About the Sport

The Sport

Powerboat Racing at Oulton Broad takes place every Thursday night throughout the season, running from April to September. During these months there are approximately twenty meetings, three of which are National Rounds involving drivers from around the country. This is a challenging race venue as the local conditions vary according to tidal changes. This offers an exciting and thrilling experience for spectators.

Class of Boat

The boat that I compete in is known as an OSY (Outboard Stock Yamato) 400, this class is a hydroplane class; the boat has a flat Bottom and is about thirteen feet long. It rides just on the surface of the water with only its propeller in the water, The engine is a 400cc Yamato, Japanese made with 33hp, the top speed is just over 70mph. The engine is low compression that enhances reliability. This means it is a stock engine, which has to be kept standard to make competition closer and results more down to driver ability and skill.

History of the Class

The OSY 400 class originates from Japan. Races are held in stadiums where spectators bet money on the boat they hope to win; It is very much like horse racing in the United Kingdom. The production of these engines is for the purpose of stadium racing where they are used for a few races and then sold to other teams around the world through dealers. The racing of this class started in this country in the early 1980's and has developed into what is now a very competitive class. Because of its accessibility to the general public the class has grown in popularity. Costs can be limited to a club level but also elevated to professional status.