TBPNews #89 - October 28, 2005
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In this issue: 
1) Merc unveils new prop, enters wiring business
2) Feature Article - The Classic Minimax 'SeaFlea'
3) Powerboat Racing on TV
4) Katrina boat losses far surpass Florida toll
5) Media goes for F1 ride
6) Cappellini Wins Appeal; Will Race in Qatar
7) Jimboat writes NEW Feature articles in F&PB & HotBoat magazines
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1) Merc unveils new prop

Mercury Marine officials were at the 2005 International BoatBuilders Exhibition and Conference this month to unveil the new Enertia propeller.  Enertia, cast from Mercurys patent-pending X7 Alloy, is designed to improve the acceleration and top speed of many outboard- and sterndrive-powered boats. Mercury engineers say the alloy is four times more durable and 30 percent stronger than conventional stainless steels, and completely changes the previously accepted rules of propeller geometry. 

This clean-slate thought process has produced a prop with thinner blades and higher rake angles, the company says. Because the strength of X7 allows for thinner blades, it says, Enertia can provide gains in both acceleration and top speed. 

Mercury says that the Enertia propeller "helps eliminate the compromise of acceleration versus top speed for heavy, single- and dual-engine boats - and it typically stays hooked up better in the corners, and allows for lower planing speeds.  Enertia is available in 14 to 22 inches in standard rotation and counter-rotation models in 15-, 17-, 19- and 21-inch pitches to fit many twin- and triple-engine boats.  Enertia is manufactured in Mercurys foundry in Fond du Lac, Wis. and will be available at Mercury authorized dealers in the first quarter of 2006.
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2) Feature Article - Minimax SeaFlea

[reprinted by permission of Brian Cranfield] 

Go to almost any Canadian lake and mention the word Seaflea to a cottager and you will undoubtedly be greeted with a smile.  Many oldtimers remember with fondness these homebuilt boats that became popular in the 70s, and even many of the younger generation of today are familiar with them as there has been a resurgence in their popularity. And with good reason: these boats are relatively simple and economical to build, theyre portable (The Minimax weighs a scant 68 lbs allowing it to easily be pulled up on shore or on a dock, or sometimes even transported on a car-top carrier), theyre a great project for parent/child, they are wonderful as a first-time boat for a young sport boat enthusiast, and they are just plain flat-out fun when used on the water.  

The Seaflea consists of two different models: the Minimax and Minimost. A gentleman named William D. Jackson introduced these two famous Seaflea boats back in 1962, and plans were offered to the public through the publication "Boat Builder's Handbook". During that era, the cost and time to build them was very inexpensive, a mere $15 and they supposedly took 15 hours to construct. Today to build these two skiffs is a tad more expense, as materials have escalated in the past 43 years. There are a lot of people (especially in the U.S.) who have never heard of these boats, but after viewing a few photos, they showed them to their daughters and sons and, voila, they wanted one. These boats are not just a guy thing; you would be amazed at how many fathers have inquired about building one, as their daughter was wanting to get into racing. These are excellent starter boats for all youngsters who are itching to get into racing or just scoot around the local cottage lakes.  

My first boat was a Minimost when I was 12 years old. I started off with a 10 HP Johnson, and then my dad, who was a boater also, saw that I was a responsible driver and knew that I was ready so he graduated me to an 18 HP which at that time was perfect. On the other hand, my buddy had a Minimax and he jumped right into an 18 outboard when he wasnt really ready for it. Noticing the way it sat in the water, too low at the transom, he got a little crazy one day and flipped it, losing the engine. Thank God he was okay, but needless to say, that ended his boating career. I had another hydro a couple of years later, but as time passed my interests changed and boating went on the back shelf. A few years later, my interests came right back. I was invited to a friends cottage, and lying against a tree was a Minimost. I asked him what he was going to do with it, as it looked pretty beat up, and he told me he had thought of having a corn roast and using it as kindling. I told him I would supply the kindling if I could take the boat for a project, and he was cool with that. From that point on, my interests grew. I spoke to a few fellows who had tried to download plans from the internet but were unable to understand some of the measurements. I agreed with them, as you nearly have to be an architect to read and understand the information they try to give you. Thats when I decided to offer full size patterns and kits. From that point on I have built quite a few of these boats. I really did not think I would have much luck in replies with whatever advertising I had done, but I was mistaken. After people had noticed the photos, I had many fathers inquire about building one - not only for their sons but a lot of girls were interested too. Their dads would bring back memories of these little skiffs, and the kids wanted in on the action also. They are a great project for families to do together, and seem to bring them closer together. For me, it has been a big achievement to hear of all the compliments from the people I have met over the years who either have built one with my patterns or had me build one for them. To see some of the photos after completion and the view of seeing them scoot around their cottage lake - what a thrill!  

