gooycheese
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- Nov 25, 2006
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Hi All,
I noticed that there is still questions regarding the rules of the RTR class. I am writing this post in hopes of clearing them up. In 2006 there was a rough set of rule written up for the RTR class. Since that time the rules where tweaked a bit and the rules where in place for a 1yr trial period which was 2008. In December 2008 Roostertail on page 7-9 there is a copy of the rules that was voted on and approved as of 02/03/09 by the board of directors based on the votes they had gotten from there districts.
For those not very good at navigating the Roostertail below is the rules.
Page 7: Back in the December 2006 Roostertail, a discussion item appeared concerning an
update to our obsolete Production RTR Class. That update was submitted by Chuck
Gardiner in D12 and Kelly Miller in D6. Since that time they tweaked the rules a bit
which brings us to the rules shown on the next few pages. Very recently, the
IMPBA Board of Directors voted to place the rules in effect for a 1 year trial period.
Production RTR
Introduction
Many people have noticed the explosive growth of ready to run boats. The value these
boats provide to the beginning or budget boater contributes greatly to their success. For a
small amount of money, someone can buy a complete package (boat, engine, and radio)
that has known performance, and some guarantee of success.
What has also been noticed is that these boats often do not fit into any of the established
classes that are run at IMPBA clubs or inter-club races. This creates quite a dilemma. On
the one hand there are many potential new racers buying boats, but on the other, the
clubs cant always find a good way to participate.
Some clubs are resolving this impasse by holding ready to run classes and even entire
events devoted to ready to run boats. These grassroots efforts are great, because they
start to bring newcomers or casual boaters together to do what we all enjoy, run boats.
Other clubs who havent yet figured out what to do with RTR boats end up inadvertently
turning away potential members because they havent quite figured out how to support the
RTR boats yet.
However, while this is going on, there are concerns about compatibility and standardization.
Is it fair for someone who buys a ready to run boat and keeps it stock to have to run
against someone who bought a ready to run boat and then spent hundreds of dollars upgrading
the boat and engine? While we all want to go as fast as possible, not everyone
can, or wants, to spend hundreds of dollars upgrading an engine just so they can compete
on an equal footing.
The IMPBA already has Production ABS and Production RTR rules in the book (last two
sections of chapter H Nitro Specialized Classes). Unfortunately, as weve seen, the RTR
manufacturers didnt pay much attention to these rules, so there are few if any boats to
run in them. Meanwhile, RTR boats in other sizes and classes have been selling like hot
cakes.
With these concerns in mind, Kelly Miller and I have put together some ideas on how to
solve these problems. We drafted a set of rules for ready to run classes. The rules cover
two divisions, stock and modified. Here is a short overview of the proposed classes:
Page 8: Production RTR
Introduction - continued
Stock class
Boat must remain mostly as originally manufactured. The engine and exhaust system
must remain stock. Non-performance enhancing changes such as alternate decals, repainting,
etc are permitted. Minor adjustments such as sanding the bottom of sponsons,
adjusting the length of tuned pipes, as well as replacement of maintenance items such as
fuel lines, alternate propellers, dive shaft, flex shaft collets, receiver, batteries, and changing
the shape and size of turn fins and rudders would be permitted.
Modified class
Modified class permits replacement of the engine with an alternate stock engine, or modification
of the original engine, but the displacement cannot change from what was originally
shipped with the boat. Most any change to the boat would be permitted. People
who want to run an RTR boat with a larger than shipped engine should be encouraged to
enter it in an established class.
In order to get input from a wide audience, we had some discussions on a couple of the
online boards. During these discussions, references were made to specific engine displacements,
Sport 18 hydro for example. Since manufacturers do not appear interested in
following established classes, and its impossible to predict what they will do in the future,
these rules were specifically written without reference to displacement or fuel. Local preferences
will determine if .18 size Hydros are more popular than 1/8 scale gas Hydros,
etc. In many cases, different stock RTR boats from a variety of manufacturers can all
race in one class.
The key consideration is to try to put equally capable boats together so the drivers can
have fun!
The following page has are our ideas for an RTR class. These rules are being published
in this Roostertail for a 1 year trial period as approved by the IMPBA board of directors by
a most recent web conducted vote.
Page 9 : Production RTR Class Rules
Replace the entire Production RTR class rules with the following:
Technical Specifications
Classes - Boat hull must be of vacuum formed ABS plastic, wood, and/or fiberglass Production RTR. In order to
qualify as a production RTR boat, it needs to be, or have been, available to the public through nationally recognized
retail channels and at least 300 boats need to have been produced. All hulls must have positive buoyancy
characteristics when operated, and display colorful decals to enhance the spirit of this class. Classes may be divided
by manufacturer, model, propulsion type and sizes, average cost, or potential speed, if sufficient boats are
entered.
Stock Division:
Propulsion and Control Systems
1. Engine: The engine must remain STOCK. No internal or external modifications are allowed beyond replacement
of stripped or worn bolts with non OEM pieces. If the engine is replaced it must be of the
same model as was included by the manufacturer. If the original engine is no longer available, a replacement
engine of a similar size and price will then be allowed. If the engine was shipped with a head shim,
this can be removed. To promote competition, clubs can optionally permit boats that originally came with
a smaller displacement engine to be upgraded with a stock engine for the boats they are competing with.
