IJSBA Releases Tentative Text Changes To 2015 Competition Rule Book

IJSBA is pleased to release the planned text changes to the 2015 Competition Rule Book.

The changes to the 2015 Competition Rule Book shall be changed in accordance with the voting results from the public’s suggested changes to the rules of 2014. Below is the original text followed by the expected new language describing the allowances or restrictions of each rule. These changes will appear, along with any previously uncorrected typographical errors. IJSBA welcomes comments on whether the tentative language clearly explains the changes to each rule item.

2015 Rule Book Changes

5.2 SKI DIVISION

5.2.1 The Ski Division includes PWC which are designed for one person to stand on and are controlled from a pivoting handlepole.

5.2.2 Watercraft competing in the Ski Division must conform to the following criteria:

1) Dry weight must be greater than 102kg (225 lb.) for 550cc classes;
2) Dry weight must be greater than 114kg (260 lb.) in all other classes;
3) Hull length cannot exceed 304.8cm (120 in.);
4) Hull width must be between 50.8cm (20 in.) and 76.2cm (30 in.).

5.2 SKI DIVISION

5.2.1 The Ski Division includes PWC which are designed for one person to stand on and are controlled from a pivoting handlepole. To be describes as a Ski waterctaft, the handlepole must be mounted forward of the engine compartment and the engine compartment must be located forward of the standing tray area.

5.2.2 Watercraft competing in the Ski Division must conform to the following criteria:

1) Dry weight must be greater than 102kg (225 lb.) for 550cc classes;
2) Dry weight must be greater than 114kg (260 lb.) in all other classes;
3) Overall watercraft length cannot exceed 246.4cm (97 in.);
4) Hull width must be between 50.8cm (20 in.) and 76.2cm (30 in.).
5) Overall hull/deck volume must consist of at least 15% flotation material.
6) The ride plate may not extend more than 12.7 cm (5 in.) past the furthest stern point of the upper deck.
7) The pump/nozzle/venturi system may not extend more than 12.7 cm (5 in.) past the furthest stern point of the upper deck.
5.5.4 Watercraft competing in Four-Stroke Runabout must conform to the following criteria:

1) Dry weight must be greater than 250kg (550 lb.) for 1100cc classes;
2) Dry weight must be greater than 272kg (600 lb.) for classes exceeding 1100cc;
3) Hull length cannot exceed 354cm (139 in.);
4) Hull width must be between 96.5cm (38 in.) and 127.0cm (50 in.).

For Endurance/Offshore-type events only:
5) Hull length cannot exceed 394.0cm (156 in.);
6) Hull width must be greater than 96.5cm (38 in.).

5.5.4 Watercraft competing in Four-Stroke Runabout must conform to the following criteria:

For Endurance/Offshore-type events only:
5) Hull length cannot exceed 394.0cm (156 in.);
6) Hull width must be greater than 96.5cm (38 in.).

For Rec Lites classes only:
7) Minimum dry weight of 181.5 kg (400 lb);
5) Maximum displacement of 950cc for watercraft weighing less than 335.66 kg (750 lb);
6) Maximum displacement of 1100cc for watercraft weighing greater than 335.66 kg (750 lb).

8.2.2 Aftermarket hulls may be used, on watercraft homologated in numbers of 500 or higher, in classes which carry Expert and Pro designations. The upper deck will not be restricted to OEM to the extent that the upper deck is an exact replica of the Original equipment deck with no change in dimensions or scale. Alterations of dimensions may be allowed where a legal aftermarket part has been integrated into the deck (i.e., rail caps and foot holds). Bulk heads may be aftermarket Deck repairs may be made, provided they do not alter the standard configuration by more than 2.00mm (0.08 in.). The deck’s bond flange may not be modified. Deck may be internally reinforced. Fasteners may be installed through the hull and deck for the purpose of securing components to interior surfaces, provided a hazard is not created. If upper and lower components of the original equipment bond flange are separated and rejoined, they must be rejoined by the same method as original equipment (i.e., bonded together with a high-strength adhesive). (See bond flange diagram in Appendix).

