| Safety Equipment Professional and Sportsman |
Page Number: 26 |
| All boats which are to be registered to compete at a sanctioned event in any Professional or Sportsman class must have the following items inspected by the Safety Inspector (or his assistant). All determinations as to whether or not any piece of equipment, including both the driver’s as well as the boat’s, complies with these safety requirements shall be at the discretion of the Safety Inspector. Any boat which has passed safety inspection at any event is still subject to re-inspection or random inspection at the discretion of the Safety Inspector at that event. Likewise, the boat remains subject to inspection at any subsequent event(s).
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| Helmet |
Page Number: 26 |
| All crash helmets must be proper fitting, and meet as a minimum either
the “SNELL 85” specification, “SFI 31.1” specification (open face), or
“SFI 31.2” specification (full face). A label indicating the rating must be
permanently attached to the inside of the helmet, or the rating must be
stamped into the helmet itself. All helmets must fully cover the head, neck,
and temple area. With the exception of the driver’s boat being under tow,
helmets must be worn by drivers at all times while on the water. |
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| Helmet Restraint |
Page Number: 26 |
| Helmets must be held on with approved straps, commercially
manufactured specifically for the purpose of restraining the helmet
and preventing its inadvertent removal. Helmet restraint straps must
attach to a body harness. Restraints are not required in capsule boats. |
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| Neck Collar |
Page Number: 26 |
| All drivers in capsuled boats must wear, while on the water,
a commercially manufactured foam neck collar designed
for racing. Said collar must meet “SFI 3.3” specification.
Either a 360 degree donut type or a horseshoe type may
be used. Modification according to the manufacturer’s
recommendations to fit a driver’s helmet and neck/shoulder spacing
is permitted. The collar must be worn in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. |
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| Eye Protection |
Page Number: 26 |
| All drivers, while on the water, must wear approved eye protection
made with safety glass or a flexible, shatterproof material which is
commercially manufactured for use in racing. Either goggles or full
face shields are acceptable. No regular eyeglasses or sunglasses will be
permitted. Eye protection is not required in capsule boats. |
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| Visual Aid |
Page Number: 26 |
| At the time of the driver’s equipment inspection, the driver must produce
either his state driver’s license or Competition Drivers License in order to
verify whether or not visual aid is needed to drive. If visual aid is necessary,
the driver’s Competition Drivers License as well as his medical tag should so
indicate. The driver must wear his proper visual aid at all times while on the
water. If eyeglasses are worn, only shatterproof safety glasses may be used. |
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| Medical Tay |
Page Number: 26 |
| All drivers, while on the water, must wear fully completed medical
identification tags. These plastic enclosed tags, worn on a string
around the neck, contain all medical information pertaining to the
driver which would be required in the event of an accident. |
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| Balisitc Shorts |
Page Number: 26 |
| All open boats running 9.99 and quicker. |
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| Driving Suit |
Page Number: 27 |
| All drivers, while on the water, must wear approved driving suits which have
been commercially manufactured specifically for racing. Said suits must be
nonflammable, long sleeved, and have closed cuffs (either elastic or Velcro).
All Professional and Sportsman drivers must have an official NDBA logo patch
sewn on the upper left front side or upper left arm of the driving suit.
Full cover shoes and cotton socks must also be worn. |
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| Gloves |
Page Number: 27 |
| All open boats running alcohol or nitro must wear fire retardent gloves. |
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| Life Jacket/Non-Capsule |
Page Number: 27 |
| All drivers in non-capsuled boats must wear, while on the water, an approved torso type life jacket which has been commercially manufactured with a harness specifically designed for drag boat racing. Life jackets need not be worn while the driver’s boat is under tow. All life jackets must be returned to an approved life jacket manufacturer for safety inspection and recertification/dating every two (2) years from date of manufacture for a parachute jacket and every four (4) years for a non-parachute jacket. The driver is responsible for ensuring that a new date tag was sewn into the jacket after recertification.
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| Life Jacket/Capsule |
Page Number: 27 |
| Minimum flotation must be worn. |
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| General |
Page Number: 27 |
| All hulls must be in good, sound condition, fully capable of withstanding
the rigors of drag boat racing. All air tanks, batteries, cables, fuel pumps,
fuel tanks, impellers, mountings, paddles, propellers, propeller shafts, seats,
steering assemblies, struts, rudders, etc. must be both firmly secured and
in good operating condition. In addition, any boat participating in a
sanctioned event must be presentable in appearance at all times. Those
with objectionable or obscene names, graphics, or pictures will be rejected
by the Safety Inspector. Likewise, the appearance of owners, drivers, and
individual crew members is of equal importance, and is subject to the same
considerations. In case of a disagreement, all members of the Board of
Directors present at the event will immediately meet and decide the issue.
Their decision will be final. All boat trailers (dolly and road trailers),
putting a boat in or out of the water, must have safety chains attached
to the vehicle towing the trailer. |
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| Roots Type |
Page Number: 27 |
| Maximum size 14-71; maximum rotor case length 19 inches; maximum
case width 11.250 inches; maximum rotor cavity diameter 5.840 inches;
minimum front plate thickness .250 inches; minimum rear plate thickness
.300 inches. Rotor helix angle may not exceed four (4) degrees per inch.