2. Exhaust: Exhaust system must remain in the stock condition as the boat was received in the RTR box. If
equipped with a tuned pipe, length adjustments are allowed. Replacement of tuned pipe couplers with an
alternate material is also allowed. Addition of extra cooling outside the header is permitted. Also permitted
is the addition of extra muffling, to quiet the boat down, as long as the original exhaust remains in
place.
3. Starting method: The engine will be started using the method provided by the manufacturer. If equipped
with a flywheel that allows belt starting, a belt can be added and an electric starter used. In all cases, the
original starting equipment, such as a pull starter, must remain on the engine and be fully functional.
Unless specifically noted in these rules, modification of the original boat, including replacement or alteration of
parts, is not permitted. Exceptions are listed below:
1. Propellers: Replacement of the original propeller with aftermarket propellers is permitted.
2. Starting method: In cases where alternative starting methods were part of the stock boat, such as a
grooved flywheel on a pull start engine, the optional starting method is permitted.
3. Radio system: The entire radio system including transmitter, receiver, servos, battery, etc, can be replaced.
The original radio box can be replaced with one of a similar size and it must remain in the original
location.
4. Riding surfaces: The riding surfaces of the boat, the parts that contact the water, may be sanded to obtain
a true surface and square edges. Materials may not be added which change the original shape of the
running surfaces.
5. Turn fin, strut, and rudder: Modification or replacement of the original turn fin is allowed. Slots in the strut
can be lengthened to allow additional up and down movement. These parts can also be replaced with
add-on parts from the original manufacturer that are specifically designed for that model.
6. Engine mounts: To assist with noise abatement, solid engine mounts may be converted to rubber mount
via modification or replacement.
7. To foster variety, removing, adding, or replacing cosmetic parts, such as drivers, decals, paint, etc is permitted.
Modification of cowls to improve internal cooling is allowed. Rear wings, such as are included
with scale appearing Hydroplanes, must remain in place.
8. Alternate non-performance enhancing maintenance parts including fuel lines, flex shafts, and shaft collets,
can be used.
Modified division:
The modified division permits modification or replacement of all parts. The only limitation is that the engine must
have the same displacement as was originally shipped with the boat.
Racing Rules
Racing rules will conform to IMPBA contest and racing rules. Boats will run on full course or if desired, a short
course can be defined. This is a non US-1 Class.
I hope this clears any questions up?
Paul
I noticed that there is still questions regarding the rules of the RTR class. I am writing this post in hopes of clearing them up. In 2006 there was a rough set of rule written up for the RTR class. Since that time the rules where tweaked a bit and the rules where in place for a 1yr trial period which was 2008. In December 2008 Roostertail on page 7-9 there is a copy of the rules that was voted on and approved as of 02/03/09 by the board of directors based on the votes they had gotten from there districts.
For those not very good at navigating the Roostertail below is the rules.
Page 7: Back in the December 2006 Roostertail, a discussion item appeared concerning an
update to our obsolete Production RTR Class. That update was submitted by Chuck
Gardiner in D12 and Kelly Miller in D6. Since that time they tweaked the rules a bit
which brings us to the rules shown on the next few pages. Very recently, the
IMPBA Board of Directors voted to place the rules in effect for a 1 year trial period.
Production RTR
Introduction
Many people have noticed the explosive growth of ready to run boats. The value these
boats provide to the beginning or budget boater contributes greatly to their success. For a
small amount of money, someone can buy a complete package (boat, engine, and radio)
that has known performance, and some guarantee of success.
What has also been noticed is that these boats often do not fit into any of the established
classes that are run at IMPBA clubs or inter-club races. This creates quite a dilemma. On
the one hand there are many potential new racers buying boats, but on the other, the
clubs cant always find a good way to participate.
Some clubs are resolving this impasse by holding ready to run classes and even entire
events devoted to ready to run boats. These grassroots efforts are great, because they
start to bring newcomers or casual boaters together to do what we all enjoy, run boats.
Other clubs who havent yet figured out what to do with RTR boats end up inadvertently
turning away potential members because they havent quite figured out how to support the
RTR boats yet.
However, while this is going on, there are concerns about compatibility and standardization.
Is it fair for someone who buys a ready to run boat and keeps it stock to have to run
against someone who bought a ready to run boat and then spent hundreds of dollars upgrading
the boat and engine? While we all want to go as fast as possible, not everyone
can, or wants, to spend hundreds of dollars upgrading an engine just so they can compete
on an equal footing.
The IMPBA already has Production ABS and Production RTR rules in the book (last two
sections of chapter H Nitro Specialized Classes). Unfortunately, as weve seen, the RTR
manufacturers didnt pay much attention to these rules, so there are few if any boats to
run in them. Meanwhile, RTR boats in other sizes and classes have been selling like hot
cakes.
