IJSBAIJSBA is pleased to announce the results of the voting to change the IJSBA Competition Rule Book for 2015.  There were a record amount of voting packets sent out and a record number of voting packets received back.

Where an item has “passed” there will be a change to the rulebook reflecting the passage of that item.

IJSBA will release drafts of the new rules shortly .  A more complete report of the voting will be presented in the next monthly update.  For any questions  regarding voting, please email info@ijsba.com.

Please see the following items that were submitted for voting and the results of each item:

  1. Shall IJSBA require that Ski Class PWC have the handle pole pivot in front of the engine compartment as a mandatory provision?

Note: this item intends to define parameters of new homologated Ski Class watercraft. A “Yes” vote would mean that any new Ski watercraft, that applies for homologation, must have the handle pole pivot be in front of the engine compartment.  A “No” vote would mean no change in the Rule Book.

Result: PASSED

  1. Shall IJSBA require that Ski Class PWC have the engine compartment located in front (towards the direction of the bow) of the tray area.

Note: this item intends to define parameters of new homologated Ski Class watercraft. A “Yes” vote would mean that any new Ski watercraft, that applies for homologation, must have the engine compartment located in front of the standing tray area.  A “No” vote would mean no change in the Rule Book.

Result: PASSED

  1. Shall IJSBA require that Ski Class PWC have a mandatory limitation that the ride plate, whether OEM or aftermarket, may not exceed 5 inches (127mm) past the stern edge of the upper deck?

Note: this item intends to define parameters of new homologated Ski Class watercraft. A “Yes” vote would mean that any new Ski watercraft, that applies for homologation, would have a production limitation on the ride plate’s distance protruding from the watercraft; this would also apply to maximum distance of an aftermarket ride plate.  A “No” vote would mean no change in the Rule Book.

Result: PASSED

  1. Shall IJSBA require that Ski Class PWC have a mandatory limitation that the pump, venturi, and steering nozzle combination, whether OEM or aftermarket, may not exceed 5 inches (127mm) past the stern edge of the upper deck?

Note: this item intends to define parameters of new homologated Ski Class watercraft. A “Yes” vote would mean that any new Ski watercraft, that applies for homologation, would have a production limitation on the pump/venturi/steering nozzle’s distance protruding from the watercraft; this would also apply to maximum distance of an aftermarket pump/venture/steering nozzle.  A “No” vote would mean no change in the Rule Book.

Result: PASSED

  1. Shall IJSBA require that Ski Class PWC, whether OEM, or aftermarket, shall not exceed 97 inches (2.46m) from bumper to the most stern measurement of the PWC (measured by steering nozzle or ride plate, whichever protrudes most)?

Note: this item intends to define parameters of new homologated Ski Class watercraft. A “Yes” vote would mean that any new Ski watercraft, that applies for homologation, would have a production limitation on the pump/venturi/steering nozzle’s distance protruding from the watercraft; this would also apply to maximum distance of an aftermarket pump/venture/steering nozzle.  A “No” vote would mean no change in the Rule Book.

Result: PASSED

  1. Shall IJSBA require that Ski Class PWC have mandatory flotation material (i.e. foam, inflatable, etc.) in the front and rear of the PWC that consumes 15% of the hull/deck volume?

Note: this item intends to define parameters of new homologated Ski Class watercraft. A “Yes” vote would mean that any new Ski watercraft, that applies for homologation, must have this minimum amount of flotation volume, this would not apply to already built/existing PWC.  A “No” vote would mean no change in the Rule Book.

Result: PASSED

  1. Shall IJSBA abandon the 8.2.2 provision, in Open Class(es), for Ski Watercraft only, that the aftermarket top deck must be an exact replica of the OEM top deck with no changes to dimension and/or scale?

