Facts about Evinrude/Johnson racing outboards made my OMC

[lars strom]

#5 Gene Thibodaux 1986.

[lars strom]

How about Seabolt?

Mr. Bill was not allowed by Mercury to sell/build any new OMC F1-V8 boats. I asked Billy for a new F1-V8 boat late 1983 and that's the answer he gave me.
Barry Woods raced a used Seebold with Evinrude V8 power ones but lost the transom.

[lars strom]

Any idea what length they were? it looks long in comparison to the Velden...

I don't recall seeing one over this side.... not in the U.K anyways.

The SE (Second Effort) F1-V8 boats was only raced in the US and Canada.
I just got a private message and the SE boats was 17' 6" long. Thanks you very much for the info.

Here is one more picture of the #5 SE/Johnson V8 and its signed by Gene Thibodaux.
Picture credit: Tim Schroer

[ron54]

The SE (Second Effort) F1-V8 boats was only raced in the US and Canada.
I just got a private message and the SE boats was 17' 6" long. Thanks you very much for the info.

Here is one more picture of the #5 SE/Johnson V8 and its signed by Gene Thibodaux.
Picture credit: Tim Schroer

Thanks for the size update.....who ever penned that hull should pleased with themselves.. can't see a bad line on it.

[lars strom]

I have always asked how long the later v8 hulls were but nobody seems to know?

Now you have the answer powerabout..check post.. #2164

[lars strom]

Took the “Zumba Queen” on a 100 miles Harley trip today with friends.
Lots of fun and a perfect day to ride

[powerabout]

Thanks for the size update.....who ever penned that hull should pleased with themselves.. can't see a bad line on it.

17'6 same ( shorter) as a current f1 hull, they look lots bigger?

[lars strom]

#5 Gene Thibodaux SE/Johnson V8 3.5 liter looper, fuel injection and 6 inch mid section.
1986.

[lars strom]

#57 Ben Robertson Second Effort (SE-IV)Johnson V8 3.5 liter looper, fuel injection and 6 inch mid section.

[lars strom]

17'6 same ( shorter) as a current f1 hull, they look lots bigger?

Pretty sure the SE boats length is 100% correct. The source was very involved in the US F1-V8 racing..

[lars strom]

Ben Robertson in his #57 Second Effort (SE-Vlll) boat with Johnson V8 3.5 liter looper, fuel injection and 6 inch mid section.
Sorry for front missing in first picture.
1987

[lars strom]

#5 Gene Thibodaux 1986.

More pictures from Toledo 1986.
Gene Thibodaux in his #5 Second Effort (SE-V) Johnson V8 3.5 liter looper, fuel injection and 6 inch mid section.
Pictures by Tim Schroer.

[lars strom]

UIM FORMULA BOATS – CAN WARTINGER JUSTIFY THE COCKPIT 4 INCH HEADROOM RULE?

26th March 2018


A ruling on the headroom in Formula cats has been in the pipeline for three or four years and is to be implemented this year. However, does Mr Wartinger, President of the International Medical & Safety Commission, and his seven man committee actually carry out serious tests on the various and often controversial rules they introduce? Are they aware that some of these rules carry huge financial penalties on boatbuilders?

As Mr Wartinger wings his way back to the USA from the UIM Awards dinner questions are being asked as to whether he is aware that the ruling we are referring to has left many boatbuilders in Europe uncertain of their future unless they belong to the wealthy UAE clubs. The new rule says that a 4 inch space must be allowed between the top of the drivers helmet and the cockpit roof and 4 inches either side of the helmet.…..WHY?
We have carried out extensive research on the subject and can find no evidence of incidents where a driver has been seriously injured by hitting his head on the roof of the cockpit. A boatbuilder has to carry out extensive and expensive development to gain 4 inches and surely it will depend on the height of the pilot. Philippe Chiappe and Cedric Deguisse are both over six foot whereas Marit Stromoy, Duarte Benavente and Mike Suzmura are just over five foot. If Stromoy’s seat is raised to enable her to see through the screen, her head almost touches the cockpit roof.
When the automotive industry introduces new safety ruling, they have the finances to carry out extensive testing, often destroying vehicles on the test programme. Does the marine industry enjoy such luxuries – of course not. How many tests has Mr Wartinger carried out on cockpit headroom, and has he any evidence showing injury to drivers who have hit the roof even in barrel-rolls? There have been isolated accidents when a pilot has injured his back after a barrel-roll, but the numbers could be counted on one hand. Does Mr Wartinger base his research on American built hulls, often elderly and constructed of timber, which don’t exist in Europe?
We were told that builders have had four years to implement the new rule, however, there are still several boats racing successfully today which are considerably older than four years. One of the longest running Formula classes, the German ADAC series, looks like it could grind to a halt as the builder of these small cats, Molgaard Racing, has said they cannot justify the huge expense of modifying a fleet of these craft to comply with the 4 inch ruling.
We wonder how many builders will duck the issue and withdraw from the sport, that is unless they are involved in new-builds. It will be interesting to see if any outfits arriving in Lithuania for the opening round of the World F2 championship get red-carded because their cocktpits do not comply with the new rules. UIM Commissioner for the event says, “Although I will feel very uncomfortable having to tell a driver he or she can’t race because their boat does not comply with the rules, I don’t have any option.”

https://raceboatinternational.com/fo...headroom-rule/

[lars strom]

This is a beautiful picture..Look at all those F1-V8 boats getting ready to race 1985.

[powerabout]

where are all those engines now?