With these concerns in mind, Kelly Miller and I have put together some ideas on how to
solve these problems. We drafted a set of rules for ready to run classes. The rules cover
two divisions, stock and modified. Here is a short overview of the proposed classes:
Page 8: Production RTR
Introduction - continued
Stock class
Boat must remain mostly as originally manufactured. The engine and exhaust system
must remain stock. Non-performance enhancing changes such as alternate decals, repainting,
etc are permitted. Minor adjustments such as sanding the bottom of sponsons,
adjusting the length of tuned pipes, as well as replacement of maintenance items such as
fuel lines, alternate propellers, dive shaft, flex shaft collets, receiver, batteries, and changing
the shape and size of turn fins and rudders would be permitted.
Modified class
Modified class permits replacement of the engine with an alternate stock engine, or modification
of the original engine, but the displacement cannot change from what was originally
shipped with the boat. Most any change to the boat would be permitted. People
who want to run an RTR boat with a larger than shipped engine should be encouraged to
enter it in an established class.
In order to get input from a wide audience, we had some discussions on a couple of the
online boards. During these discussions, references were made to specific engine displacements,
Sport 18 hydro for example. Since manufacturers do not appear interested in
following established classes, and its impossible to predict what they will do in the future,
these rules were specifically written without reference to displacement or fuel. Local preferences
will determine if .18 size Hydros are more popular than 1/8 scale gas Hydros,
etc. In many cases, different stock RTR boats from a variety of manufacturers can all
race in one class.
The key consideration is to try to put equally capable boats together so the drivers can
have fun!
The following page has are our ideas for an RTR class. These rules are being published
in this Roostertail for a 1 year trial period as approved by the IMPBA board of directors by
a most recent web conducted vote.
Page 9 : Production RTR Class Rules
Replace the entire Production RTR class rules with the following:
Technical Specifications
Classes - Boat hull must be of vacuum formed ABS plastic, wood, and/or fiberglass Production RTR. In order to
qualify as a production RTR boat, it needs to be, or have been, available to the public through nationally recognized
retail channels and at least 300 boats need to have been produced. All hulls must have positive buoyancy
characteristics when operated, and display colorful decals to enhance the spirit of this class. Classes may be divided
by manufacturer, model, propulsion type and sizes, average cost, or potential speed, if sufficient boats are
entered.
Stock Division:
Propulsion and Control Systems
1. Engine: The engine must remain STOCK. No internal or external modifications are allowed beyond replacement
of stripped or worn bolts with non OEM pieces. If the engine is replaced it must be of the
same model as was included by the manufacturer. If the original engine is no longer available, a replacement
engine of a similar size and price will then be allowed. If the engine was shipped with a head shim,
this can be removed. To promote competition, clubs can optionally permit boats that originally came with
a smaller displacement engine to be upgraded with a stock engine for the boats they are competing with.
2. Exhaust: Exhaust system must remain in the stock condition as the boat was received in the RTR box. If
equipped with a tuned pipe, length adjustments are allowed. Replacement of tuned pipe couplers with an
alternate material is also allowed. Addition of extra cooling outside the header is permitted. Also permitted
is the addition of extra muffling, to quiet the boat down, as long as the original exhaust remains in
place.
3. Starting method: The engine will be started using the method provided by the manufacturer. If equipped
with a flywheel that allows belt starting, a belt can be added and an electric starter used. In all cases, the
original starting equipment, such as a pull starter, must remain on the engine and be fully functional.
Unless specifically noted in these rules, modification of the original boat, including replacement or alteration of
parts, is not permitted. Exceptions are listed below:
1. Propellers: Replacement of the original propeller with aftermarket propellers is permitted.
2. Starting method: In cases where alternative starting methods were part of the stock boat, such as a
grooved flywheel on a pull start engine, the optional starting method is permitted.
3. Radio system: The entire radio system including transmitter, receiver, servos, battery, etc, can be replaced.
The original radio box can be replaced with one of a similar size and it must remain in the original
location.
4. Riding surfaces: The riding surfaces of the boat, the parts that contact the water, may be sanded to obtain
a true surface and square edges. Materials may not be added which change the original shape of the
running surfaces.
5. Turn fin, strut, and rudder: Modification or replacement of the original turn fin is allowed. Slots in the strut
can be lengthened to allow additional up and down movement. These parts can also be replaced with
add-on parts from the original manufacturer that are specifically designed for that model.
6. Engine mounts: To assist with noise abatement, solid engine mounts may be converted to rubber mount
via modification or replacement.
7. To foster variety, removing, adding, or replacing cosmetic parts, such as drivers, decals, paint, etc is permitted.
Modification of cowls to improve internal cooling is allowed. Rear wings, such as are included
with scale appearing Hydroplanes, must remain in place.
8. Alternate non-performance enhancing maintenance parts including fuel lines, flex shafts, and shaft collets,
can be used.
Modified division:
The modified division permits modification or replacement of all parts. The only limitation is that the engine must
have the same displacement as was originally shipped with the boat.
Racing Rules
Racing rules will conform to IMPBA contest and racing rules. Boats will run on full course or if desired, a short
course can be defined. This is a non US-1 Class.
I hope this clears any questions up?
Paul
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