TBPNews #59 - April 30, 2004
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>>>>>> Tunnel Boat Performance News >>>>>>>>>>>>>> (now over 4500 members!)
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In this issue: 
1) Mercury Racing re-ups for Champ Series
2) Powerboat competitor dies after boat flips
3) South Florida event targets young boatbuilders
4) Cap on boat taxes clears S.C. House 
5) Jimboat writes Features in HotBoat & World of Powerboats mags
6) 'Powerboat' magazine - Save 52%! 
7) ** NEW ** 'Tunnel Boat Design' Software - Version 7.5
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1) Mercury Racing re-ups for Champ Series

Mercury Racing once again will be the presenting sponsor and official engine of Champ Boat Series Racing for 2004.  The series, which features SST 120 and Champ class outboard tunnel boat racing, began in 2002 with a four-race schedule. It expanded to six races last year, and expects to sanction eight races in 2004. This years series begins June 5 in New Roads, La., and concludes Sept. 19 in San Diego.

Mercury Racing staffs each Champ Boat Series event with its support truck, and this year has increased its contingency points fund commitment to Champ Boat by $15,000, to a total of $50,000 this season. Also, in the interest of increasing participation, Mercury is offering rebates on new 2004 Champ engines and gearcases to drivers who run at least five races with Champ Boat during the season.  Champ class participants also have the option of leasing a Champ powerhead and gearcase for up to five races, with an option to purchase the leased units at the end of the fifth race. Mercury Racing will continue its previous hardship powerhead and gearcase lease program for teams that encounter difficulties during a race weekend.  In addition, Champ Boat and Mercury Racing this year will join efforts to attract more international participants to series events. Mercury will supply two powerheads and gearcases per event for use on boats driven by invited international drivers.
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2) Powerboat competitor dies after boat flips

A powerboat practicing for Smokin' the Sound that started today has flipped in the Mississippi Sound, claiming one life and injuring another.  The two men, whose names haven't been released, were about half a mile out, behind Treasure Bay Casino, when the accident happened shortly before 11 a.m.  The boat is believed to be the Airborne Big Thunder team, boat No. 24. The owner/driver is Randy Linebach, throttle man is Charlie Haimes and crew chief is Dennis Loch.  The accident happened away from the 6.8-mile race course, which starts in waters near the Isle of Capri, turns west of Beau Rivage and finishes near the Isle. Officials with the Super Series Powerboat Racing Association were not available for immediate comment.

http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/8504294.htm
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3) South Florida event targets young boatbuilders

The Marine Industries Association of South Florida will host its eighth annual Plywood Regatta May 15 and 16 at D.C. Alexander Park on Fort LauderdaleBeach.  The regatta is a two-day boatbuilding event that is designed to introduce young marine enthusiasts and the community to the craft of boatbuilding and the excitement of recreational boating.  Thirty-six teams of middle school, high school and marine technical school students will attempt to build seaworthy vessels on Saturday, May 15, using simple hand tools and supplied materials that include plywood, fast-cure caulk and a spool of wire. The next day theyll race the finished products in a series of heats to win the Fort Lauderdale Mariners Club Trophy.  All profits benefit Floridas Broward County Schools Marine Magnet Programs and the Plywood Regatta Scholarship Fund.

www.plywoodregatta.com;www.miasf.org <http://www.plywoodregatta.com;www.miasf.org> 
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4) Cap on boat taxes clears S.C. House 

COLUMBIA, S.C.  The South Carolina House approved a bill yesterday that would cap all property taxes on boats at $1,500.  Should the bill become law, anyone owning a boat worth $18,750 or more would pay no more than $1,500 in taxes, AP reported. The legislation originally applied to boats with a kitchen and restroom, but was amended yesterday to apply to all boats, according to AP. The bill must pass a routine third reading before it gets sent to the Senate, the news agency reported. 
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5) Jimboat writes Features in HotBoat & World of Powerboats mags

Check out the NEW high-tech, high performance powerboating feature articles just published:

WORLD OF POWERBOATS (UK) - 'Rocket Science' - "...an article on high performance powerboat design and the technical opportunities for performance improvements in aerodynamic design" [editor-WOP] http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/adverts/WOP_winter04.html

HOT BOAT (USA) - 'Flight Path' - "...Jim Russell explains the aerodynamics of powerboat design" [editor-HB] http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/adverts/HotBoat_April2004.html
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6) 'Powerboat' magazine - Save 52%! 

We have obtained great deals on Powerboat magazine subscriptions. This month we have a great deal on the popular 'Hot Boat' magazine. 

Powerboat Magazine covers performance Outdoor Recreation, technical innovations, marine accessories, water skiing, race events, industry and personal profiles and more.  Issues per Year: 11 Cover Price: $4.50 Regular Price: $49.50 Brandsmall Price: $23.50
 
http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/boating%20magazines%20discounts.html 
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7) NEW 'Tunnel Boat Design' Software - Version 7.5

We've just released the new Tunnel Boat Design Software - version 7.5. This is the best release yet - with the most dynamic and plentiful new features ever! Includes new "Auto BlowOver Check", Design-versus-Design comparison graphics, HeadWind & TailWind feature, Nine (9) new design Wizards!  Check out new features at http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/tbdp6.html, or download the summary of new features at http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/New%20in%20TBDP%20Version%207.zip
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See you next time!

/Jimboat

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Note: The articles presented in TBPNews are edited excerpts from the "Secrets of Tunnel Boat Design" book, by Jim Russell, published by AeroMarine Research.  The STBD book explains the theory in full, and outlines example design calculations, step-by-step.  The "Tunnel Boat Design Program", software, does all the force calculations, dynamic force balances at all speeds, and reports the analysis automatically, including complete graphical performance results for any tunnel or modified vee hull design.
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