Attached is a sketch I threw together in about 10 minutes and assumes more detail will be added.
The major part that the new rules should try to explain is what a "modified rigger" is, and the words "modified rigger" should be taken out all together. I have been in this hobby for a long time (22 years) and most of them have been with the sport40. The class is great because there are limiting factors that keep the boats at an even playing field. The quick sketch shows what I believe the "intent" of the class was and should remain.
I was against the gas sport hydro rule change 100% and will always be against the new rules. There is no going back now though. It destroyed the "limiting factors" that kept the manufacturers in check.
For the sport40/20 rules, I would keep them the same from one to the other. I know several of the old timers like the strut under the boat, but it didn't hurt sport20 so I do not believe it would hurt 40. It is just easier to have the strut on the transom. All current real boats have struts on the transom.
I wouldn't dwell on air traps, just as long as they don't act like a planing surface. I liked the 1/8" max width rule that was in place.
The other main area of concern deals with transom width.
Pickles could have a minimum transom width based on the width of the inside sponsons.
Conventionals would not have a minimum transom width since most had a very narrow transom (Farmers, Lloyds etc).
Try to keep the rules as simple as possible. Address the relationship between the inside sponson and the bottom skin, and address the transom width.
Rear shoes: Leave them off because it is a limiting factor.
Transom cutouts: Leave the out because it is a limiting factor.
You MUST maintain the limiting factors to keep the competition at an even playing field.
My thoughts and my thoughts only. Please be nice.
HYDRO LEGALITIES.pdf
Brian Blazer
Blazer Marine
