Clarksville Hydroplane Challenge
Hydroplane Racing on Lake Kerr
- Education
- Boat Classes
- Rules and Scoring
- Safety Equipment and Teams
- J-Boat Project
- Sea Perch Project
- Racing Links
Hydroplanes
A hydroplane has sponsons that raise the bottom of the boat out of the water at high speeds. These sponsons are curved or angled projections which are attached to the main body of the hull. It is the most common hull in power boat racing with seven classes.
1 Litre Modified
|
Description: |
|
|
Speeds: |
More than 100 mph |
|
|
Engine: |
Modified 4 cylinder Toyota 1200 - 1500 |
|
|
Fuel: |
Pump gas |
|
|
Minimum Length: |
13'5" |
|
|
Weight Limit: |
750 lbs. |
|
|
Letter Designation: |
Y |
1.5 Litre Modified
|
|
Description: |
The smallest of all the inboard hydroplanes. Between stock and modified. |
|
Speeds: |
More than 95 mph |
|
|
Engine: |
4 cylinder 1200cc Toyota and the newer 1500cc Toyota |
|
|
Fuel: |
Pump gas only |
|
|
Minimum Length: |
13'6" |
|
|
Weight Limit: |
750 lbs. |
|
|
Letter Designation: |
T |
2.5 Litre Stock
|
Description: |
One of the most popular. |
|
Speeds: |
More than 100 mph |
|
|
Engine: |
4 cylinder 2000cc and 2.3 Litre Ford engines |
|
|
Fuel: |
Pump gas only |
|
|
Minimum Length: |
13'6" |
|
|
Weight Limit: |
925 lbs. |
|
|
Letter Designation: |
CS or S |
2.5 Litre Modified
|
Description: |
|
|
Speeds: |
More than 125 mph |
|
|
Engine: |
Not exceed 155.5cc. Not more than two valves per cylinder. Single overhead cam and pushrod engines are permitted. |
|
|
Fuel: |
Methanol, Pump Gas or Aviation Fuel |
|
|
Minimum Length: |
16' |
|
|
Weight Limit: |
1000 lbs. |
|
|
Letter Designation: |
A |
5 Litre Stock
|
Description: |
|
|
Speeds: |
More than 115 mph |
|
|
Engine: |
Stock V8. Ford, Plymouth and Chevrolet not exceeding 305 cubic inches |
|
|
Fuel: |
Pump Gas |
|
|
Minimum Length: |
16' |
|
|
Weight Limit: |
1200 lbs. |
|
|
Letter Designation: |
E |
National Modified
|
Description: |
Combination of the 4 litres and the 6 litres. Regulated through power, weight and length rules. |
|
Speeds: |
More than 140 mph |
|
|
Engine: |
Many engine combinations |
|
|
Fuel: |
Varies |
|
|
Minimum Length: |
19' |
|
|
Weight Limit: |
1000/1400 lbs. |
|
|
Letter Designation: |
NM or F |
Grand National Hydro
|
|
Description: |
Biggest & fastest class |
|
Speeds: |
More than 150 mph |
|
|
Engine: |
Ford, Chevrolet, Pontiac and Oldsmobile. Single 4 barrel carburetor |
|
|
Fuel: |
Pump Gas |
|
|
Minimum Length: |
20' |
|
|
Weight Limit: |
1800 lbs. |
|
|
Letter Designation: |
GNH |
Flatbottoms or Runabouts
Rather than flying over the water like a hydroplane, a flatbottom or runabout has a V type hull that plows through the water. These boats usually have an adjustable, stern-mounted cavitation plate that provides the driver the ability to control the attitude of the race boat. This allows the driver to control the boat in various water conditions throughout the race course.
Jersey Speed Skiff
|
Description: |
|
|
Speeds: |
Up to 80 mph |
|
|
Engine: |
283ci or 305ci |
|
|
Fuel: |
Pump Gas |
|
|
Minimum Length: |
16' |
|
|
Weight Limit: |
1600 lbs. |
|
|
Letter Designation: |
JS |