Reply With QuoteRexone:
Seems to be quite a range of opinions on this one which I think is a good thing. As I stated earlier, I'd be comfortable personally at 60-65 goin along and shuttin the key off. 75-80, gettin a little on the edge there. Depending on the boat it would "probably" be fine with just a little stuff, hit the steering wheel, maybe a little sore, etc. That's how I feel about it "personally".
Now would I recommend what I would be comfortable with personally to anyone else? Not a chance. I'm not much of a gambler. In our litigeous (sp?) society it's unfortunate but it seems many times people can't claim responsibility for their own decisions and actions. To some, it would be thier normal thought track to blame the racing assn that didn't take every step possible to guarantee their safety in the event they locked up a motor and went on their head and got hurt (in this case not requiring a whirlaway). Remember, anyone can (and many times will) sue anyone else for anything regardless of actual fault, liability releases, etc. Therefore, if I was running a racing assn. I'd have to insist on every safty implementation known to man. It's unfortunate in my opinion that it has to be this way and people can't make their own choice to some degree whether they run a safety item like a whirlaway or not. Bottom line is though, in our society the legal implications of not requiring safety stuff if it's known it "might" have prevented a problem, are pretty substantial. And I personally would want all the legal protection I could get in this situation.
All that really boils down to very little to do with whether it's actually safe or not, and more whether you have an unacceptable level of legal liabilty or not. I don't agree with it but it's the rules we have to deal with when something goes wrong and someone is hurt or killed. Our freedoms are somewhat limited by lawyers I guess which is kind of sad.
Now having said all that, 70's and above should have releases for safety. Just my opinion.Mike, Thank you, and I couldnt agree with you more! This really says it all and I hope it does for anyone posting or LURKING here! eek! We have to have all the safety stuff even if it does'nt work or is not neccessary! Why? It's due to the threat of a law suit, which could result in the demise of Nostalgic Racing and the outboard club that made it possible in the first place. I can not begin to tell you all how helpful this column has been. Let me just say, that my direction and goals ARE altered. I apologize to those experienced racers and flatbottom experts who may have been insulted or angered here on this forum, on this topic or others: {v-drive placement}. Hopefully, some like myself, were enlightened, or is the word EDUCATED? winkSK88,FlatRACER, and MikeREX, I would be honored if you would except a personal invitation to attend our Racers Reunion Regatta as my VIP guests! Heck I may even take up a collection for air fare!
I'll keep you all informed to the rule changes. JERKOUTANDOVER
[ October 11, 2002, 10:36 AM: Message edited by: CircleJerk ]
