OKAY, I give up what's a ====

**wuhbbr** · 03-17-2016, 08:23 AM

Last weekend I was working the pits at a APBA OPC race. I ask 4 veteran Merc. racers, 2 OMC veteran racers, "what is a CLE lower unit"? None of them had a clue what a CLE lower unit is. All said, "never heard of such a thing." The 4 Merc racers, talked about #4; #6; speed masters, BP; super speed master; T-2; Twister, lower units, and many others that Mercury has put out over the decades. =
Here's the questions, what is a CLE lower unit? What does / do CLE letters stand for?

**specboatops** · 03-17-2016, 08:41 AM

Cresent Leading Edge - surprised the guys you spoke to didn't know this ????

**Baja170** · 03-17-2016, 08:48 AM

They make (made) a 2 hole a 4 hole and a MOD VP 2 hole version with the holes above the bullet.

Here is a listing for a 4 hole that has some great pics. http://www.screamandfly.com/showthre...059-4-hole-cle

**wuhbbr** · 03-17-2016, 08:51 AM

Thanks! I'll let them know. I must assume, they don't use CLE lower units on their races boats.
Keep in mind, these boats are just for "real boat racing" (not river racing) tiny cockpits, one seat, very light weight, non-production hulls, often "one off" builds.

**Baja170** · 03-17-2016, 08:59 AM

I am sure the race guys now are running much more modern lowers and uppers and whole drives these days.

Mercury as far as I know has not produced CLE's for a long time. That is why I have spares. I have a 21' Shadow that has a couple 260's on it with 20" Mid 4 hole CLE's and the 21 high deadrise V guys say the big bullets on the CLE's give some stern lift running high - x factor on the 21 footers and sporties would cost a couple MPH. I plan on keeping my boat a LONG time so I am stocking up on spare lowers just to make it easy on myself if I blow one. The boat will plane on one engine and it would take me about an hour to swap on one of my spares then back on the water nad giving it hell.

This is what the ModVP lower CLE looks like. I guess the ModVP rules back in the day mandated above bullet lower water pickups.

**Valero2.5** · 03-17-2016, 09:33 AM

Wow, Racers didn't know that :-(

**wuhbbr** · 03-17-2016, 09:45 AM

I wish I taken a close look at what they were running. When they were talking #4 & #6 it was about size & durability under race conditions. Some had the speed master & super speed master w/ fwd gears only, exhaust above water, a few stackers were there. Some were thru hub exhaust. Gears overdrive, underdrive, 1-1, up to 2-1. Speeds on a oval from mid 90 to high 120's - low 130's - Keep in mind there several boats at once, running together on a oval course, side by side. None ran in a straight line just for speed, no drags. Like NASCAR but on rough water with strong wind.

**Baja170** · 03-17-2016, 09:59 AM

Wind definitely plays a role. Yesterday on my twisty turning lake in the steep mountains, the boat would crab left or right depending on teh wind gusts. Never experienced that before even with my Cougar. Pretty crazy. I loved it though. Man the boat addiction is the best of any and I have put myself through a hard life.

**largecar91** · 03-17-2016, 11:31 AM

Originally Posted by wuhbbr

I wish I taken a close look at what they were running. When they were talking #4 & #6 it was about size & durability under race conditions. Some had the speed master & super speed master w/ fwd gears only, exhaust above water, a few stackers were there. Some were thru hub exhaust. Gears overdrive, underdrive, 1-1, up to 2-1. Speeds on a oval from mid 90 to high 120's - low 130's - Keep in mind there several boats at once, running together on a oval course, side by side. None ran in a straight line just for speed, no drags. Like NASCAR but on rough water with strong wind.

It is like Nascar on water except our racecourse changes every second. It's more fun than sex(depending on the woman)

**wuhbbr** · 03-17-2016, 01:20 PM

Largecar, you nailed it. I often tell people about the non-stop changing of the course, waves, wind, other racers throwing a wall of water in your face, bumping a banging, getting thrown around, power boats wakes crossing the course. = Most get it, some look at you dumb founded. Unlike NASCAR we don't get paid for it.

**largecar91** · 03-17-2016, 01:43 PM

We do get paid for it but it sure doesn't cover the actual costs. Here's a few pics of my newest boat.

**CircleHook** · 03-17-2016, 01:45 PM

wuhbbr- thanks for asking- I have been wondering the same but was too embarassed to ask-

**Deznuts3570** · 03-17-2016, 02:56 PM

Ive also heard CLE's blow out more than sportys because of skeg design and bullet profile. Can anyone shed any light to this?

**wuhbbr** · 03-17-2016, 03:35 PM

largecar, nice looking rig!! Looks like a fun boat. Who built the boat? Never drove a capsule boat but they look tight!
I understand the rescue team must have many hours of special training and they must be there before capsules can race in APBA. Correct?
Love the color! I have a restored 70's vintage 15' Christfield about the same color.