Maximum overdrive allowed is seventy percent (70%). |
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| Roots Type High Helix |
Page Number: 27 |
| Allowed only on gasoline or alcohol motors, as well as Blown Fuel Jets.
Must adhere to same minimum/maximum case dimensions as well as
maximum rotor cavity diameter allowed for standard Roots type supercharger.
Rotor helix angle may not exceed six and one half (6.5) degrees per inch.
Maximum overdrive allowed is seventy percent (70%). |
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| Screw Type |
Page Number: 28 |
| Allowed only on gasoline or alcohol motors (not allowed in Blown Alcohol Flat). Must meet “SFI 34.1” specification. Maximum case length 16 inches; maximum case width 16 inches; minimum case and front plate thickness .250 inches; minimum rear plate thickness .300 inches. Screw superchargers with a rotor diameter in excess of eight and one half (8.5) inches will be limited to a maximum overdrive of sixty percent (60%); those with a rotor diameter of eight and one half (8.5) inches or less will be limited to a maximum overdrive of one hundred twenty-five percent (125%). Under no circumstances may a screw type supercharger overdrive exceed the manufacturer’s SFI test maximum. A supercharger burst panel is required in addition to a manifold burst panel. Overdrive limits, as determined appropriate by NDBA (based upon performance criteria) are subject to adjustment at any time. Screw blowers are required to be returned to the manufacturer every two years from date of manufacture in order to be recertified and dated (SFI requirement). It is the responsibility of the owner or driver to ensure that the new date tag was installed on the blower after recertification.
Aluminum supercharger to manifold studs are required with all superchargers.
Variable multi-speed supercharger devices are prohibited regardless of supercharger type. In addition, remote mounted superchargers as well as mechanical overdrive devices will not be permitted. |
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| Blower Burst Panel
(Supercharger Burst Panel) |
Page Number: 28 |
| A manifold burst panel meeting “SFI 23.1” specification is required on all supercharged engines using nitromethane as fuel. |
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| Blower Restraints
(Supercharger Restraints) |
Page Number: 28 |
| All blown (supercharged) engines must use SFI approved blower restraining
devices as indicated below: |
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| Blown Alcohol/Nitrous |
Page Number: 28 |
| Roots 14.2 Bag |
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| Blown Alcohol |
Page Number: 28 |
| Roots/High Helix 14.1 Straps |
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| Blown Gas |
Page Number: 28 |
| Roots/High Helix Not Req'd |
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| Blower Restraints
(Supercharger Restraints) |
Page Number: 28 |
| All restraining devices must be secured and in place at all times when the motor is
running. Blower restraining devices are required to be returned to the manufacturer every two (4) years from date of manufacture for recertification/dating. It is the responsibility of the owner or driver to ensure that the new date tag was sewn into the device after recertification. |
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| Blast Plate/Cavitation
Plate Attachment |
Page Number: 28 |
| In Top Fuel Hydro, Blown Alcohol Hydro, Blown Alcohol Flat and
Pro Modified classes, bolts must be attached no closer to the leading
edge of the plate than the diameter of the bolt used. (i.e.) (3/8 bolt
3/8 inch, 5/16 bolt 5/16 inch, etc.) Measurement will be taken from
leading edge of bolt hole to leading edge of plate. When flat head bolts
are used, the measurement will be taken from the leading edge of the
countersunk taper to the leading edge of the plate. Bolts may be
attached no further than 1 inch from the leading edge of the plate.
Measurement to be taken from leading edge of plate to leading edge
of hole. Maximum spacing of bolts is 3 inches on center. |
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| Boat Number/Class Designator |
Page Number: 29 |
| All boats must have two (2) sets of racing numbers on each side of the boat.
Only numbers are allowed; alpha/numeric combinations will not be
permitted. One set must be a minimum of three (3) inches high and
located above the level of the engine’s valve covers. The other set of
numbers must be on the sides of the boat itself and must be a
minimum of six (6) inches high. However, only one set of numbers
is required on a boat if the numbers are at least four (4) inches high
and located above the level of the engine’s valve covers on the
sides of the capsule, the cowling behind the capsule, or the carburetor
scoop, etc. Any boat displaying a number which is already assigned
to another boat, or displaying a number which has been retired, must
obtain a new number at registration, and change said number on
the boat prior to entering the water. Failure to do so will result in the
boat forfeiting any qualifying points which it would normally have
earned. Failure to change the number prior to eliminations will result
in the boat being disqualified at the ramp when the first round of eliminations
is called. When a racer attends a race outside his home division, if
requested by the sanctioning division, he must add a prefix number which
corresponds to his home division (resulting in a four digit boat number).
The respective prefixes are: Div. 1 = 1, Div. 2 = 2, Div. 3 (SDBA) = 3, Div. 4
(SLDBA) = 4. Thus if boat #999 were a Division 1 boat, it would use #999
at all Division 1 races and would use #1999 at any other division’s race.
If there were another boat #999 which was a Division 4 boat, it would use
#999 at all Division 4 races and would use #4999 at any other division’s race.