Note: this item intends to change whether or not aftermarket upper decks in Ski Open Classes, as well as any future classes that allowed for aftermarket top decks. A “Yes” vote would mean that the replacement top deck would be able to differ in appearance, dimension, and scale to some degree.  A “No” vote would mean no change in the Rule Book.  Item 8 below sets the degree to which the aftermarket top deck may change.  Please choose one of the items in Item 8 even if you vote no for Item 7.

Result: PASSED

  1. If Item 7 is yes, which of the following language shall be used:

a. No change in language simply delete the requirement for an exact replica with no change in dimension or scale?
b. Change to a silhouette test to compare to a homologated watercraft?
c. Change to resemble a homologated OEM watercraft?
d. Change to resemble the look and shape of a traditional Ski watercraft?

Result: “D”  

  1. Shall IJSBA modify Rule 7.8.3.4 to clearly indicate that aftermarket fuel pumps are allowed in Runabout Limited?

Note: this item intends to correct ambiguous language in the Rule Book. Fuel pumps were approved for Runabout Limited in 2014.  A “Yes” vote would change the language in Rule 7.8.3.4 to specifically indicate the allowance of the fuel pump.  A “No” vote would mean no change in the Rule Book, however, the aftermarket fuel pump allowance would remain in force.

Result: PASSED

  1. Shall IJSBA modify Rule 7.8.3.1 to clearly indicate that tensioners are part of the pulley system allowed in Runabout Limited?

Note: this item intends to correct ambiguous language in the Rule Book. Tensioners were intended to be included as part of the aftermarket pulley system allowance and this was clarified in 2014.  A “Yes” vote would change the language in Rule 7.8.3.1 to specifically include tensioners.  A “No” vote would mean no change in the Rule Book, however, the tensioner allowance would remain in force.

Result: PASSED

  1. Shall IJSBA allow for replacement aftermarket valves in Runabout Stock Class(es)?

Note: this item intends to expand language in IJSBA Rule 6.4.4. Replacement valves are currently allowed to the degree that the vales are exact replacements.  A “Yes” vote allows for further allowances such as lighter valves and valves of different dimensions.  A “No” vote would mean no change in the Rule Book and no change in the restriction that replacement valves must be equal in dimension or weight.

Answer: DID NOT PASS

  1. Shall IJSBA allow for the supercharger shaft to have an additional oil fitting in Stock Class(es) by modifying Rule 6.9.1?

Note: this item intends to add a new allowance to Rule 6.9.1 by allowing an oil line to be added to the supercharger shaft, where applicable.  This rule does not provide for an aftermarket supercharger shaft.  A “Yes” vote would allow an oil fitting to be added to an OEM supercharger shaft where it was possible to do so without violating any other provision.  A “No” vote would mean no change in the Rule Book.

Answer: DID NOT PASS

  1. Shall IJSBA allow for the supercharger shaft to have an additional oil fitting in Limited Class(es) by modifying Rule 7.8.2.12.

Note: this item intends to add a new allowance to Rule 7.8.2.12 by allowing an oil line to be added to the supercharger shaft, where applicable.  Rule 7.8.2.12 already allows for internal supercharger components to be aftermarket.  A “Yes” vote would allow an oil fitting to be added to an OEM or aftermarket supercharger shaft where it was possible to do so without violating any other provision.  A “No” vote would mean no change in the Rule Book.

Answer: PASSED

  1. Shall IJSBA specifically allow a vacuum line to be added to the intake manifold in Runabout Stock Class(es)?

Note: this item intends to supplement the allowance for an aftermarket fuel pressure regulator(Rule 6.6.3) and the allowance for a blow off valve(Rule 6.4.9). and   This rule intends to allow the addition of vacuum lines which are required for the function of the pressure regulator and the blow off valve.  A “Yes” vote would specifically allow for the vacuum line to be added to the intake manifold.  A “No” vote would mean no change in the Rule Book.

