Capable of speeds over 140mph, the Outboard Performance Craft has come a long way since its beginnings as the “Outboard Pleasure Craft” class. This category of racing features some of the biggest, most powerful outboard engines in Powerboat Racing. OPC engines can range from off-the-shelf production engines to heavily modified, high tech engines built for world record speed. Today’s most high tech OPC race boats can start from a dead engine start, go 0 to 100mph in 6 seconds and turn 180 degrees with forces of up to 5 G’s. These tunnel boats are the fastest turning vehicle in the world!
Most OPC classes use the water-skimming tunnel boat design, with an air space under the boat between the sponsons. These range from open-cockpit Sport C boats to fast, powerful Formula 1 rockets. However, there’s room for v-bottom and flatbottom coats as well in some classes. You can start with a class that uses off-the-shelf production engines and pleasure boats and move up to highly modified racing engines and built-for-speed composite hulls. Whether Many racers move from Stock, Modified or PRO racing to the Sport C or SST 45 class. Once they find they like tunnel boats, they can keep moving up in speed, size and budget. Sportsman classes like Tri-Hulls (in the Texas-Louisiana area), Mini GT and GT Pro get the whole family out on the water, racing together. (Kids as young as 12 can start in Mini GT).
Formula 1, AKA “Champ Boat” racing is star powered, top-end tunnel boat racing. Unequaled for spectacular speed and maneuverability, Formula 1 is a worldwide racing class that attracts a huge fan base and media attention. Highly professional, these drivers race for high-profile championships and prizes. F1 is the number one premier class for the OPC division seen on TV worldwide.
| Minimum Length: | |
| Minimum Weight: | 1050 to 1200 lbs. depending on engine size |
| Engine: | 2.0-2.5 Ltr. Mercury Racing Engine, Mercury 200XS, Yamaha 2.6 Ltr., OMC 3 Ltr. |
| Fuel: | |
| Approximate Speed: | 90 – 100 MPH (clocked at 143 MPH in kilo trials) |
Gaining popularity across the country, the Formula 150 class was originally developed to keep older equipment viable on the race course. A variety of engines can be raced in the Formula 150 class, ranging from 100 to 158 cubic inches . If you own an older Suzuki, Yamaha, OMC, or Mercury, this class may be able to get you out on the race course. In recent years Mercury has added the 200XS OptiMax to the market which is also legal in thie class. If you like to tinker with your engine, Formula 150 allows you to modify smaller engines. Larger model engines are run “stock” (as manufactured), allowing racers with a variety of engines to remain competitive.
| Minimum Length: | |
| Minimum Weight: | 1050 lbs. |
| Engine: | Any stock production V-6 |
| Fuel: | |
| Approximate Speed: | 80-90 MPH in competition; over 100 MPH in kilo trials |
Sometimes raced by Formula 1 teams, the Mod U (Modified Unlimited) class is where raw horsepower is king and anything goes. When these boats explode off the dock with an unforgettable roar, fans go crazy. Mod U racecraft are lightning-fast on the straightway and take the turns at top speed. Any boat design is permissible; engine modifications are just fine. Mod Us are raced mostly in the Southeast, and at the OPC National Championships every year.
| Minimum Length: | 16′ |
| Minimum Weight: | 1050 lbs. to 1250 lbs. depending on engine size |
| Engine: | 2.5 Litre, 3.0 Litre, 3.4 Litre, 3.6 Litre V-6 and V-8 – Altered Motors Must be Originally Outboard |
| Fuel: | |
| Approximate Speed: | 90 – 100 MPH (clocked at 142 MPH in kilo trials) |
Sport C is an entry-level tunnel boat class that is very popular on the West Coast and in the Midwest. These affordable 12-foot boats average 50-55 MPH and are powered by 35 cubic inch engines mounted on true tunnel race hulls. A variety of legal hulls (vee, flatbottom, modified vee, or tunnel design), the boat must be at least 48.0 inches wide. Sport C is a great class to hone driving skills, due to the high level of competition. Sport C marathon races are popular in some regions too, testing a driver’s endurance as well as skill.
| Minimum Length: | 8′ (14′ Max) |
| Minimum Weight: | 675 lbs. |
| Engine: | Pure Stock Engines, Max 35 Cubic In. Displacement |
| Fuel: | |
| Approximate Speed: | 55-60 MPH |
SST 120s are one of the largest and most competitive powerboat racing classes internationally. Spectacular when they take off from the dock together; amazing in the turns, and lightning-fast (80-100+ MPH) on the straightaway. No wonder these rockets and their drivers have an international following. SST 120, also called Formula 2, is the premier OPC class in Powerboat Superleague and a big part of the Formula 1 P.R.O.P. Tour.
