I knew this was gonna go over my head. . .
I vote for Open Kneeler, so anyone with a sport, mod, or FE can enter. Grow the class before limiting I feel. Must have driver or newer closed capsule. No sponson or bottom mods, just striaght up 3 point. . .
And if it can't be a kneeler class, then Open OB Hydro you can enter what ya want? ? ?
Amen. No need for all these rules and regulations about transom inset, power size, or any of that other garbage. Let's face facts, this class has never taken hold at the World Champs and the amount of boats actually built that would actually attend and run at the World Champs are few at best in comparison to the other classes entered. All the talk is different from actual entry numbers.
Practice KISS: Keep it simple stupid.
This class is intended to be a fun run class so go for the Open Kneeler class label. Just like Open tunnel that many love running, you'll get gas mixed with electric and nitro boats ranging from the .21-.67+ engine size displacement racing it out in a "Run Whatcha Brung" style class. Most of these guys are just looking for an outlet to race their kneelers that they precariously built because most races don't offer them. Don't limit people from bringing their O/B kneelers if they have one already built at home because filling the class so there is a variety of competition is already going to be difficult enough. I'm guessing, even with that label, you'll probably be lucky to get 10-12 boats signed up.
Like Doug said, the only restrictions should be, the boat has to be built in the spirit of a kneeler (hydro design),it should have a driver as a way of capturing the spirit of the class, and the power plant used must function as an outboard per whatever set of rules the CMB club decides to classify an outboard given the recent discussions. Nitro, gas and electric engines are all welcome.
Don't create barriers of entry and limit the class's potential success. Run it this way this year, see who shows up and what styles and sizes of boats enter, and then re-evaluate for next year and if there was significant participation from a certain niche of kneelers, then maybe set up a specific class designated for them at the 2013 race.
You never know, we might even have a kneeler or two to throw in the mix.
h34r:
~Jr.
