How To Get Started

HOW TO GET STARTED

If you are interested in Outboard Boat Racing, you have come to the right place. This website is dedicated to the sport of Outboard Boat Racing and has everything you need to GET STARTED!

The first thing you want to do is browse through this website and determine if this is something you are truly interested in checking out further. From there, feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about Outboard Boat Racing. Next, make your way to an Outboard Boat Race. Here you will be able to see how exciting and competitive the racing is and there is nothing better than seeing this sport in person. Now, make your way through the pit area, introduce yourself to the racers, and sit down and talk to the racers throughout the day. Be sure to ask them about their equipment, how the races are run, and any other questions you may have, no matter how big or small. Finally, browse through the pit area for equipment for sale. There is always a equipment for sale at every race. Be sure to ask as many questions as possible when inquiring about a boat, motor, etc… Not sure what class you would be best suited for, check out the Outboard Racing page.

Pre Event Planning

Knowledge is everything: Know the registration times and locations, how to get to the race site, deadlines and get your registration in early to avoid paying late fees. You cannot race if you're not registered so plan ahead! Registration and directions to each event can be found at: www.APBA.org website. Your best source of information will be to surf all the pages of this website and by reading the APBA Rule Book.

Don't leave home without: Tools, fuel, oil, gear, spare parts, prop nuts, shear pins, safety gear, propellers, boat stands or carts, etc. Make a checklist of all items and equipment you will need for the race and then use it. The best way to launch your boat is by using a cart. It’s quick, easy and saves your back. Other nice things to have are a cooler, sun block, a hat, and an EZ-Up tent or something for shade.

Show up early: This will get you a better pit area and will allow you to relax during your preparation. For most races, plan on arriving in the pits Friday night before the race. As soon as you arrive in the pits, establish your pit area and park your trailer. All trailers are placed in a secure area so you can go to your hotel or set up your camping spot right away. Best of all, you can now relax and meet people.

Saturday morning: Go over to the registration area and check-in, sign the insurance waiver, and register. Once registered, you can finish setting up your equipment. Listen to PA announcements and ask questions you may have at registration.

Get to know the people around your pit area: Do not be afraid to ask for assistance from other racers. You will find that all racers in TRORA are great people and are always willing to help out a first-time racer.

Attend the Mandatory Driver's Meeting: You will be notified via loudspeaker that the meeting is about to start. Not only is it determined mandatory by the APBA, there will be valuable information given at each Driver's Meeting. The Race Director and Referee will present important information to all drivers. Roll call, where you answer with your boat number will also be conducted. The Referee will meet with all the first-time drivers and go over, in more detail, concerns and questions that Rookie drivers may have. Pay attention and do not be afraid to ask questions. The day’s actual race schedule will be reviewed as well. This is very important so that you know when you will be racing. There are many heats each day.

Course Orientation: The entire race course and outside boundary markers will be explained at the driver’s meeting. We make left-hand turns only!

Racing

Sample Race Course: Below is a diagram of a sample race course.

Starting a race: Races will normally utilize the clock method of starting. Once all boats are on the water, the drivers will maneuver their boats just above the second turn called the “staging area”. Here, the drivers will circle around called “milling” while waiting for the clock to start. This is signified by a WHITE flag. Once this flag is flying, the clock winds down from 60 seconds to 0. All boats approach the start/finish line and must maintain a straight line while doing so. If you’re early, meaning you cross the start/finish line before the clock reaches 0, you are disqualified.

Race duration: Each heat is 3 laps of an approximate 1 mile course.

Rookie rule: All rookies must run at the very “back of the pack” during their first heat and must continue to do so until cleared by the Referee.

Reporting to Inspection: The top three finishers after the 2nd heat must report directly to inspection after their heat. Make sure you remember to report to Inspection or you will be disqualified.

Safety Gear

Kevlar Pants and Sleeves: These are mandatory whether you are testing or racing. There are several suppliers out there. Please check out our links page for more information or contact us for more information.

Helmets: All rookie (first 10 races) helmets must have a white cross running from one side of their helmet to the other. Do not forget this! All helmets must be in accordance with the rulebook. They must also be only certain colors. As they say, a ten-dollar helmet is good for a ten-dollar head. A good full-faced helmet (must be Snell approved) is the best way to go.

