BASICS
LENGTH
Formula 1 has a minimum length of 16 feet. It is measured from the rear of the transom to the foremost part of the bow. Minimum weight is 1,050-1,200 pounds, depending on which motor is being used. The weight measurement includes the equipment as raced, with driver, remaining fuel, engine, boat and rigging. Boats must meet all minimum standards, but may exceed the amount.
Formula 2 has a minimum length of 16 feet. It is measured from the rear of the transom to the foremost part of the bow. Minimum weight is 1,100 pounds or 1,150 pounds for the SST-200, 2.5 litre motor. The weight measurement includes the equipment as raced, with driver, remaining fuel, engine, boat and rigging. Boats must meet all minimum standards, but may exceed the amount.
Formula 3 has a minimum length of 14 feet. It is measured from the rear of the transom to the foremost part of the bow. Minimum weight is 825 pounds. The weight measurement includes the equipment as raced, with driver, remaining fuel, engine, boat and rigging. Boats must meet all minimum standards, but may exceed the amount.
Formula 4 has a minimum length of 12 feet. It is measured from the rear of the transom to the foremost part of the bow. Minimum weight is 700 pounds. The weight measurement includes the equipment as raced, with driver, remaining fuel, engine, boat and rigging. Boats must meet all minimum standards, but may exceed the amount.
ENGINE
Formula 1 class engines are produced by Mercury Hi-Performance, Yamaha and OMC. They range from 2.0 litre (122 cubic inches) to 3.0 litre (184 cubic inches)displacement, carbureted or Electronic Fuel Injected outboard marine engines. Also raced as Champ Boat in the APBA.
Formula 2 class engines are all produced by Mercury Hi-Performance, a division of the Brunswick Corporation. They are 2.0 litre (122 cubic inches) displacement, carbureted outboard marine engines. Both the Mercury and the Mariner designations are legal for the class. New to the class, is the 2.5 litre (154 cubic inches) Classified as the SST-200. Engines are stock with a racing lower unit. Also raced as SST-120 in the APBA, the SST stands for Super Stock Tunnel.
Formula 3 class engines carry either the Johnson or Evinrude brand. The 3 cylinder outboard marine engine displacement is 56.1 cubic inches. Engines are stock with a racing lower unit. Also raced as SST-60 in the APBA, the SST Stands for Super Stock Tunnel.
Formula 4 class engines carry either the Johnson or Evinrude brand. The 2 cylinder outboard marine engine displacement is 44.9 cubic inches. Engines are stock with a racing lower unit. Also raced as Formula Lights and SST-45 in the APBA, the SST Stands for Super Stock Tunnel.
PROPELLER
For Formula 1,2,3 & 4 classes there are no mininum standards; teams choose propellers in varying diameters and pitch for specific course and water conditions.
MODIFY
Modifications to promote engine durability and ease of maintenance, using select and specified parts are permitted. No modification may enhance horsepower. The intention is to race the engines as manufactured without performance boosters.
COST
Formula 1 new, fully rigged ready to race boat cost well over $50,000.
Formula 2 new, fully rigged ready to race boat cost $35,000 to over $40,000.
Formula 3 new, fully rigged ready to race boat cost $15,000 to over $25,000.
Formula 4 new, fully rigged ready to race boat cost $10,000 to over $20,000.
INTRODUCED
Formula 2 was introduced by Mercury Hi-Performance in 1990 and recognized by APBA that same year, the APR Powerboat SuperLeague circuit was chosen to premier the class, bringing an immediate rise in driver participation and international acceptance.
Formula 3 was introduced by the Outboard Marine Corp. (now owned by Bombardier) in 1989 and approved as a national class by the APBA. The APR Powerboat SuperLeague circuit was chosen by OMC to premier the class, bringing the boats to the attention of race fans and increasing driver participation. These boats are also raced as a national class in both Canada and Mexico.