The class designator (i.e., TFH, BAH, PM, etc.) must also be displayed on
both sides of the boat. It should be in close proximity and proportionate
in size to the boat number which is located above the level of the engine’s
valve covers. In addition, the boat number as well as the class designator
(minimum three [3] inches high) must be displayed on the passenger side
of both the front and rear glass of all tow vehicles. |
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| Bolts |
Page Number: 29 |
| All bolts on critical installations such as, but not limited to, drive train, engine
mounts, steering, rudders, etc. must have a minimum of one thread showing
through the nut or nylon locking device. Bolts shall be of sufficient grade to
provide adequate strength for the application. Ungraded and/or hardware
store quality bolts are not permitted. |
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| Bow Eye |
Page Number: 29 |
| All boats shall be equipped with a bow eye located at the bow (front) of the boat.
All pickle fork type boats shall also have installed an additional towing eye
on the inside front tip of the left sponson or the extreme forward center point
of the boat. |
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| Capsules |
Page Number: 29 |
| Breakaway capsules meeting SFI specifications 36.1 (shell material), 36.2
(canopy material), and 36.3 (roll cage material) are required in the
following Professional classes: TFH, BAH, BFJ, and PM. In addition, a
capsule meeting the requirements outlined in Appendix G are required i
n UO. Capsules are also permitted in any other Professional class as well
as any Sportsman or Bracket class (if used, they must comply with the
requirements noted herein). All capsules, regardless of manufacturer or
type, must be fully |
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| Capsules |
Page Number: 30 |
| enclosed, and designed using state-of-the-art technology in an effort to minimize serious injuries to the driver in the event of an accident. It shall be the responsibility of the boat owner to select the designer and/or manufacturer that best meets his standards for a high quality, crash worthy capsule. The following standards are the minimum acceptable for each capsule:
Male/Female Description
SH1-63/SH1-62SL Stainless steel locking
SH1-63/SH1-62 Stainless steel non-locking
BH1-61/BH1-60SL Brass locking
BH1-61/BH1-60 Brass non-locking
The male half of the coupling is to be installed in the air hose attached to the driver’s regulator; the female half is to be installed in the air supply hose coming from the air tank itself. All fittings and connections installed within the driver’s air supply system must be mechanically crimped. No push-locks or hose clamps will be allowed. The SCUBA regulator must be permanently fixed to the driver’s
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| Air Supply |
Page Number: 30 |
| A minimum 30 cu. ft. high pressure (3,000 P.S.I. system) or 50 cu. ft. low
pressure (2,000 P.S.I. system) air tank is required for the driver. All air
tanks must be “VIP” inspected when purchased and annually thereafter.
They must have a current decal affixed to the tank attesting to the
inspection. In addition, all air tanks must have a hydrostatic inspection
every five years following the date of manufacture. Quick release brackets
(either one quarter (1/4) inch minimum thickness aluminum or one
eighth (1/8) inch minimum thickness steel, which will allow the air tank
to be quickly and easily removed, must be permanently attached to the
frame rails of the capsule. The quick release brackets must contain a
three hundred sixty (360) degree cup type receiver at the base (or bottom)
end of the air tank. This cup type receiver may be formed with a minimum
one (1) inch wide strap, however it must be positioned and constructed
in such manner that the upper edge of the strap is a minimum of one
and one half (1-1/2) inches from the base of the air tank (measured
lengthwise from the base of the tank) when the air tank is installed in
the receiver. The neck of the air tank is to be held in position with a U
-shaped bracket with a minimum one-quarter (1/4) inch diameter
push only type quick release pin at the top which will prevent the air
tank from moving in any direction when the tank is secured in the
brackets. The upper bracket as well as the quick release pin must hold
the air tank around the upper neck of the tank itself, not around the
valve assembly which is screwed into the tank. Nylon straps with velcro,
hose clamps, and/or nylon cable ties are not acceptable. A quick release
coupler must be installed in all air supply hoses between the first stage
regulator and the second stage regulator, no less than twelve (12) inches,
nor more than fifteen (15) inches from the driver’s mask or helmet.
The quick release coupler used must be one of the following Parker fluid
connectors: |
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| Air Supply |
Page Number: 31 |
| mask or helmet with a maximum of three (3) inches of hose between the mask and
regulator. If a mask is used,it must be designed so as to completely cover the driver’s mouth as well as his nose and to provide an air tight seal. The mask must be attached to the driver’s helmet in such a manner as to prevent its being dislodged or removed inadvertently. If a full face helmet is used, the face shield must be completely sealed to the helmet. In addition, a neoprene neck sock must be installed in the helmet so as to provide an air tight seal. A standard open face helmet used with a normal SCUBA mouthpiece will not be permitted. It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that his air tank has been refilled to 2,800 - 3,000 PSI for the high pressure system, 1,900 - 2,000 PSI for the low pressure system, or the equivalent thereof, prior to each run (qualifying as well as eliminations). Random checks to determine if air tanks have been filled accordingly will be performed at the launch ramp prior to a boat being allowed to enter the water. Checks may also be performed at the out ramp to determine if acceptable amounts of air remain in a system after a run. See “Qualifying/Qualifying Attempt” as well as “Eliminations/Ramp Call/Launch” elsewhere in this book. |
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| Breakaways |
Page Number: 31 |
| No one piece cables or hoses may be used between the capsule and the
boat. All cables must utilize a breakaway device meeting “SFI 11.1”
specification, with the break point positioned outside of the capsule.
