After looking at the engine clssifications, I guess the easiest way to get rid of the confusion is to just run in the "B" Hydro class, but that would then exclude the Vegas and the ProBoats. Then just have a RTR class dedicated to stock. Man this can get complicated.
I know some are fighting the issue of adding classes, I understand this. But you could just offer them at very least. No one shows no extra class. Just as with all the other classes that are offered.
Piper I remember you guys building the rules (along with others) but I just don't feel all RTRs should be bundled in the same class (i.e. Hydros, Monos/Vees, Cats).
The RTRs are not all bundled together, other than having one set of rules to define what an RTR is, but neither is there any attempt to create an individual class for every boat, or even categories of boats. As has been shown, there is too much variety out there. Does it make sense to define a class for every boat when the odds of having enough of them at a race are limited, and when the manufacturer could change the boat, or discontinue it?
IMO, the variety is best handled at a club level. Let's look at some examples:
Club 1:
3 Miss Vegas, 1 SV27 nitro, 1 TC 31
What does the club do for these members? Do you define a Sport .18 class and tell the others they're SOL? I wouldn't. Do you look at the speeds of the boats and if they're in the same range, have them all to run together? I certainly would consider this. For reference, my club has some people with .15-.18 monos and some with MVs. We run them together, and have lots of fun doing so...
Club 2:
4 Miss Vegas, 3 Pro Boat gas hydros, 3 Black Jack 55s, 4 SV27 brushless
Since there are enough of each type to make a viable class, they could split them by boat type.
The examples could go on....
can it be made affordable to the average person
Some think it can be done and some don't. Some actually feel that Sport 20 is the way to go. What is the average cost of a ARTR Sport 20? Is this cost effective for a 19 y/o in college and working a minimum wage job? I don't think so. But I have been wrong before. What about the minors? I mean my son owns his own Vegas but it is not fast as a Sport 20, but he paid for it with his own grasscutting money. You got to allow newcomers to race and the only cost effective way is with RTRs.
If you rephrase it as one cost effective way is with RTRs, I could agree. Another cost effective way is to buy second hand boats. I've had lots of fun with a .45 Twincraft mono that I bought for $300. All I had to add was batteries, and it even came with a spare engine.
I agree with the manufacturers changing designs that fit the Associations, but the million dollar question is "Will They"? We have a couple of users here that helped design the Vegas. Is it legal? No, why? They knew the rules before Aqu designed the boat right? Why did AQU continue to build it the wrong way? Not trying to bashing these guys (Russ. Grim & Jerry) just wondering why a design that doesn't fit in the classes and asking myself why didn't AQU listen?
Off the podium, NEXT.
The Vegas may not be legal in NAMBA, but I hear they're working on a rules revision, but it certainly is for IMPBA Sport 20.