SKI DIVISION ONLY: The upper deck may be widened by a measurement determined by the following formula: The OEM overall width (rub rails removed) shall be subtracted from the maximum width of 762 mm (30 in) and the resulting figure shall be divided in half to calculate the maximum additional width that may be achieved. (Example: a 635mm (25 in) Ski has a difference of 127 mm (5 in) from the maximum width of 762 mm; the figure of 127 is divided in half to result in 63.5 mm (2.5 in) of maximum additional width added to the overall upper deck.) The standing tray area may be widened by increasing the standing space up to four inches (an increase of up to two inches on each side of tray). Rear portions of the bond rail may be removed to allow free flow of water that travels underneath thechannel created by the bond rail.

SKI DIVISION ONLY: The upper deck may be aftermarket and must resemble the look and shape of a traditional Ski watercraft used in IJSBA Sanctioned Events. The original Ski used for eligibility under Rule 8.1.1 shall be determined by manufacturer of crankcases installed in the watercraft.

7.8.3.4 A fuel pressure regulator may be added if not originally equipped. OEM fuel pressure regulators may be modified or aftermarket for safety purposes.

7.8.3.4 Fuel pumps may be modified or aftermarket provided a hazard is not created. Fuel pressure regulators may be modified or aftermarket for safety purposes. Fuel return lines must be installed in the fuel pump assembly without modification to the tank. The Race Director or Technical Director shall have final discretion as to whether a fuel return line has been installed sufficiently for safe use in competition.

7.8.4 AIR/FUEL DELIVERY — FOUR-STROKE (SKI ONLY)

7.8.4.1 Intercoolers may be modified or aftermarket. Intercooler heat exchange surface area may not be increased by more than 25%. However, if any Limited Class Ski is equipped with a modified or aftermarket intercooler then that PWC shall have the boost regulator set to release any boost pressure above 110% of the stock specifications. The IJSBA shall publish the official interpretation of the stock specifications. The HSR-Benelli S4 boost pressure is limited to a scale of 10-14 psi in Limited Class Competition. Unless specifically posted, the default boost pressure for HSR-Benelli S4 units shall be 14 psi.

7.8.4.1 Intercoolers may be modified or aftermarket. Intercooler heat exchange surface area may not be increased by more than 25%. Any Limited Class Ski equipped with a supercharger or turbocharger shall have the boost regulator set to release any boost pressure above 12 psi.

7.8.3.1 Turbocharger or Supercharger impeller housing must remain stock as furnished by the manufacturer. All internal supercharger or turbocharger parts may be modified or aftermarket. Where an OEM turbocharger or supercharger housing may be spaced to accommodate a larger impeller, the spacer shall be allowed providing no other modifications are necessary to accommodate the spacer. Intercoolers may be modified or aftermarket.

7.8.3.1 Turbocharger or Supercharger impeller housing must remain stock as furnished by the manufacturer. All internal supercharger or turbocharger parts may be modified or aftermarket. Pulleys and tensioners may be modified or aftermarket. Where an OEM turbocharger or supercharger housing may be spaced to accommodate a larger impeller, the spacer shall be allowed providing no other modifications are necessary to accommodate the spacer. An oil line fitting may be added to the supercharger shaft. Intercoolers may be modified or aftermarket.

7.8.2.12 Blow off valves may be added to extend engine life.

7.8.2.12 Blow off valves may be added to extend engine life. A vacuum line and fitting may be added to the intake manifold to accommodate a blow off valve.

6.1 STOCK CLASS COMPETITION

Intended to promote interest in stock personal watercraft competition and to enable individuals to become active competitors with relatively modest investment and maintenance costs. Watercraft competing in these classes must conform to the specifications which follow. Note: classes may be offered that have greater restrictions than these Stock Class Provisions. Such class offerings must be named to differentiate the applicable rules (ie Novice Ski Showroom Stock, etc.)