If a fuel shut-off valve is installed in the boat and said valve is controlled
by an air system in lieu of a cable, the valve must be designed so that it
will automatically close upon loss of air pressure. No plastic hoses or
lines may be located in the engine area to activate the parachute or fire system. |
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| Fire Control |
Page Number: 31 |
| Halon, CO2, Dry Chem, NAFS-111, or Fire X system with a ten (10) pound
minimum bottle and visual gauge is required. At least two (2) single
orifice nozzles or one (1) multi-orifice nozzle must be aimed at each
side of the motor. The activating switch must be located inside the capsule. |
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| Flotation |
Page Number: 31 |
| All capsules must have sufficient flotation to keep the capsule floating even when completely filled with water. In addition, any boat in which a capsule is installed, must have the maximum practical amount of flotation installed between the underside of the boat’s deck and the inside of the hull. Said flotation must extend from the bow of the boat to the back of the capsule, and then within each gunnel to the rear of the boat. Flotation is not required across the transom area. The flotation used must be of a type specifically designed and manufactured to provide buoyancy in water. All flotation must be attached, bonded, or installed in such a manner as to render the flotation virtually impossible to remove. No bolts, clamps, etc. may be used to hold the flotation in place. No peanut foam or block foam will be allowed. If cosmetic or protective panels are installed over the foam, they must either be removable or have inspection holes in them in order to visually verify the presence of the foam.
SEE NEXT PAGE FOR DIAGRAM |
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| Interior |
Page Number: 32 |
| All brackets and levers should be mounted so as to prevent injury or
interference to the driver in the event of a crash or emergency exit
from the capsule. All interior items, such as the seat, must be securely
attached to the capsule frame rails. Reinforcements should be used
where needed to prevent excessive flexing which could result in the
separation of components within the capsule. Foam padding which
has a minimum one quarter (1/4) inch compression and meets SFI
specification 45.1 must be installed around the head hoop as well as
all head hoop supports in the roll cage assembly. No tinting is
permitted on the windshield (canopy) in order that divers may see
into the capsule if it is submerged. |
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| Latch Pins |
Page Number: 32 |
| Latch pins must be one-half (1/2) inch minimum diameter push only type with
a spring load of at least five (5) pounds. The ring should be attached to the body of the pin assembly rather than to the end of the release button. If necessary, a spacer must be used so as to position the release head of the pin no deeper than one (1) inch from the outside of the capsule. |
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| Lift Rings |
Page Number: 32 |
| Each capsule must be equipped with a minimum of four (4) lift rings
(or hook eyes) located on opposite sides or ends of the capsule. One lift ring must be installed on top or on the very top of the front of the capsule. It must be in sight or visible through an inspection cover. One lift ring must be installed on the top or the very top of the back of the capsule. This top lift ring must have a forty-five (45) degree rope deflector installed on the leading edge of the lift ring. Two lift rings must be installed on each side of the capsule above the boat deck. All lift rings must be attached to the frame rails. |
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| Locating Device |
Page Number: 32 |
| A Diagnostics ELP-362A Locator Beacon (pinger) which will transmit an
acoustic signal underwater on a frequency of 37.5 kHz must be securely mounted inside each capsule. Nylon cable ties may not |
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| Locating Device |
Page Number: 33 |
| be used for such mounting. The mounting position must be such that the activating end
of the pinger will instantly be covered with water if the capsule submerges. Consideration in the mounting position should also be given to the fact that the Safety Inspector will require easy access to the pinger in order to test the batteries. |
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| Mounting |
Page Number: 33 |
| Breakaway capsules must be mounted to the top third (1/3) of the boat’s
stringers, using a maximum of four (4) grade 2 five sixteenths (5/16) inch bolts and nuts without any washers. |
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| Paint |
Page Number: 33 |
| The bottom and two (2) inches up the sides and back of the capsule must
be yellow. The paint is PPG “Bright Iridescent Yellow” #DAU83034. The gelcoat is Erskin-John Co. “High Hide Yellow” #YG30047YY33 (item #48300474). If you have a yellow capsule and/or boat, you must still conform to the above, and in addition, add a bright red four (4) inch wide cross (+) or X on the bottom of the capsule. |
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| Rear Doors |
Page Number: 33 |
| All capsules that have a removable rear door must have the door sealed in
accordance with the capsule manufacturer’s directions and/or specifications. |
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| Seat Belt |
Page Number: 33 |
| The seat belt must be a “SFI 16.1” specification approved five point harness
commercially manufactured by a recognized safety equipment manufacturer. The shoulder belts must be securely mounted to the roll cage frame rails in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Absent specific instructions from the manufacturer, the belts should be secured to the roll cage frame rails approximately four (4) inches below the level of the driver’s shoulders, but in no case should they be mounted higher than level with the tops of the driver’s shoulders. The crotch strap must go through the seat and anchor to the roll cage frame rails behind the driver’s chest line. “PUSH TO RELEASE” latches will not be permitted on any harness. The safety harness must be recertified/dated by the manufacturer every two (2) years following date of manufacture. The owner or driver is responsible for ensuring that a new date tag was sewn into the belt after recertification. |