Answer: DID NOT PASS

  1. Shall IJSBA specifically allow a vacuum line to be added to the intake manifold in Runabout Limited Class(es)?

Note: this item intends to supplement the allowance for an aftermarket fuel pressure regulator(Rule 7.8.3.4) and the allowance for a blow off valve(Rule 7.8.2.12). and   This rule intends to allow the addition of vacuum lines which are required for the function of the pressure regulator and the blow off valve.  A “Yes” vote would specifically allow for the vacuum line to be added to the intake manifold.  A “No” vote would mean no change in the Rule Book.

Answer: PASSED

  1. Shall IJSBA prohibit lithium ion batteries in Stock Class(es) unless OEM equipped?

Note: this item intends to restrict the provision for aftermarket batteries  (6.7.1 and 6.8.1) so that light weight lithium ion batteries are prohibited.  A “Yes” vote would specifically prohibit lithium ion batteries, however lightweight batteries that are not lithium ion types are not prohibited.  A “No” vote means no change to the Rule Book.

Answer: DID NOT PASS

  1. Shall IJSBA require Ski PWC in Open and GP Classes to be equipped with a boost pressure regulator?

Note: this item intends to prevent Ski PWC, which are equipped with a supercharger or turbocharger, from having unlimited boost pressure in Ski Open and Ski GP Classes. A “Yes” vote would mean that the same boost pressure regulator required for Ski Stock and Ski Limited classes would be required for Ski Open and Ski GP classes.  A “No” vote would mean no change in the Rule Book and boost pressure would remain unlimited.  Item 18 below sets the degree to which the boost would be limited.  Please choose one of the items in Item 18 even if you vote no for Item 17.

Result : DID NOT PASS

  1. If Item 17 is yes then shall that boost pressure regulator be set to release at:

a. 12 LBS PSI ?
b. 14 LBS PSI?
c. 16 LBS PSI?

Result (A. B. or C): “C,” HOWEVER NO EFFECT SINCE ITEM 17 DID NOT PASS

  1. Shall IJSBA change Rule 7.8.4.1 so that, in Limited Class(es), Ski type PWC shall have the required boost regulator release at 12 PSI?

Note:  IJSBA Rule 7.8.4.1  currently sets a scale of 10-14 PSI, and a default of 14 PSI, for the setting for the boost pressure regulator.  This items seeks to reduce the default to 12 PSI.  A “Yes” vote would change the default setting  from 14 PSI to 12 PSI.  A “No” vote means no change to the Rule Book.

Result: PASSED

  1. Shall IJSBA change Open Class(es) and GP Class(es), for Ski PWC, so that Open becomes normally aspirated and GP becomes the class that accommodates Ski PWC equipped with turbochargers and superchargers?

Note:  IJSBA Open Rules currently allow for Ski PWC to be equipped with superchargers and turbo chargers.  This item seeks to separate the two classes so that Open Class would no longer allow for superchargers or superchargers.  A “Yes” vote would remove any allowances for Superchargers and Turbochargers in Ski Open.  A “No” vote means no change to the Rule Book.

Result: DID NOT PASS

  1. Shall IJSBA create restrictor plate requirements for Runabout Class(es) to limit the top speed of Runabouts on closed course tracks?

Note:  IJSBA currently has no speed cap on any class.  This item seeks to create air flow limitations on Runabouts when competing in closed course events.  A “Yes” vote allows IJSBA to create a restrictor plate requirement to control top speeds in closed course.  A “No” vote mans no change to the Rule Book.

Result: DID NOT PASS

  1. Shall IJSBA change the maximum displacement in Runabout Rec Lites Class(es) to 1100cc with the following restrictions: 0-900cc for Runabouts Up to 450lbs and 1100cc for runabouts 720lbs and above?

Note: IJSBA currently has a maximum displacement in Runabout Rec Lites of 950cc.  This item seeks to allow additional displacement so long as there is additional weight to accompany the additional displacement.  A “Yes” vote would create two divisions of displacement: 1-900cc and 901-1100cc;  1-900cc Four Stroke Runbout must weigh 400 lbs minimum and 901cc and above four stroke runabouts must weigh a minimum of 720lbs.  A “No” vote means no change to the Rule Book and that the maximum displacement would remain at 950cc.

