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Starting in the 2007 season, we began racing an "A stock hydroplane" at a select number of races (if this were Nascar, I'd be like Mark Martin running a "limited schedule", haha) sanctioned by Canadian Boating Federation and the American Power Boat Association.
We've had one great season of fun and a certain degree of on-course success, and we're ready for another great year in '08 ... come up and watch and don't forget to cheer for #44ce!
Tom Heighington |
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Stock outboard classes are based on engine displacement, and as the name implies the motors remain virtually stock. "A" class is for motors to 15 cu. in. and at present utilizes the OMC 15A a racing version (built from 1984 to 1986) of the popular 15 HP fishing motor. It uses the same power head with a special racing direct drive lower unit coupled to a short mid-housing with above the water exhaust. Very little can be done to “hop up” this motor, however some blue printing is allowed.
A 3-point hydroplane relies on getting lift by channeling air through a tunnel or air trap that runs down the middle and full length of the bottom of the boat. It also gets lift because of its overall airfoil shape. As the boat’s speed increases it gets "on plane"—it lifts up out of the water, thereby decreasing drag and allowing the boat to skip across the top of the water. On either side of the air trap, in the front area of the boat, are sponsons. Sponsons help the boat to plane off, provide stability when turning, and channel air into the air trap at high speeds. When the boat is on plane at high speed, it literally flies across the water. Only the back few inches of the bottom of the boat and the tips of the propeller blades are in the water—the bottom of the sponsons occasionally tap the water. This is where the "3-point" name comes from—2 sponsons and the rear of the transom. The 3-point configuration provides stability. The hydro has a turn fin mounted to the rear of the left sponson. Since all standard racecourses are ovals, and are run in a counter-clockwise direction, the turn fin ensures that the hydro "hangs on" through the turn. When going into a turn the driver shifts their weight to the inside of the turn—this sets the inside sponson and turn fin down and allows the boat to be turned. When coming out of the turn the driver shifts their weight back to the center and back of the cockpit—this balances the boat and allows it to fly again.
"A" hydros are approximately 8.5 feet long, and total racing weight of boat/motor/driver cannot be less than 345lbs. Most racing hydroplanes are "hand made" and "home made", ours is a Ron France built boat that is approximately 15 to 20 years old. "A" is a very popular and competitive class for drivers of all ages, speeds up to 57 MPH are typical. |
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initial test with our new hydro
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our new paint job & numbers
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Evinrude APBA A-class racing motor
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Crew Chief Nick Heighington
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We are members and supporters of the Toronto Outboard Racing Club, or TORC, a small group of dedicated racers who have been hosting boat races throughout Ontario for over 50 years under APBA and CBF sanctions. If you're looking for a family oriented and fun, yet competitive, form of motorsports for "kids" from 8 to 80 years of age stock outboard racing just might be what you're looking for, contact Tom at Proctor Marine or any of the above organizations for additional information ... see you at the races!
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