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| Side Load Pins |
Page Number: 33 |
| Side load pins, designed to prevent the capsule canopy (or windshield) from
shifting to either side in the event of a crash, must be located on each side of the canopy at the latching end. The pins |
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| Lifting Handles |
Page Number: 33 |
| All capsules must have external lifting handles mounted on each side of the
capsule lid. |
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| Capsule Orientation |
Page Number: 33 |
| Each driver of a capsule equipped boat must, prior to entering his first
sanctioned event, demonstrate the ability to use his breathing apparatus. Each driver’s equipment will be checked to ensure that it functions properly and that the driver is familiar with its operation. The test requires that a driver go underwater in a swimming pool or at the local race site (subject to approval by the Lead Rescue Diver) with his air tank, regulator, and helmet or mask/helmet while under the direct supervision of said diver. It will be at the discretion |
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| Capsule Orientation |
Page Number: 34 |
| of the lead Rescue Diver as to whether any particular breathing system is considered
safe and functional for use in a capsule. The Lead Rescue Diver will also have the authority to determine if the driver demonstrates the ability to properly use his equipment underwater. The Lead Rescue Diver’s decision shall be final with regard to all matters relating to underwater safety. Any adverse decision by the Lead Rescue Diver is subject to review by the Board of Directors of NDBA or the sanctioning division or chapter. |
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| Chrome Plating |
Page Number: 34 |
| No chrome plating is permitted on any underwater hardware in any class
whatsoever. |
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| Clutch and Bell Housing |
Page Number: 34 |
| All boats utilizing a clutch must have a steel hydroformed bell housing. Boats employing supercharged engines must have a 4130 steel liner, .090 minimum thickness, welded to form a circle the depth of the flat parallel part of the housing. The liner must have the ability to rotate in order to absorb energy in the bell housing. A clutch adjustment slot is acceptable if made to the specification outlined for the slot and 1/4 inch steel cover and attachment. A motor plate must be installed between the engine and bell housing. The plate must be a least 1/4 inch thick steel or 7075T-6 aluminum and cover the entire flanged face of the bell housing, attached on the top 180 degrees to the engine block with at least seven (7) three eighths (3/8) inch high strength steel alloy shouldered studs or 3/8”-24x1-1/8” high strength steel alloy screws (AN 507 - C624 - R18), countersunk one hundred (100) degrees and threaded into the motor plate in six (6) places (between each bolt and/or dowel pin on the upper 180 degrees of the motor plate and five (5) studs. The bottom 180 degrees of the housing must be fastened to the motor plate by means of eight 3/8 inch grade 5 or better bolts, washers, and nuts equally spaced below the crankshaft centerline. One inch diameter steel washers must be used on the front side of the motor plate to prevent the nut from pulling through. No more that seven (7) inches will be allowed between the holes. A clutch inspection and maintenance hole may be cut on the back angle of the bell housing. The opening may not exceed eight and one half (8-1/2) inches in length, measured in a straight line, and may not extend forward of the clutch cross shaft. Its end must be fully radiused to produce an oval shaped opening. A cover for the inspection hole must be at least one quarter (1/4) inch thick steel and be fastened with at least twelve (12) 3/8 inch grade 8 cap screws. A one quarter (1/4) inch steel fillet must be attached to the inspection cover that fills the hole in the bell housing so that it is flush on the inside of the housing. Welding to repair a bell housing not conforming to this specification is not allowed.
SEE NEXT PAGE FOR DIAGRAM |
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| Decal (NDBA) |
Page Number: 35 |
| An official NDBA logo decal shall be affixed to the exterior surface on each side
of all boats. Said decal shall be mounted in close proximity to the cockpit area, and located in such a position that it is clearly visible when viewed approximately fifteen (15) feet from the boat. |
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| Drive Line Cover |
Page Number: 35 |
| The drive line in a jet boat is defined as a drive shaft of any length
whatsoever which has U-joints attached. The drive line in a flatbottom or hydro is defined as extending from the V-drive to the center of the rear coupler of the engine U-joint within two and one half (2-1/2) inches of the flywheel adapter. These drive lines must be fully enclosed with a three hundred sixty (360) degree drive line cover made of one quarter (1/4) inch minimum thickness aluminum or one eighth (1/8) inch minimum thickness steel. No perforations will be allowed in the cover, which must be designed, constructed, and installed in such a manner that it will maintain total structural integrity in the event of an inadvertent failure of the drive shaft or its attached U-joints. No cover is required in any jet boat which utilizes a splined coupler in lieu of a drive shaft with U-joints. No cover is required in any flatbottom or hydro equipped with an approved capsule and utilizing a splined coupler in lieu of a drive shaft with U-joints. |
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| Drive Line Loop |
Page Number: 35 |
| Jet boats utilizing a drive shaft with one or two U-joints may use a drive line loop instead of a drive line cover. The loop can be made of the following materials:
1- 7/8 inch x .065 wall welded steel tubing.
2- 1/4 inch x 2 inch wide flat steel.