Result: PASSED

  1. Shall IJSBA modify Runabout Stock Class(es) to require the PWC to be entirely OEM under the seat?

Note: This item seeks to remove all allowances for Runabout Stock Class(es) other than those handling and cosmetic modifications that are outside of the hull (a.k.a. under the seat or under the hood).  A “Yes” vote modifies the Runabout Stock Class(es) to nearly OEM including repairs and replacement parts.  A “No” vote means not change to the Rule Book and leaves the Runabout Stock Classes as they exist now.  A “No” vote is not required to answer Item 23.  A “Yes” vote is not required to answer Item 24.

Result: DID NOT PASS

  1. If item 23 is No, are there other variations of allowances to remove?

Note: A variation of Item 23 would aftermarket removable flame arrestors and reprogramming of the OEM ECU but no other modifications to any items inside the hull (a.k.a. under the seat or under the hood).  A “Yes” vote here modifies Item 23, if passing in the majority but does not become active unless the majority votes “No” on item 23.  A “No” vote, here, leaves whatever is the result of item 23 in place.

TO AVOID CONFUSION:  IF YOU WANT RUNABOUT STOCK RULES TO REMAIN AS THEY ARE, VOTE NO ON ITEMS 23 and 24.  IF YOU WANT ALL OEM INSIDE THE HULL/ENGINE COMPARTMENT, VOTE “YES” ON ITEM 23 AND “NO” ON ITEM 24.  IF YOU WANT ALL OEM EXCEPT ECU REFLASH AND AIR FILTERS, VOTE “NO” ON ITEM 23 AND “YES” ON ITEM 24.

Result: PASSED

  1. If item 23is Yes, what is the implementation time for such a change?

Note: If there is any change in the allowances for the Runabout Stock Classes, should that change become effective:

a. 2015
b. 2016

Result: “B”

  1. Shall IJSBA modify Rule 8.2.2 to allow an additional two inches in widening of the Ski’s standing tray area for specific models with a narrow standing area?

Note: For simplicity purposes, this item applies only to Yamaha Superjets which currently cannot accommodate as wide of a tray as wide as other models under the current Open Class rules.  If this item passes, the language will be reduced to a mathematical formula as opposed to identifying the model by brand or name.  Further, if Item 7 passes, this item will become void as the tray width restriction will no longer be relevant.  A “Yes” vote means that Yamaha Superjets will be allowed an additional two inches of total width when widening the tray area than is currently allowed.  A “No” vote means that there will be no change to the Rule Book and the current width restrictions will apply.

Result: PASSED, HOWEVER, RENDERED INEFFECTIVE DUE TO THE PASSAGE OF ITEM 7

 

  1. Shall IJSBA modify Rule 6.4.5 to change “Additional cooling supply lines may be added to water inlet covers that are removable from the engine block.” To “ Water inlet covers that are removable from the engine block may be modified or aftermarket.”?

Note: This item applies to fittings that applies to any of the engine block’s water jacket fittings or covers and is intended to facilitate the switch between closed and open loop cooling systems as well as comply with the intentions of Rule 6.4.5.  A “Yes” vote means that any removable fitting, or cover, that blocks an opening to the water jacket system may be aftermarket and additional cooling lines may be added.  A “No” vote means no change to the Rule Book.

Result: PASSED

  1. Shall IJSBA increase Vintage Ski displacement to 800cc?

Note: In 2013, Rule Book voting reduced Vintage Ski displacement to 550cc for the 2014 season.  This item seeks to increase Vintage Ski displacement to 800cc.  A “Yes” vote allows Vintage Ski displacement up to 800cc.  A “No” vote retains 550cc maximum displacement for Vintage Ski.