Lifejackets: Approved racing jackets can be purchased from either Lifeline or Security Racing Products. Please email us for more information,

Footwear: Good leather boots or shoes with a solid sole is recommended.

Gloves: Kevlar gloves are available and recommended.

Socks: Kevlar booties are available and can fit like a sock inside your shoes or boots and is recommended.

Neck collar: There are even neck collars out there to buy if you are interested.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the American Power Boat Association (APBA)? The American Power Boat Association (APBA) is a governing body for power boat racing in the United States. The APBA is the oldest racing organization in the United States and in 2003 APBA celebrated its 100-year anniversary. With more than 5,000 racing members, the APBA sanctions over 200 events each year for just about any motorized watercraft imaginable from Unlimited Hydroplanes to rough riding Offshore boats to Outboard Racing.

What is the Three Rivers Outboard Association (TRORA)? We are a local club in the Western Pa, Ohio and Northern Kentucky area. We have been conducting Outboard races since 1957 and were first chartered in 1960 in Pittsburgh, Pa. Our current headquarters is located in Sharon, Pa. We are a member of the APBA and conduct races under the APBA sanctioning body. We are guided by all APBA rules and regulations. We have conducted many Championship Races.

Do I have to be an APBA member in order to race? Yes. In order to race in an APBA sanctioned event you need to be a competition member or you can sign up ONCE for a single-event competition membership. A single event membership is very cheap (see www.apba.org for more info) and only allows you the right to race one day but does not include any membership benefits. If you like it and decide to join, you just pay the remaining balance for a full membership, thus allowing you to race the rest of the year.

Do I have to be a TRORA member in order to race? You must be a member of one local club such as TRORA. All you have to do is join the local club in your area. Just tell us where you’re from and we’ll point you in the right direction!

I've decided to become an APBA member, how do I sign up? There are two ways to join the APBA.

1. On-line registration at www.APBA.org

2. Download a membership application at www.apba.org and mail it to APBA.

What does the APBA Competition Membership include? For a very low fee, you can race in APBA sanctioned events all over the United States in either the Junior Division, Stock Outboard or Modified Outboard. In addition to being able to race in the above events, you will also receive a membership kit which includes; the Propeller magazine, a membership card, APBA stickers, an APBA competition rule book, discount on APBA merchandise, and more!!

Where do I get a rulebook? You can download a rulebook at www.APBA.org

What are the different classes I can race in? New drivers can race in any class, provided they meet the age requirement. The APBA separates the younger drivers into our Junior Division, however many begin racing the Stock and Modified classes as soon as they reach the minimum age.

How do I enter a race? The first thing you need to do is find who the race director in your area is and decide which event you want to attend. Once you've selected the racing events you want to attend. All you have to do is show up Saturday morning for registration, complete an entry blank, pay your entry fee and you’re entered.

What kind of safety gear do I need and where do I get it? Safety is a critical part of racing and should be taken very seriously. Helmets, lifejackets, footwear, and gloves are some of the equipment necessary. All of this equipment is available online.

What about numbers for my boat and what number can I run? The APBA will allow you to choose your own number IF that number has not been taken by an existing member. If you are from Ohio and you wanted the number 25, you would be assign 25-S. Numbers and letters must be white on black or black on white on the cockpit sides of runabouts and hydros. Clear, legible numbers are very important. If the numbers cannot be read by the judge’s stand, they will require them to be corrected for the next heat. See the rulebook for the minimum size of numbers and letters required. Drivers can pick any number from 2 to 999. The number 1 is an earned number.

Where are the races? Just go to www.APBA.org, click on “Race Schedule” under “Events”. This will take you to all races scheduled thus far throughout the country.

How can I try this sport by just going for a ride somewhere first to see if I like it? Just email Jerry Brewster at brew56@hotmail.com and he will do his best to get you a ride in a boat, no matter what part of the country you’re from.

Have a question not listed here? Please email us by clicking on the CONTACT Commodore or CONTACT Webmaster button.