IMPBA Sport Hydro rule proposal

[Brian Blazer]

I have gathered the information from several sources. So far, here is what I am coming up with. The rules listed below will allow boats that are replicas of past and current designs, except Canards. It is my belief, as well as the beliefs of others that a Canard can be made to dominate the sport hydro field. This is why the rules stated below make it illegal. Members of IMPBA need to vote on the rule change to make it effective.

Please keep the responses in line with the topic and please don't stray. All responses should be positive, or negative feelings of the rules, and any modifications or additions to the rules. We do not want to ruin a good thing, we must keep the integrity of the class.

Thanks,

Brian Blazer

Gas Sport Hydro

Boat Specifications

1. Boat must be inboard powered

2. Hull must resemble a limited or unlimited hydroplane design of past or present, except outrigger, modified outrigger, tunnel, or canard hulls are NOT permitted.

3. Boat must have a name, sponsor’s name, logo, and/or a racing number affixed to hull (a local, national, or fictitious sponsor name is acceptable)

4. Hull shall be a minimum of 40” in length, no maximum.

5. If the bow is recessed behind the tips of the sponsons, that recess shall be no larger than 25% of the overall length of the boat.

6. Boat must have a driver and/or simulated enclosed cockpit.

7. The strut can be either under the hull, or mounted to the transom.

8. Rear riding surfaces (shoes/pads) are allowed. The rear riding surface must be located under the boat and not to extend past the sides of the hull. Aesthetically, the riding surfaces must not hinder the look of the hull.

9. Transom cutouts and/or rear vents are allowed with exceptions.

- The hull must resemble a limited or unlimited hydroplane that has the cutouts. All details must be incorporated into the model, the same as the original. Example: Wings, cockpit, canopy, and any other distinguishing characteristics. Painting the hull the same as the original is not required.

- A detailed picture must be shown to the Contest Director for approval.

- Covering the engine is not necessary.

Engine Specifications

1. LS27 engine.

2. Twin engine installations are not allowed.

General Rules

1. Racing to be conducted following current IMPBA, Contest and Racing Rules, racing procedures and format.

 

[CySlyde]

So is this to help end the debate about the popular "bud boat" legality?

 

[Mike G]

Just one thing, make the maximum whatever IMPBA state it as. (65" or something like that) Otherwise some wise guy will build it!

 

[Don Ferrette]

Looks good Brian. I'd only like to see one thing different- in keeping with the "intent" of the sport class as far as appearance goes-

"A reasonable effort must be made to conceal at least 50% of the engine."

 

[Brian Blazer]

As the proposal is written, the bud boat would be legal.

I am getting a lot of feedback about Canards. What are your feelings?

thanks, Brian

 

[Don Ferrette]

Well you need to find a place to let them run. Personally, they should be in a "gas hydro" class but it seems that class is always called "gas rigger"....... :unsure:

 

[Mark Walter]

I feel that canards should be allowed, afterall, they raced against the hydros in the unlimited class! i dont race in this class, just my 2 cents. MARK

 

[Hap Mulvany]

If they were ever raced as an unlimited they should be alowed We need to spend more time on ways to get more boats into racing and less time trying to keep them out.Lets race and have fun I don't think many people are making a living in model racing.

 

[Bob Kensill]

What we don't need is a class that will let one type of boat dominate. No canards,no tunnels(more tunnels have run as unlimited than canards) this class is for sport hydros. I think hull brands should be approved individually.