WEIGHT ADDENDUM: Four Stroke Runabouts, competing in Stock Classes, must weigh within a difference of no more than 35 lbs (15.88 kg) lighter than the OEM weight as determined by IJSBA.

LITES ADDENDUM: LITES is a special designation applied to Stock Classes to implement a horsepower limit. Ski Lites are Stock Class Ski PWC with a maximum of 85 Horsepower as furnished by the manufacturer. Runabout Rec Lites are Four Stroke powered Stock Class Normally Aspirated PWC Runabout PWC under 950cc. Two Stroke Runabout PWC, under 735cc, built to Stock Class specifications may compete in Runabout Rec Lites.

CLASS NAMING ADDENDUM: Different competition markets make have drastically different demographics of Personal Watercraft. Based on the needs of the market, the promoter may choose to rename classes to best describe the bulk of participation. For example, where Lites type Ski are more prevalent, a promoter may name the Lites Class as “Stock” while giving the non-Lites Stock class a name such as “Performance Stock,” or “Four Stroke Stock.”

6.1 STOCK CLASS COMPETITION

NOTICE TO RUNABOUT STOCK COMPETITORS: Beginning January 1, 2016, Runabout Stock Rules will become much more restrictive. To help competitors prepare for these changes, the 2016 Runabout Stock Rules are printed in the Appendix.

WEIGHT ADDENDUM: Four Stroke Runabouts, competing in Stock Classes, must weigh within a difference of no more than 35 lbs (15.88 kg) lighter than the OEM weight as determined by IJSBA.

LITES ADDENDUM: Ski LITES is a special designation applied to Stock Classes to implement a horsepower limit. Ski Lites are Stock Class Ski PWC with a maximum of 85 Horsepower as furnished by the manufacturer. Runabout Rec Lites are Four Stroke powered Stock Class Normally Aspirated PWC Runabout PWC under 1100c subject to weight requirements. Two Stroke Runabout PWC, under 735cc, built to Stock Class specifications may compete in Runabout Rec Lites at the discretion of the race organizer. Runabout Rec Lites competitors shall use the 2016 Stock Class rules found in the Appendix.

6.4.5 Engine, Intercooler, and Oil Cooler water cooling systems may be modified or aftermarket. Additional water cooling lines and after market water bypass fittings may be added. OEM water bypass fittings may be modified or relocated. All bypass fittings must be directed downward and/or rearward so as not to create a hazard for other riders. Additional cooling supply lines and fittings may be added to the pump. Pump water inlet covers and water strainers (filters) may be modified or aftermarket. Intercooler assembly/housing must remain OEM in stock class, additional cooling supply lines and bypass fittings may be added to the OEM Intercooler Housing. Additional cooling supply lines may be added to water inlet covers that are removable from the engine block. Volume changes to OEM water supply fittings are not allowed. Existing fittings may be aftermarket or modified so long as the OEM thread diameter is maintained. Fittings may not be added to the cylinder head, cylinder, or crankcase. Intercooler pressure relief valves (mechanical) are allowed for the purposes of regulating water pressure. Any valves used within the entire cooling system must be of the fixed type or automatic (e.g., thermostats, pressure regulators, etc.). Electronically controlled valves or water injections systems are not allowed unless originally equipped. Manually controlled devices (by any means of actuation) that alter the flow of cooling water during operation are not allowed. Cooling system flush kits are allowed.”

6.4.5 Engine, Intercooler, and Oil Cooler water cooling systems may be modified or aftermarket. Additional water cooling lines and after market water bypass fittings may be added. OEM water bypass fittings may be modified or relocated. All bypass fittings must be directed downward and/or rearward so as not to create a hazard for other riders. Additional cooling supply lines and fittings may be added to the pump. Pump water inlet covers and water strainers (filters) may be modified or aftermarket. Intercooler assembly/housing must remain OEM in stock class, additional cooling supply lines and bypass fittings may be added to the OEM Intercooler Housing. Water inlet covers that are removable from the engine block may be modified or aftermarket. Volume changes to OEM water supply fittings are not allowed. Existing fittings may be aftermarket or modified so long as the OEM thread diameter is maintained. Fittings may not be added to the cylinder head, cylinder, or crankcase. Intercooler pressure relief valves (mechanical) are allowed for the purposes of regulating water pressure. Any valves used within the entire cooling system must be of the fixed type or automatic (e.g., thermostats, pressure regulators, etc.). Electronically controlled valves or water injections systems are not allowed unless originally equipped. Manually controlled devices (by any means of actuation) that alter the flow of cooling water during operation are not allowed. Cooling system flush kits are allowed.”

