Seattle Outboard Association: with its origins based in the late 1920's, SOA is not only one of the oldest racing clubs under the American Power Boat Association charter, but it is also the largest outboard racing club in the United States.
With more than 200 members, SOA conducts races in three divisions of racing: Stock Outboard, Modified Outboard, and Professional Racing Outboard.
During the course of a season, the club conducts between 12 and 20 regattas, giving even the most diehard racer plenty of weekends to race his equipment.
In addition to its racing endeavors, SOA sponsors a New Racer's Workshop to help new racers during their first season. The club also promotes social functions during the course of the year, and an annual awards banquet.
The club currently meets at the Kenmore Eagles Club on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.
If you are ready to go boat racing, there are a number of things that you will need to do, and while it may seem confusing to the neophyte, the club provides a big brother program to help you through the initial steps of getting ready for your first season of racing.
Among the first things that you should do is join SOA. This is first of all mandatory to race in APBA sanctioned events, and secondly a good idea since the club is a good place to find out about upcoming events, equipment for sale, and catch up on the latest racing scoop.
So the first thing to do is call one of the members below. They will see to it that you are invited to our next meeting (and with very little arm twisting will probably pick you up).
Dave Anderson.....425 827-6559.....Kirkland
John Myers.....425 485-6139.....Kenmore
Jeff Kelly.....253 435-4856.....Orting
Ric Montoya.....206 285-8121.....Seattle
Carl Lewis.....253 874-2412.....Federal Way
Craig Fjarlie.....425 771-4173.....Edmonds
Mike Zonich.....360 425-0217.....Kelso
What is it going to take to get started? Well, it depends on whether you want to start with new or used equipment. Perhaps the most economical way to start is to purchase good, sound used equipment. (it should be noted that no novice should ever buy new or used equipment without first getting an SOA member to check the equipment out).
The thing about buying used equipment, is that it gives the neophyte a chance to "get his feet wet" if you pardon the pun, without getting soaked. Additionally, if you decide that racing really isn't for you, you can usually sell the equipment after one season for nearly what you originally paid for it. So, let's take a look at what it will cost you to get started:
SOA Membership: $20.00
APBA Membership: $140.00
(this includes a basic insurance package and racing membership in either Stock, Mod or PRO outboard)
Boat:
J/ASH (used) $300-500
ASR (used) $300-500
CSH (used) $400-800
DSH (used) $500-850
Motor:
APBA J: (new) $2000
J/A (used) $800-1200
C Stock (used) $800-1600
C Stock (new) $2000
D Stock (used) $1500-1800
NOTE: Many times a complete outfit can be purchased for less than buying items separately. For instance, a complete A/J hydro outfit ready to race at $2200 or a complete C Stock Hydro outfit at $1800.
Helmet: $100-280
Lifejacket: $150-300
Propellers: Many times, a prop will come with your first outfit, or you will be able to buy a complete rig that will include three or four props. Propellers usually run $75-125 used and start around $300 new.
So what class is best for you? A good question that has no easy answer. The answer is dependent on several other factors.
One of those is your budget. As in any other type of racing, there are classes where it is easy to find both new and used equipment, and others where it is more difficult. So you may want to choose a class based on cost.
Another factor is your weight. If you are 6-1 and weigh 225 lbs, it is going to be difficult to be competitive in one of the smaller classes. If on the other hand, you are 5-8 and weigh 145 lbs, you can probably choose any class, although you would be smart to stay in one of the smaller classes to start with. Four classes to keep in mind are:
APBA J: This is the class for kids to start in. it is powered by a 13.2 cubic-inch OMC engine, and speeds are a moderate 35-38 mph. Drivers must be at least nine years old, and may race this class until their 16th birthday. Recently, APBA has approved a new engine for the J classes, made by Mercury Outboards. It can be purchased for around $2000. Contact the American Power Boat Association for more info.
A STOCK: This class uses the same engine that the J's do. Remove the carburetor's restrictor plate inserted for the J class, and the same boat will run at speeds topping 50 mph. Drivers must be at least 14 years old, and competition is plenty.
C STOCK: A very popular class, it features a remanufactured Yamato Japanese engine. This engine is plenty peppy and the class features strong competition. There is frequently used equipment and spare parts available.
D STOCK: The largest of the Stock classes, these are powered by the 4-cylinder, 44 cubic inch Mercury 44XS engine on boats 11 to 12 feet long. These boats top over 80 mph in competition, and many of the drivers competing in this class are seasoned veterans.
Regardless of the class you run, remember that you should never buy any equipment without first having an SOA member check it out for you.