Outboard Top Speed World Record 200 mph Attempt

[Instigator]

People have been crashing boats over 200 mph for 20 years, 98% of them have lived, whether it is a fixed capsule or a break away capsule. There has even been many Top Fuel Hydros crash at the 250 mph mark and the most of been fine. I do not know of one person killed in an outrigger and all the Big Dog Top Fuel Teams run them now, so I feel good about our chances. This boat has some really cool safety stuff that I will disclose later as it gets more finished. Boat is here in Ohio, so I will post pics once we start rigging.

No doubt.

I think most of the big changes started coming around in the late '80's. I think in one yr we lost 6 or more drivers between the F-1 V-8s' that they were attempting to run on 17' (2.4 Merc) Champ boats and the Top Fuel hydro guys that were just getting into the 200 MPH zone.
For the 1st 100 yrs of boat racing, the belief was that we wanted the drivers thrown free of the crash scene.
In that late '80's era (as I recall) is when they started learning that it was the sudden deceleration of the brain against the inside of the drivers skull (at impact) that was killing them. First came seat/lap belts which was a big improvement and then came the capsules.

So far, I think I agree w/everything you've posted. Some of my comments are aimed at the readers that think a 100+ pass in their toy w/zero safety equipment is fun. You learn the smart ones after their first swim.
If they start showing up wearing their gear, they pass. If they don't, they will be wet at least one more time.

I am scheduled to be back in Ohio in November and December both and may have to snoop out your base of operations. Think I already know where it is

[mrpenguin]

Are you leaning any direction for power?

It sounds like your ducks are in the correct row and that you are really making the correct effort. I dont doubt you will be able to break the 176mph record, the big question is with what power?

Thanks for sharing.

[JWTjr.]

Some of my comments are aimed at the readers that think a 100+ pass in their toy w/zero safety equipment is fun. You learn the smart ones after their first swim.
If they start showing up wearing their gear, they pass. If they don't, they will be wet at least one more time.

hehe...too true.

[Spectre Powerboats]

Are you leaning any direction for power?

It sounds like your ducks are in the correct row and that you are really making the correct effort. I dont doubt you will be able to break the 176mph record, the big question is with what power?

Thanks for sharing.

The honest answer for power is "I don't know." Originally we were going with Mercury. That deal went sour, so I was pushing for OMC, but some of the people who were going to help me with parts for it now are showing little interest. So, another Mercury potential deal presented itself here about a month ago and now it looks to be dead to. I am dummying the boat up with Mercury stuff for now, just to get rudder placement and some rigging done. I think it is going to come down to either a lot of help with the OMC, because of my lack of knowledge with them or just going to have to go with what I know, which is Mercury equipment. We will see.

[Rayzor]

Since the world speed record for propeller driven boats is held by a turbine powered boat, why not set the outboard world speed record with turbine power? PT-6s are plentiful and would give you the reliable power you need. Just a thought that I'm certain you've already factored in or out already, but it seems a lot easier - especially seeing as it sounds like neither of the big outboard manufacturers are wanting to help you out at all. Your technical help on turbines is only a phone call away - Rik at Arneson...........

[afr]

The honest answer for power is "I don't know." Originally we were going with Mercury. That deal went sour, so I was pushing for OMC, but some of the people who were going to help me with parts for it now are showing little interest. So, another Mercury potential deal presented itself here about a month ago and now it looks to be dead to. I am dummying the boat up with Mercury stuff for now, just to get rudder placement and some rigging done. I think it is going to come down to either a lot of help with the OMC, because of my lack of knowledge with them or just going to have to go with what I know, which is Mercury equipment. We will see.

thats the same thing happen before when it came down to it everyone back out

[olboatman]

thats the same thing happen before when it came down to it everyone back out

Ifs thats the case what can we do to help so that does not happen now ! Any thing that can help --- just let us know. Gary

[Instigator]

Define "back out" ???
The level you're looking to go to, no ones going to do it for free or as a friend/favor.
Another thing is the risk factor. To get involved from a business stand point and something goes wrong......, what do they get for their $$ and effort?

And according to many of local experts you should be able to just screw on a 300 drag and lay waste to that record.

Just sayin....

[JWTjr.]

And according to many of local experts you should be able to just screw on a 300 drag and lay waste to that record.

Just sayin....

Gary you're killin' me...love it!

[powerabout]

GG had a hydro with say 500hp and they did 170+ and a little V6 is gunna do what?

[CLIMAX]

We are based out of Corpus Christi, Stepping out of the turbine world for a while, I have known Dan for quite a long time. Boat is currently under construction, Monty has first engine together, second is under construction , Going after every record we can. I have planned this for about the last fifteen years.

[RBT]

Gary you're killin' me...love it!

A UIM legal motor went 160 in the kilo, a hydro has to be a lot faster. Add another 40 or so hp the the UIM legal motor. I don't know about 200 but more than 176 certainly is there.
For what it is worth, my preferred engine specialist was friends with the late Gary Garbrecht and the kilo engine hp is/was nowhere near what people think.

[Hot Shot Merc]

A UIM legal motor went 160 in the kilo, a hydro has to be a lot faster. Add another 40 or so hp the the UIM legal motor. I don't know about 200 but more than 176 certainly is there.
For what it is worth, my preferred engine specialist was friends with the late Gary Garbrecht and the kilo engine hp is/was nowhere near what people think.

Great points Rob. I agree with you. Would like to see what a merc could do regardless of the 200 mph goal here. Anything close would be a huge acomplishment.

Also,best of luck to you with this project aerotech

[Instigator]

A UIM legal motor went 160 in the kilo, a hydro has to be a lot faster. Add another 40 or so hp the the UIM legal motor. I don't know about 200 but more than 176 certainly is there.

First off, I remember when Guido did that but I don't remember it being an actual Kilo run. I remember reading that he all of a sudden went that fast but not that it was a record??? Two way different things.
Please post a link to the UIM record.

Secondly, 40 HP's = 16 MPH's?? Really? And from 160?? On what planet?

If you added 40 HP's to a boat already running 160 it wouldn't even register on your GPS/radar gun.

Come on Rob are your winters really that long?

[RBT]

No no no, what I was trying to say was guido ran 159, it was a kilo. One pass was 161. Both pass's were in the high 160's exiting the traps. He was out of boat not motor.
His motor made in the 380 range.
Add 40 hp to that, remove the constraints that a UIM f1 motor has add methanol and an advanced efi (motec) and you can add 40 hp., a RELIABLE 420 plus hp is no problem. This isn't scream and fly hp, but REAL hp.
Now add a hydro hull, just using Guido's existing 380 hp on the hydro and I would think you would be right at the record.
The feat of 176 is impressive, but they had more and off the button the hp was similar to what a current merc is making. One would hope that with hull and prop design that this isn't the great white buffalo it is being made out to be. Money, balls and a few smart guys can pull it off. The biggest fear I see is being involved and with the current litigious society that is upon us and having an accident.