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The highest level category UIMF1 in our sport just completed their 2024 season this past weekend. Even at that level we are struggling with old technology and lack of competition. UIM can’t be happy when their top level category doesn’t showcase modern technology. The old 2 stroke 2.5 liter mercury is winning! In fact there is a wide performance advantage with the top 3 to 4 boats compared to the other boats. The four strokes are not competitive and there is a big difference in the funding budgets with the teams.
We can’t get new ideas and technology in our local clubs or in many classes. The 4 strokes have reasonable success In GT30, but, that’s about it. The used market for 4 strokes is good and prices are reasonable. The race prop can cost more than the motor. New outboard 4 strokes are costly and the current Canadian dollar is below 70 cents. New boats are very costly. But so are new cars.
We need to attract new people and showcase new ideas. This problem has been present for over ten years. The core people love the sport, but, they aren’t the fans that come to the races. New fans get bored with the same old, same old event. For many they come once.
The last time I saw new interest was when the drag boats ran as part of the program. Most fans don’t relate or understand the difference in the classes.
It’s interesting that a class like Tri-hull is growing....that’s a family 15 foot boat...they’re not fast..the drivers love them and the fans recognize and can relate to those boats. Interest in different types of boats varies region to region . What works in one region may not be successful in another.
Muskoka Sea Flea has always been a startling ground for new racers. Maybe we need to showcase them at our races. What about a 4 stroke run what you brung race for them?

Anyone have Tom Schull’s (not sure I have the last name correct) contact info? Tim Kurtz is looking to purpose at the APBA winter meetings that the Tohat and Merc 60 4 stroke be added to DSR Marathon class. From what I remember he ran a rapid craft with the Merc 60 and ran 62 mph.

Here is Tom’s information from the site, you could private message him.
http://www.hpbc.ca/memberlist.php?mode= ... le&u=10725

If you follow the history of boat racing in North America everything starts with stock outboard and then there are avenues of progression from there, inboard and OPC. I think there was/is more interest in OPC with the T boats under the stock umbrella over here and APBA should follow suit. Even if it were only regional with Michigan it would definitely move the needle. In my opinion they should legalize all 2 stroke 15hp production motors for A classes. It would play to that Muskoka crowd over here and sets the table for growth. I made that argument over on BRF with Ken Slessor’s boat and him and his dad are a part of that Muskoka SeaFlea crowd. I suppose you would have to survey the crowd as to what they find more appealing. We will most likely see 4 strokes in J over here this year, likely HRL participants.