IJSBA Releases Interim Repair Rules For Stock Runabout Watercraft

 

IJSBA has been notified, over the last several months, of known regular failures of certain equipment in Runabout Stock Class Racing.  Sudden engine failures are a safety concern on the racecourse as competitors plan trajectories that anticipate other watercraft will continue moving at expected speeds and pathways.  When race conditions interfere with this condition, IJSBA is empowered to allow modifications pursuant to Rule RAS 1.1.  Thus update announces temporary allowances pursuant to this rule.

 

RAS 1.1. reads, in part:  “The IJSBA may allow additional modifications to Stock Classified PWC which provide for replacement/reinforcements to parts and components (i.e. intercooler end caps, brackets, fittings, etc.) that have known failure risks in race conditions. that have known failure risks in race conditions. Such changes will only be allowed if the replacements/modifications result in no volume or performance gains.”  IJSBA is aware that there are disproportionate failures, in race conditions, of some components of contemporary Runabout.  These failures are within the flame arrestor system and the wiring harness system.

 

Flame Arrestor System Concerns

Some OEM flame arrestors system contain a mesh type within the intake manifolds.  Under intense race conditions, flame arrestor ribbons have been coming loose and fully dislodging causing a risk of sudden loss of performance or outright engine failure.  This has been reported, and verified, in enough frequency to warrant at least temporary intervention.

 

Effective July 18, 2019, IJSBA will permit internal or external reinforcement of mesh ribbon filters in the flame arrestor system.  This may be accomplished by applying a gluing compound internally or by inserting a mechanical reinforcement, such as a screw, internally or externally.  An example of an externally applied screw is shown in the photograph below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wiring Harness System Concerns

Some OEM wiring harness systems are showing failures during intense racing conditions, specifically at the connection points at the engine side of the harness.  Failures of these type can cause a sudden loss of performance or outright engine failure.  This has been reported, and verified, in enough frequency to warrant at least temporary intervention.

 

Effective July 18, 2019, IJSBA will permit that aftermarket connectors may be applied to OEM wiring harnesses to the extent necessary to prevent severed connections to components of the engine and associated systems.  These connectors may only improve the existing system by decreasing the risk of breaking or severing connection.  Absolutely no additional signals, inputs, or outputs may be provided by the use of aftermarket harness connections.  Wiring harnesses may be cut with a new connectors soldered to the existing OEM harness.  Wires may not connect to any device or apparatus that was not part of the OEM system.  Technical inspectors will construe this temporary provision conservatively to ensure that competitors are making changes to their watercraft as necessary to prevent connection failures.

 

The above temporary allowances shall be effective immediately and will expire on December 31, 2019.  However, race seasons that begin prior to December 31 and end after December 31, 2019 shall keep these provisions in place through the duration of the series.  IJSBA may renew these temporary provisions or codify them as permanent in the published competition rules.

 

Questions regarding this release should be sent to tech@ijsba.com.