3- 1/4 inch wall steel tube x 2 inch wide
All of the above must be three hundred sixty (360) degrees around the shaft, located and mounted within six (6) inches of the U-joints. For shafts longer than fourteen (14) inches, two
(2) loops must be used. All loops must be mounted securely
through the stringers to support the shaft in the event of a U-joint failure. A round loop must be used so as to minimize the load on the loop. Maximum clearance around the shaft is to be one inch.
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| Engagement and Disengagement Device |
Page Number: 36 |
| All inboard propeller driven boats shall have installed a device making
possible the engagement and disengagement at will of the propulsion device while the engine is running. |
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| Fire Extinguisher |
Page Number: 36 |
| A fire extinguisher which is quickly and easily accessible, is required to be in
the rear of all tow vehicles used during any sanctioned event. Said fire extinguisher must have a minimum five (5) pound capacity with a 10 B.C. (U.L.) rating, and must be fully charged as indicated by a visual gauge on the fire extinguisher. Although not required, it is permissible to have another fire extinguisher (securely mounted) in the boat itself. The size of this second fire extinguisher will be per the owner’s discretion. |
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| Flywheel Cover |
Page Number: 36 |
| All inboard powered boats must have a three hundred sixty (360) degree
flywheel cover made of production cast aluminum (or the equivalent). |
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| Fuel Shut-off Valve |
Page Number: 36 |
| All fuel injected boats must have a quick action fuel shut-off valve. The valve control must
be in front of and within easy reach of the driver. If the valve control is installed within a capsule, see Capsules / Breakaways for restrictions on the control mechanism. The valve itself must be installed in the fuel line between the main fuel pump and the fuel injectors. |
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| Harmonic Balancer |
Page Number: 36 |
| All fuel injected boats must have a quick action fuel shut-off valve. The valve control must be in front of and within easy reach of the driver. If the valve control is installed within a capsule, see Capsules / Breakaways for restrictions on the control mechanism. The valve itself must be installed in the fuel line between the main fuel pump and the fuel injectors.
|
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| Holder Rope Deflector |
Page Number: 36 |
| A holding rope deflector is required on all boats in order to deflect the holding rope over
the highest as well as around the widest points of the boat from the driver’s seat rearward, including objects behind the engine above the height of the valve covers. The design of the deflector should be such that a driver may simply drop the holding rope behind his helmet as he proceeds away from the rope, and the rope should not subsequently snag, hang, pull, or catch any part whatsoever of the boat, engine, carburetor scoop, injector hat or tubes, flatbottom wing, miscellaneous hardware, and so forth. On open boats, the holding rope deflector must be solidly attached at both ends as well as attached or supported at the highest point behind the driver with no protruding points to catch the holding rope or to injure the driver in the event of an accident. The deflector must extend forward at approximately a forty-five (45) degree angle, which should be sufficient to deflect or guide the holding rope up, over, and around whatever is located behind the driver. Construction is to be of 3/4 inch O.D. (outside diameter) x .049 inch wall thickness tubing or any material or combination of materials |
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| Holder Rope Deflector |
Page Number: 37 |
| having the same structural strength and integrity. Capsule boats utilizing a holding rope
deflector between the capsule and the engine must employ a slip joint at one end so the the capsule and engine are not bolted together by means of the deflector. Vinyl plastic encased wire rope may be used between the engine and wing on flatbottoms equipped with a wing. Said wire rope must be a minimum of one eighth (1/8) inch in diameter, excluding the vinyl plastic covering. |
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| Impeller |
Page Number: 37 |
| All Professional and Sportsman class jet boats must use either stainless
steel or bronze impellers only. In addition to stainless steel or bronze, Bracket E.T. classes will also be permitted to utilize aluminum impellers. However, all classes are prohibited from using any impeller which is designed and manufactured using either two piece or multiple piece construction. Only impellers which are manufactured as a solid one piece unit will be accepted. |
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| Impeller Release Mechanism |
Page Number: 37 |
| All jet boats must have either an approved mechanical impeller release
mechanism (ratchet) or an approved pressure release valve (pop off). If desired, both release mechanisms may be employed. |
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| Kill Switch |
Page Number: 37 |
| v All open boats must have an electrical ignition kill switch device which will
immediately and automatically shut off the engine in the event the driver is thrown from the driver’s seat. All open fuel injected blown boats utilizing nitromethane for fuel shall be equipped with two automatic kill switches - an electrical ignition kill switch as well as a fuel shut-off device. The electrical kill switch shall be mounted directly along side of or in front of the driver’s seat, and within an arm’s length of the driver. The automatic fuel shut-off device shall be installed in the main fuel supply line between the fuel pump and the injectors. Both the electrical kill switch and the fuel shut-off device should be mounted and the release cords routed so as to disconnect should the driver’s posterior move more than eighteen (18) inches in any direction from the driver’s seat. Any kill switch device that is attached to the driver must have a maximum breaking point of fifty (50) pounds within a maximum distance of six (6) inches from the driver. |