I get a lot of questions on what the difference is between the two. The Minimost (my opinion only) is the better of the two. There are more contours to the frame of the "most" than the Minimax, and this allows for it to be used in rougher water conditions. There is not much difference in weight between the two but because there is very little contour design in the Minimax, you basically can only use it in calmer water conditions for fear of flipping or hitting a wave at the wrong angle and filling the cockpit full of water. Also, the Minimost, because of its design, will handle a larger outboard in horsepower.  

Last but not least are the safety rules of boating. For the experienced hydroplane enthusiasts, running either the Minimost or the  Minimax will no doubt be like a walk-in the-park. For the inexperienced, however, getting to know the feel and understanding its limitations will be more of a challenge. A recent Minimost first timer, had the unfortunate experience of too much throttle, and sitting in the wrong spot of the cockpit for balance panicked, then went airborne, but fortunately he was able to get the boat under control and no harm done. Over the years of my seaflea experience good and bad, I am passing these words of wisdom onto you:  

#1 - A P.F.D. is absolutely essential (you are not cruising in the love boat)... and being tossed out rather abruptly is only a matter of time. 

#2 - Install a kill switch, so if you ever do get tossed out, your precious boat won't go speeding out of control towards rocks or docks. 

#3 - I personally recommend to bolt your engine to the transom so if anything did happen, like a bigger boats waves capsizes you, or any other situation arises, you won't loose everything. Also, strap your gas tank in. 

#4 - Its very easy to look real cool driving around the lake in one of these mini hydros, so don't get too distracted waving to admirers (the odd glance is okay). 

#5 - When taking off from a stand-still, make certain you lean forward to keep the nose downward as these two little boats like to have things their own way, and enjoy to rocket. 

#6 - When coming in for a landing, again shift your weight forward, or an abrupt landing will fill the cockpit from the rear full of moisture. 

#7 - Study the boating rules of the water. Its not you we worry about, its the other guy. 

#8 - There are plenty more things that could be mentioned, but play safe, have fun, and check your gas gauge periodically.  Last but not least, "DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE 

[reprinted by permission of Brian Cranfield] - Brian offers full size plans and kits for both boats.  Contact contact Brian at: cranfieldbrian@hotmail.com or 905-986-4868.
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3) Powerboat Racing on TV

- Friday, October 28, 2005 thru Saturday, October 22, 2005 Time: 11:00 AM EST
  TV-SpeedChannel The Outdoor Channel (TOC) - SpeedZone. 

...and in Europe...

UIM Powerboat P1 European - Gillette MACH3 NITRO Gel British Grand Prix TV Schedule:

Date         Start       Duration    Channel
 
11/09/05	 05:00	 00:30	Sky Sports Extra
 
11/09/05	 16:00	 00:30	Sky Sports Extra
 
http://www.powerboatp1.com
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4) Katrina boat losses far surpass Florida toll

BoatU.S. has confirmed its earlier estimate on the amount of damage that Hurricane Katrina caused to recreational vessels in the Gulf Coast region.  The Aug. 29 hurricane caused between $650 million and $750 million in boat losses. Of that amount only about half, or $300 to $400 million in damage, was covered by insurance.  

BoatU.S. says Katrinas losses far surpass last years four-hurricane total of about $330 million in damages, as well as the $500 million in losses attributed to 1992s Hurricane Andrew  which until now was believed to be the single most costly natural catastrophe to affect recreational boating. Hurricane Katrina also destroyed an estimated 75 percent of the marinas along 150 miles of the Gulf Coast.

On the heels of Katrina, Hurricane Rita wreaked havoc on coastal areas of eastern Texas and the Louisiana bayou on Sept. 24. Figures for boat losses attributed to this storm arent expected for a few more weeks. 
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5) Media goes for F1 ride

To get an idea of the strain and stress, RIDZWAN A. RAHIM goes on an F1 powerboat ride with eight-time world champion Guido Cappellini. 

IDEA Marketing SA, the international promoter for Formula 1 Powerboat, and H2O Sports Sdn Bhd, organiser of local F1 Powerboat races, recently treated members of the Malaysian media to an F1 powerboat ride.  The aim was to provide them with an idea of the kind of stress and strain an F1 powerboat pilot has to endure during a full 50-lap grand prix.  On hand to demonstrate the power of F1 was eight-time F1 Powerboat world champion Guido Cappellini (below) from Italy.

