said the words APBA.

If that wasn't enough, the APBA 2021 Virtual Meeting Minutes for the OPC Category says that effective 02-21-21, all reinforced cockpit classes with restraints MUST use air breathing systems!

**Instigator** · 02-15-2021, 07:56 PM

I was at a Stock Outboard race a couple yrs ago and saw an A Stock Hydro w/an enclosed cockpit.

That was all I needed to see.

**WaterZebra** · 02-16-2021, 03:32 PM

Originally Posted by Instigator

I was at a Stock Outboard race a couple yrs ago and saw an A Stock Hydro w/an enclosed cockpit.

That was all I needed to see.

I hope the Texas TriHull racers tell the APBA to stick their rule book and what-if safety paranoia somewhere, go outlaw and continue having fun on their own steam.

**SCT** · 02-16-2021, 04:58 PM

They are going to ‘safety’ the sport (what’s left of it) out of existence.

**WaterZebra** · 04-23-2021, 10:34 AM

Originally Posted by WaterZebra

For an organization that claims to be stable and funded, why is their president asking for cash donations for a "relief fund"?

Mercury Racing PR release for the 200 APX pretty much confirms how dis-functional the APBA OPC category is at this time.

Where was the motor technical committee in all of this?
Did the owner / drivers get a vote on acceptance? No
Where is the 2021 OPC rulebook which would incorporate the 200 APX into a class? Not even published.
Any talk of the 200 APX development in the winter meeting? Mercury Racing didn't dream this up on a Monday and then announce it on a Friday.
Has Mercury Racing basically declared a moratorium on OPC 2 stroke racing? (parts availability?)
What does the list of qualified raceboat builders look like these days? Must be pretty short or non-existent.
Together with the 200 APX announcement and the APBA safety committee's decision to make air supply systems mandatory for all OPC capsule classes, will we see an accelerated die-off of APBA membership?

**Zonkercraft** · 04-23-2021, 05:56 PM

As best that can be determined, the Mercury Apex series motors are intended to be run overseas, only. As for the future, that will be determined in the years to come. As of right now, the Apex motors are not legal to run in any OPC class short of Mod U. It was even approached for discussion, because it wouldn't be offered for racing in the states. No discussion required. The on-board air supply was a bit of a surprise, along with the head/helmet restraints. Thought it might be introduced for 2022. At least they didn't mandated an air bag system for the boat.

**OMCAllTheWay** · 04-23-2021, 06:12 PM

Exactly right on a dysfunctional OPC. I tried to have a discussion with shaping OPC for the future. Bueller, Bueller......

**WaterZebra** · 04-23-2021, 06:40 PM

Originally Posted by Zonkercraft

As best that can be determined, the Mercury Apex series motors are intended to be run overseas, only. As for the future, that will be determined in the years to come. As of right now, the Apex motors are not legal to run in any OPC class short of Mod U. It was even approached for discussion, because it wouldn't be offered for racing in the states. No discussion required. The on-board air supply was a bit of a surprise, along with the head/helmet restraints. Thought it might be introduced for 2022. At least they didn't mandated an air bag system for the boat.

In other words, Merc Racing sees that there is $$$ to be spent overseas but not in the states, which means the APBA was by-passed. ......when the 2 stroke parts supply dries up, so will the APBA membership. The Europeans kept on going with 4 strokes and made it work. The USA people did not.