I need Boat Racing Help!

[Dragonturbo3]

This weekend we had our first rc boat race here in reno. It had its good points and bad points. Although it was fun, there was a lot of carnage in the water. We had it set up in a somewhat large oval and boats were still running over each other. I know that most of the racers were beginners but I though you guys might have some pointers on how to run boat races for me. I do not think I can keep people into it if boats are being trashed as the were. We had a skunworks, super vee, Hammer bl, 1/12 hydro conv elec, and 3 blackjacks bl. Most of the boats were close in speed (expt the hydro).

Just a note I did not hit another boat all day, but those darn buoys kept jumping in front of my boat.

Any pointers on how to run boat races would be appreciated or point me to a place where I can find info.

[Rex R]

one thing that you may find helpfull is limit the number of boats per heat(you may have figured this out already), in general 6 boats is a lot of boats to be racing at any given time. assign points in order of finish 400=1st ,300=2nd, 200=3rd,100=4th,25=dnf hth
rex

[D. Newland]

Also, new racers need a good pitman. That's tough to do at the local level, but it plays into what Rex is saying. Let 2 or 3 boats on the water at one time and let the other racers pit for them. Let the pitmen call dead boats, give the driver advice on what lane to drive in to avoid a dead boat (and a buoy), give advice if the driver should "get going!" or "slow down before turn 3", count laps, etc.

A few good heats with good pitmen will go along way to developing a feel for what needs to happen on the water so damage is kept to a bare minimum.

[Ctonez]

The first thing is everyone has to care about everyone else's equipment and respect eachother enough to give eachother space...getting first place is not worth the risk of chewing up someone's gear by being reckless.
Enforcing lane choice at the start is also helpful in keeping people from running over eachother.
Our club has some good guidelines for organizing races and keeping the racing interesting while having the main emphasis on FUN.
Check this out, it's our club rules and gives a fair account of how we run races:

http://members.tripod.com/psfastelectrics5/new_page_51.htm

...and yeah, having a pitman is highly recommended if possible. It helps everyone drive better and be more aware of what's happening around them whilst they concentrate on their boat...we did that at the Nats last year - I think it's mandatory for the Nats - and it was really helpful in alot of situations and kept carnage to a minimum.

[Dragonturbo3]

thanks for the help guys. This is exactly what I was looking for.

Also Ctonez, thanks for the link. I think we will copy what you guys are doing and adjust as needed.

And the pitman idea is great, may solve most of the problems

[Doug Smock]

thanks for the help guys. This is exactly what I was looking for.

Also Ctonez, thanks for the link. I think we will copy what you guys are doing and adjust as needed.

And the pitman idea is great, may solve most of the problems

Good luck out there, have fun!!!!!

Doug

[Jeepers]

I have another suggestion as well, if your not on an elevated bank/dock use some sort of stand to get a better view of the course.

[Doozie870]

Yes to all the above.. also my 2c is that 75% of the boats listed are natural born flippers, if your dealing with fairly new drivers, stick to a forgiving hull.. a deep vee.. keep the weight as centered and as low as possible.

[G Doggett]

We found years ago that the single most important thing to reduce carnage was to insist on everyone having an experienced pitman.
He must watch the water 1/4 to 1/2 a lap ahead of the boat and give advice to the driver as to what is ahead.
We apply this even for practice days, not just racing.
Graham.

[Fluid]

All are good points above. Another thing we tried with success in a former club was to make a mandatory "driver's test" for any member to drive his boat around the course the normal number of laps perfectly all by himself, no other boats on the course. No buoy cuts or hits, no flips, no malfunctions. Once the boater did this once he was allowed to race with other boats forever. If he did not, he had to try again until he passed the "test".

The test demonstrated that the guy could actually drive the course and that his equipment was reliable enough to finish a heat. You'd be surprised at how many guys could not do it on the first attempt, even some experienced racers! Along with the other suggestions this driver's test will go a long way towards reducing your problems.


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