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| Paddle |
Page Number: 37 |
| All open boats shall have a paddle, securely mounted, within easy reach of the driver. |
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| Parachute |
Page Number: 37 |
| All Professional class hydros will be equipped with a parachute; TFH and
BAH are required to have dual (two) parachutes. Sportsman hydros are not required to have a parachute, but it is recommended. On any boat using nitromethane as fuel, it is mandatory that the parachute pack and unpack shroud lines be protected with fire-resistant material. Parachutes are subject to deployment during safety inspection. |
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| Parachute Release Mechanism |
Page Number: 37 |
| The parachute release mechanism shall be located in such a position as to
be readily accessible to the driver. In addition, the release mechanism must have the capability of being activated without the driver having to remove either hand from the steering wheel (i.e., a foot operated release pedal or a release activating button on the steering wheel, etc.) Any system that is activated either electrically or by air pressure must have a mechanical override or backup release, either of which must be readily |
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| Parachute Release Mechanism |
Page Number: 38 |
| and easily accessible to the driver. If equipped with dual parachutes, the primary
release mechanism must release one parachute, and the backup release mechanism must release the second parachute. |
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| Pressure Release Valve |
Page Number: 38 |
| All jet boats are required to utilize either an approved mechanical
impeller release mechanism (ratchet) or an approved pressure release valve (pop off). If desired, both release mechanisms may be employed. The pressure release valve must be so designed as to open automatically in case of an engine failure or other serious uncontrolled emergency. Once activated, the valve must remain open until such time as the boat is back on the trailer, whereupon the valve will be manually reset. The valve piston size must be a minimum of four (4) inches in diameter, resulting in a minimum thirteen (13) square inches of unrestricted exhaust opening. The pressure release valve, if used, must be installed on the intake side of the jet pump bowl. A tattletale pressure gauge (0-200 lbs.) must be installed within two (2) inches of the packing nut. A manual override button must also be installed on the steering wheel of the boat. If only a pressure release valve is used, it must function properly on each and every pass during eliminations |
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| Propeller |
Page Number: 38 |
| No chrome plated, brass, or aluminum propellers will be allowed on any flatbottom or
hydro. The propeller must fit on the propeller shaft in such a manner that the propeller hub is within three quarters (3/4) of an inch of the strut barrel. Propeller retention must include a cotter pin, one eighth (1/8) inch minimum diameter, through the shaft, with a lock nut or double nut in front of the cotter pin, or a castle nut indexed by the cotter pin. |
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| Propeller Shaft |
Page Number: 38 |
| The minimum diameter for the propeller shafts (prop shafts) for all inboard powered hydros and flatbottoms shall be as follows:
Class Primary Shaft Secondary Shaft
TFH 1-1/4 inch 1-3/8 inch
BAH 1-1/8 inch 1-1/4 inch
BAF 1-1/8 inch 1-1/8 inch
PM 1-1/8 inch 1-1/8 inch
All Others 1 inch 1 inch
If a two piece prop shaft is utilized, the coupler used to connect the two pieces together must meet the following criteria (depending on the type of coupler used):
Through Bolt Coupler - Bolt must be indexed into propeller shaft. The bolt must be the same size as the hole in the coupler.
Split Coupler with Set Screw Retainer - Propeller shaft must be dimpled with a drill bit that will fit into the set screw hole in the coupler the full depth of the drill bit point. The set screw must be secured in the hole.
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| Through Bolt Coupler |
Page Number: 38 |
| Through Bolt Coupler - Bolt must be indexed into propeller shaft. The
bolt must be the same size as the hole in the coupler. |
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| Split Cooupler with Set Srcew Retainer |
Page Number: 38 |
| Split Coupler with Set Screw Retainer - Propeller shaft must be dimpled with
a drill bit that will fit into the set screw hole in the coupler the full depth of the drill bit point. The set screw must be secured in the hole. |
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| Propeller Shaft Release |
Page Number: 38 |
| All inboard powered flatbottoms and hydros must be equipped with a propeller shaft (prop shaft) release mechanism installed in the boat’s drive line. |
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| Pump Loader |
Page Number: 38 |
| All jet boats are required to have the pump loader secured with a minimum of
four (4) size five sixteenths (5/16) inch grade 8 steel bolts. A minimum of two (2) of the bolts must be drilled completely through and secured with nuts. Flathead stainless bolts are not allowed. |
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| Rudder |
Page Number: 39 |
| Rudders are not required on jet boats. No chrome plated rudders will be
permitted on any boat. Steel rudders for TFH shall be a minimum of five eighths (5/8) inch thick at the clamshell, and the clamshell itself shall be a minimum of five eighths (5/8) inch thick on each side of the rudder. Rudder must be attached to the clamshell with a minimum of 3, grade 8, 7/16 inch bolts. All other hydro rudders shall be a minimum of one half (1/2) inch thick at the clamshell, and the clamshell itself shall be a minimum of one half (1/2) inch thick on each side of the rudder. All Pro class hydros must have both the upper and lower “A” brackets attached with a minimum of 1/2 inch diameter grade 8 bolts. Countersunk bolts are not allowed. Rudders on any outboard running in a class with an index of 8.99 or quicker shall be a minimum of three eighths (3/8) inch thick at the clamshell, and the clamshell itself shall be a minimum of three eighths (3/8) inch thick on each side of the rudder. The rudder must extend a minimum of one (1) inch below the bottom tip of the propeller when said propeller is installed on the motor and positioned in a vertical manner. All boats using a through-the-hull rudder are required to utilize a safety collar which will prevent the rudder from disengaging itself from the boat. |