| Minimum Length: | 16′ |
| Minimum Weight: | 1100 lbs. |
| Engine: | Mercury (2.0L) stock – Max Displacement of 122 Cubic In. |
| Fuel: | |
| Approximate Speed: | 90-100 MPH |
The SST 45 Class, sometimes known as Formula Lights, is a highly competitive class for drivers of all varieties. Many drivers step up to OPC racing from the outboard kneeldown categories through the SST 45 Class. In fact, drivers can race identical equipment in both Stock Outboard’s 45SS and OPC’s SST 45. It is also a great training ground for the larger V-6 tunnel boat classes. Full fields of competitors challenge you to learn fast how to make the start and negotiate the turns at incredible speeds. SST 45s compete nationwide at OPC races.
| Minimum Length: | 12′ |
| Minimum Weight: | 700 lbs. |
| Engine: | OMC 44.9 cubic inch (740cc) two cylinder |
| Fuel: | |
| Approximate Speed: | 60 -70 MPH (kilo speed 87+ MPH) |
These 14 foot tunnel boats equipped with OMC’s 56 cu. 1 in. three-cylinder engine ramp it up to speeds of 80-85 MPH in competition. The engine units used in these boats utilize the production full shift gear case with a nose cone. Also called Formula 3, SST 60 races turn heads whenever the boats take off.
| Minimum Length: | 14′ |
| Minimum Weight: | 825 lbs. |
| Engine: | OMC 56.1 Cubic Inch |
| Fuel: | |
| Approximate Speed: | 85-85 MPH (Kilo Speed 94+ MPH) |
OPC’s “green” class, Super Sport became a National class in 2001. Super Sport uses off-the-shelf EPA compliant 150 production engines that can be purchased from any marine dealer across the country. Because of the EPA approvals, no engine modifications are allowed. That makes for a level playing field and terrific competition. The hulls are Mod VP type fiberglass V-bottoms and semi-tunnel V hulls. The class enjoys enthusiastic support in the Southeast.
| Minimum Length: | 17′ 9″ |
| Minimum Weight: | 1600 lbs. |
| Engine: | EPA compliant 150 production engines |
| Fuel: | |
| Approximate Speed: | 60 – 70 MPH |
This V bottom production boat class started out small in the Midwest and is now a National class. It is an excellent entry-level class for OPC and powerboat racing in general, with a little extra horsepower and great potential. Big fun for a moderate investment�try VP 75.
| Minimum Length: | 13′ |
| Minimum Weight: | 900 lbs. (Boat, Engine, Driver) |
| Engine: | Must be stock production and mass marketing class E. (45-49.9 total cu. in. max piston displacement) |
| Fuel: | |
| Approximate Speed: | 55-58mph |
It’s official: Tri-Hulls are just flat-out awesome. Need proof? See picture below… When these small open-cockpit boats with their supersized engines speed into a turn, it’s total chaos and that’s what the drivers and fans love about this exciting class. Based on 1970s-era production boats, Tri-Hulls thrive on rough water. If it’s not rough when they start racing, don-t worry – it will be by the time they’re done. Boats must be original Tri-Hull design, with walk-through windshield and bow rider configuration. Tri-Hulls are an APBA-approved Sportsman (Local) class and are very popular in Texas and Louisiana. Approved Boats, Glastron V-166, Glastron V-156, Galaxy 15 ft., Thundercraft 160-SS, Cain Cutter 16 ft., Invader 15 ft., Phantom, Higgs Craft.
| Minimum Length: | 15′ |
| Minimum Weight: | 1250 lbs without driver |
| Engine: | Engines must not exceed 100 cubic inches in displacement as originally manufactured. 3ci tolerance allowed for overbore. |
| Fuel: | Fuel must comply with all APBA/OPC rules |
| Approximate Speed: |
GT Pro is a Sportsman Class created and run by the Twin City Power Boat Association. The GT Pro class allows for V-bottom, Modified Vee or Tunnel Hull boats, built of any material. Powered by two-cylinder OMC motors with hydraulic trim and stainless steel propellers, GT Pro is for serious mini-boat racers, and is a natural progression from the Mini GT class. Once you hone your driving skills in either of these entry-level classes, you’ll be ready to move up to bigger and faster OPC classes. GT Pro is approved by the APBA for Local Racing.
| Minimum Length: | |
| Minimum Weight: | 650 lbs with Driver anf Equipment |
| Engine: | Any 35 horsepower, two cylinder, 31.8 cid. Johnson or Evinrude |
| Fuel: | 87-92 Octane – pump gas only – no additives |
| Approximate Speed: | 50 mph |
Kids, get off the beach and into a race boat! This is OPC’s youngest entry-level class! Raced primarily in events organized by the Twin City Powerboat Association (TCPBA) located in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Mini GT is small, lightweight and inexpensive, with speeds in the range of 30 to 40 mph. Racing a Mini GT is the perfect way to start a boat racing career or just have fun competing at moderate speeds. It can get the entire family involved in OPC racing at an affordable price! Mini GT is approved by the APBA For Local Racing.
| Minimum Length: | 10′ |
| Minimum Weight: | 600 lbs. |
| Engine: | Any stock production 25 HP |
| Fuel: | |
| Approximate Speed: | 30 – 40 MPH |
