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Formula R1000 - The Hydroplane Racing Boat

Racing Inboards - Formula R1000
There are some categories to consider when racing this type of boat. The hull must be of a hydro type (the sponson should not exceed 60% of the total length of the hull). The most forward end of the sponson must be deformable and must be designed to crush (pickle-forks, rule 509.02 UIM). From 2020 the boats must have a reinforced safety cockpit. The minimum weight of the boat without a driver is 250 kg about 500 lb. With a driver it is 330 kg, about 660 lb. The fuel must be correspond to rule 508 UIM. Materials used to build the boat: The Hull of the boat is made usually out of wood, and the hoods of the boat are made out of fiberglass.
 
Pic 1 Pic 2
pic 1 (photo: Chares): the boat is touching with
only three points the water with full speed
pic 2 (photo: Röttig): a modern
FR1000 boat with syfety cockpit (Udo Kaschube)

In the world of speed boat racing, this class has become a very strong influence in Eastern Europe and in Central England. Up to 2018, there were average 8 to 12 racers from Germany to venture the waters of the F-R1000 class. In Order to keep this class of racing from dying out, it has been put into what was called since the early nineties the Historical Class HR-1000. This eliminated for the moment the expensive upgrades in engines and boat design, for instance special safety cockpits. From 2002 this class is called Formula R1000. Only naturally aspirated, reciprocating, carburetted boat, motorcycle or motor car engines, of a model and type manufactured at least ten years ago, are permitted. Also engines which are originally manufactured with fuel injection are allowed provided they are re-worked to use carburettors only. The drive line between engine and propeller to be basically straight (no Z drives). A gearbox may be attached at the motor however it is forbidden to change the gears while racing (rule 518.01 UIM). Favorite engines are for instance Yamaha, Honda and Rotax. The 2-stroke Tact Wartburg engine is not longer in use. The engines can go up to 140 to 150 horsepower and reach speeds up to 160 kmph (100 mph).

Here are the official World Speed Records in category Formula R1000:
Year Name Nation mph kmph
2003 Lars KATZORKE GBR/GER   89.60 144.20
2010 Jim NOONE GBR 103.87 167.16
2012 Udo SCHÜTTE GBR/GER 112.60 181.20
2015 Jim NOONE GBR 114,77 184,70

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