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| Safety Collar |
Page Number: 39 |
| All inboard powered flatbottoms and hydros must utilize a safety collar on the
propeller shaft (normally directly in front of the prop shaft log) which will prevent the propeller shaft from moving backward. In addition to the aforementioned safety collar, all hydros must also utilize a two piece split steel safety collar on the prop shaft under the boat. This second collar shall be located at a maximum distance of one half (1/2) inch directly forward of the main strut. |
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| Steering |
Page Number: 39 |
| All boats utilizing open cable steering must have said cable a minimum of three
sixteenths (3/16) inch in diameter and the cable ends at the turnbuckles must be double clamped and taped. On all capsule equipped flatbottoms, the steering gear box must be bolted to the bulkhead, not on the front of the capsule. A slip joint must be employed to connect the steering shaft to the steering gear box. A one eighth (1/8) inch diameter cable is allowed in jet boats if said cable is exposed only from the transom outward. Any Sportsman outboard with an E.T. index of 8:99 or quicker utilizing a hydroplane hull may not use the motor to steer the boat. The motor must be locked in a straight ahead position and steering accomplished by a separate rudder assembly. |
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| Throttle |
Page Number: 39 |
| Must be operated by drivers foot. No electronic, pneumatic, hydraulic or delay boxes
will be allowed. |
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| Throttle Return Spring |
Page Number: 39 |
| All boats utilizing carburetors or fuel injectors must have a quick action
return spring attached to that part of the throttle linkage which is connected to the butterfly shaft arm. All boats using the “bug catcher” type injector hats must have a spring on both sides of the hat |
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| Throttle Stop |
Page Number: 39 |
| All boats which are equipped with a foot operated accelerator pedal must
incorporate a functional mechanical stop in the pedal mechanism which will limit the forward motion of the pedal. The stop must be positioned so as to prevent the throttle linkage from passing over center and thus sticking or locking in a full open throttle position. |
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| Safety Equipment Bracket Classes |
Page Number: 40 |
| All boats which are to be registered to compete at a sanctioned event in any Bracket
class with an E.T. of 10:00 seconds or higher (slower) must have the following items inspected by the Safety Inspector (or his assistant). All determinations as to whether or not any piece of equipment, including both the driver’s as well as the boat’s, complies with these safety requirements shall be at the discretion of the Safety Inspector. Any boat which has passed safety inspection at any event is still subject to re-inspection or random inspection at the discretion of the Safety Inspector at that event. Likewise, the boat remains subject to inspection at any subsequent event(s). No driver’s physical is required for entry into these classes. |
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| Helmet Restraint |
Page Number: 40 |
| in ME & SE - Same as Professional class |
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| Eye Protection |
Page Number: 40 |
| Same as Professional class |
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| Visual Aid |
Page Number: 40 |
| Same as Professional class |
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| Medical Tag |
Page Number: 40 |
| Same as Professional class |
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| Driving Suit |
Page Number: 40 |
| All drivers, while on the water, must wear long sleeved shirts and pants, socks, and full
cover shoes. Drivers of any boat using nitromethane, alcohol, or nitrous oxide must wear a nonflammable professional type driving suit. |
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| Life Jacket |
Page Number: 40 |
| All drivers, while on the water, must wear an approved racing type flotation
jacket. Drivers in boats which run less that 100 M.P.H. may wear an impact type life jacket. The jacket need not be worn while the boat is under tow. |
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| Gloves |
Page Number: 40 |
| Any boat running alcohol or nitro must wear fire retardent gloves. |
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| Balisitic Shorts |
Page Number: 40 |
| Any open boat running 9.99 or quicker must have ballistic shorts. |
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| Breathing System |
Page Number: 40 |
| All boats using seat belts must use approved breathing system (see page 30). |
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| Boat Equipment |
Page Number: 40 |
| All boats, regardless of engine, must have the following items inspected per the rules and regulations set forth under “Safety Equipment - Professional and Sportsman.”
General
Boat Number
Bow Eye
Drive Line Cover/Loop
Fire Extinguisher
Flywheel Cover
Fuel Shut-Off Valve
Holding Rope Deflector
Impeller
Kill Switch
Paddle
Prop Nut Keyed, Wired, or Double Nuts
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| Boat Equipment |
Page Number: 41 |
| Safety Collar
Throttle & Throttle Return Spring
|
| Back to Index |
|
National Drag Boat Association (NDBA)
American Drag Boat Association (ADBA Div 1)
Central States Drag Boat Association (CSDBA Div 2)
Southern Drag Boat Association (SDBA Div 3)
St Louis Drag Boat Association (SLDBA Div 4)
Columbia Drag Boat Association (CDBA)
Delaware Drag Boat Association (DVDRC)
International Hot Boat Association (IHBA)
Kentuckey Drag Boat Association (KDBA)
National Jet Boat Association (NJBA)
Outboard Drag Boat Association (ODBA)
Victorian Drag Boat Club (VDBC) |