A two-seater catamaran was brought to Putrajaya Lake for the ride. It weighs 390kg, measures six metres by 2.5 metres, and is propelled by a Mercury 2,500cc engine.  Like a single-seater F1 racer, the catamaran goes from standstill to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds, and boasts a 220km/h straight line speed and 90km/h cornering speed.  When hurtling at top speed, a correctly trimmed catamaran has only the propeller and the last few centimetres of each hull in the water. The front of the propeller is sharp and it cuts through water like a dagger.

Unlike F1 cars, F1 powerboats do not stick to the water. So when two boats touch in a race situation, they head skywards! It is incredibly cramped, hot and smelled of fuel. The pilot is seated on the left and the passenger on the right.  Peering through the tiny windscreen, you can see the serene surface of the lake and a lone red-coloured buoy right ahead.

Cappellini has the rare distinction of having tasted action on both water and road circuits. He used to compete in Formula 3 cars in his youth.  In his first F3 race behind the wheel of a Toyota-powered Dallara, he qualified on pole position. He didnt last long in auto racing, however, once he set his sights on powerboating. Having won the world championship eight times since 1993, the 46-year-old is now gunning for another two before he calls it quits.

The two-seater ride was a tame affair compared to a race situation, where a fleet of 24 catamarans with a total power of almost 10,000hp race each other amidst a fountain of white spray.  So a media man tasted what its like to be in an F1 Powerboat. To put it simply, its addictive. The G forces are just amazing. No wonder Cappellini finds it difficult to quit.
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6) Cappellini Wins Appeal; Will Race in Qatar

Switzerland - (20th October, 2005) - U.I.M. F1 World Championship points leader Guido Cappellini won his appeal after the U.I.M. Commissioners and Officer Of the Day  had originally issued the native of Como, Italy a red card for dangerous driving at the Grand Prix of Singapore on the 18th of September, thus, forcing him to sit out the next race. However, with his appeal being upheld, he will now be allowed to participate in the next round at the Grand Prix of Qatar on the weekend of the 19th and 20th of November in Doha. This now opens the door once again for Cappellini to win his 9th world title holding a 17.5 point advantage with just 3 rounds to go in the championship.

The 8-time World Champion won his case by stating that he was unable to officially protest his red card since both he and his Team Manager were at the hospital following his accident with current World Champion Scott Gillman of the Emirates Team and thus had no opportunity to lodge a protest.  The Appeal was upheld.  

The bottom line: this decision really is a giant blessing for the Cappellini camp. The 2005 season will most likely not be a repeat of the 2000 campaign when Guido lost his title that year when he was disqualified for attempting to destroy the timing equipment at the Grand Prix of Poland and thus missed two of the last three events. His actions opened the door for his rival Scott Gillman to take the title, which he did.

Cappellini leads the points chase in 2005 with 40 on the strength of two wins at the Grand Prix's of Portugal and Italy. The defending world champion Gillman with his DNF in Singapore has now slipped to 6th with 15 points. Three races still sit on the schedule to determine the World Champion of the U.I.M. F1 tour and with a series of top-3 finishes Cappellini can easily claim his 9th title. 
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7) Jimboat writes NEW Feature article in F&PB magazine

*** NEW *** 
Jimboat writes Feature article in Family & Performance Boating magazine.  'The Bottom Line'-"Why does a Pad make a vee Hull faster?" is the FEATURE in the F&PB September 2005 issue.

Get your copy of the full article at:  http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/adverts/Vee%20Pad%20Design.html
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and Recently published...

Jimboat writes Feature articles in HOTBOAT & F&PB magazine

"10 Smokin' Speed Secrets Revealed..." - Jimboat has new article in February 2005 HOT BOAT magazine. "If you don't want to make expensive modifications to your hull or engine setup, then here are some tips for getting the most performance from your current setup.  By Jim Russell, author of "Secrets of tunnel Boat Design" [editor-HB]
Check it out at: http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/adverts/HB_Feb2005.html

"Winterizing your Performance Outboard" - Jimboat has new article in Jan2005 issue of Family & Performance Boating.  Check it out at: http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/adverts/F&PB_Jan05.html

"What a Drag" - Trim Angle & Engine Height Can Reduce Drag and Increase Speed", by Jim Russell, author of "Secrets of Tunnel Boat Design book [editor-HB].  See September 2004 issue of HOT BOAT Magazine.  Or get your own copy of the feature article at: http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/adverts/HotBoat_Sept2004.html

"10 Safety Tips" - The author of "Secrets of Tunnel Boat Design" offers ten safety ideas for high performance go-fast boats [editor-HB].  See August 2004 issue of HOT BOAT Magazine.  Or get your own copy of the feature article at: http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/adverts/HotBoat_August2004.html
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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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