Result: DID NOT PASS

  1. Shall IJSBA allow Ski Stock Class(es) to have the provisions of boring the steering nozzle and/or cross model updating/backdating steering nozzles from the same brand Ski?

Note:  IJSBA Rule 6.10.2 prohibits any boring or grinding on an OEM steering nozzle.  IJSBA Stock Class rules require updating/backdating of steering nozzles from the same model between different production years.  This item would allow both boring/grinding on OEM nozzles as well as updating/backdating of nozzles between models of the same brand.  A “Yes” vote means that boring and grinding of OEM nozzles would be allowed.  A “No” vote means no change to the Rule Book.

Result: DID NOT PASS

  1. Shall Veterans Runabout Class(es) switch from Limited Class Rules to Stock Class Rules for those Runabouts equipped with superchargers or turbochargers?

Note: IJSBA sets Veterans’ Runabout as a hybrid of Limited Class Rules for Runabouts equipped with a Supercharger or Turbocharger and Open Class Rules for normally aspirated PWC.  This item would require Runabouts equipped with a Supercharger or Turbocharger to adhere to Stock Class Rules in Veterans’ Runabout.  Further note that Items 23-25 impact the result of this item.  A “Yes” vote means that Veterans Runabout class PWC equipped with superchargers or turbochargers to adhere to Stock Class rules.  A “No” vote means that Veterans’ Runabout class PWC equipped with superchargers or turbochargers will continue to adhere to Limited Class Rules.

Result: DID NOT PASS

  1. Shall IJSBA modify the Runabout Normally Aspirated Class(es) so that Two Stroke powered PWC are scored separately from Four Stroke powered PWC?

Note:  IJSBA currently scores two stroke and four stroke platforms together in the Runabout Normally Aspirated Class(es).  This item would separate the scoring of Two and Four Stroke PWC in Runabout Normally Aspirated class(es).  A “Yes” vote would score Two and Four Stroke PWC separately in Runabout Normally Aspirated Class(es).  A “No” vote would continue Runabout Normally Aspirated classes as they are.

Result: DID NOT PASS

  1. Shall IJSBA modify Rules 6.6.3, 7.5.1, and 7.8.3.4 so that direction is given on how to manage any fuel return line changes?

Note:  This item seeks to add guidance to how fuel is to be returned to the fuel system if aftermarket fuel pumps and/or aftermarket fuel pressure regulators are installed.  A “Yes” vote means that there will be language instructing competitors on how to specifically return the fuel to the fuels system when an aftermarket fuel pump and/or and aftermarket fuel pressure regulator are installed.  A “No” vote means no change to the Rule Book.

Result: PASSED

  1. Shall IJSBA add language to Rule 12.4.2 to specify penalties for missing a log jump and any exceptions to those penalties?

Note: This item seeks to add guidance on how to instruct race directors and competitors on specific penalties for missing a log jump and to provide any exceptions to those penalties.  A “Yes” vote would specify that a rider missing a log jump would be downed a lap unless the log jump was missed due to  the direction of a course marshal.  The Race Director may have the discretion to penalize a competitor a position, or time, if the Race Director determines that the log jump was missed to avoid a collision with a rider or a PWC.  The Race Director may allow the penalty buoy to be used as a make up for missing a log jump.  A “No” vote means that there will be no change to the Rule Book.

Result: PASSED

  1. Shall IJSBA extend larger displacement provisions to Open and Limited Ski Class(es) so long as proper restrictions are in place to ensure no advantage in performance over established displacements?

Note: IJSBA has displacement limitations on Open and Limited Ski Classes; these displacement limitations are in place whether there or not performance advantages result from exceeding the displacement.  This item would allow the displacements of the Open and Limited Ski Class(es) to be exceeded so long as the Race Director and/or Technical Director determine proper restrictions were in place to prevent performance advantages.

Result: DID NOT PASS