6.6.3 Fuel injectors and fuel pump must remain stock. Fuel pressure regulator may be aftermarket or modified to change fuel pressure.

6.6.3 Fuel injectors and fuel pump must remain stock. Fuel pressure regulator may be aftermarket or modified to change fuel pressure. Fuel return lines must be installed in the fuel pump assembly without modification to the tank. The Race Director or Technical Director shall have final discretion as to whether a fuel return line has been installed sufficiently for safe use in competition.

12.4.2 Missed Buoys: A rider failing to negotiate a buoy or missing a marker buoy in a closed-course event will be penalized one lap for each missed buoy unless he/she completes the announced procedure for picking up a buoy.

The preferred method for correcting a missed buoy is to have a strategically placed buoy on the course which serves as a “penalty buoy” (commonly called the “Black Buoy”). If a rider fails to properly negotiate, or misses, a buoy then that rider must properly negotiate the penalty buoy instead of reattempting the missed buoy. The buoy should be placed between the merge section of an option course and the finish line buoys. The penalty buoy should be placed in a position to cause the offending rider to markedly depart from the course. Riders who cut the course may not make up any missed buoy by negotiating the penalty buoy. If the race director determines that a rider is strategically missing a buoy to gain a position then that rider may be penalized even if the penalty buoy is properly negotiated. The penalty buoy should be placed in a location sufficient to cause lost time to the rider who has missed the originally intended buoy so that an advantage is not gained by having to take the penalty buoy. The location of the penalty buoy should allow for safe travel to and from the rest of the race course. The penalty buoy may not be renegotiated if missed or improperly negotiated. The race director may make some buoys/pathways ineligible for the penalty buoy if missed or improperly negotiated (i.e. log jump, merge buoy, first turn buoy, etc.).

Missed Buoys: A rider failing to negotiate a buoy or missing a marker buoy in a closed-course event will be penalized one lap for each missed buoy unless he/she completes the announced procedure for picking up a buoy.

Missed Log Jumps: Where a log jump is a required portion of the course, the rider shall be penalized one lap for each time the rider fails to properly negotiate the log jump. The Race Director shall have discretion to penalize the rider a position, or other employ another appropriate score adjustment, where the Race Director determines that the offending rider improperly negotiated the log jump to avoid colliding with a downed rider or watercraft. The Race Director shall have the discretion to allow a rider to utilize a penalty buoy to negate a log jump penalty in the interest of safety. Any such policies for log jump penalties and their exceptions shall be clearly stated at the riders’ meeting.

8.8.1 Turbocharger housing must be of the full circulating, water-jacket type at all times when the engine is running. Aftermarket turbochargers and superchargers may be used provided a hazard is not created. Original turbocharger or supercharger may be modified. Aftermarket turbochargers and superchargers may be added to originally normally aspirated watercraft. All hoses and pipes may be modified or aftermarket.

Turbocharger housing must be of the full circulating, water-jacket type at all times when the engine is running. Aftermarket turbochargers and superchargers may be used provided a hazard is not created. Original turbocharger or supercharger may be modified. Aftermarket turbochargers and superchargers may be added to originally normally aspirated watercraft. All hoses and pipes may be modified or aftermarket. Where the Race Director, or Technical Inspector, cannot determine if a turbocharger is sufficiently water-jacketed then a heat wrap and/or additional cooling mechanisms may be added to ensure safety.

If there are any comments, suggested corrections, or questions regarding the pending rule change language, please email tech@ijsba.com.