Log Racing Question for Carver 390 CPMY owners

[boatingbob]

This may be a long shot, but since the 390 CPMY appears to be a fairly popular Carver model, maybe I'm not the only one who's used it for Predicted Log Racing.

I'm going on my first PRL this weekend where I'm using my own boat (1995 Carver 390 CPMY). Some questions:

1) I'm planning to run the boat at Hull Speed. Anybody know what that is on this model? My rough calculations suggest it's somewhere between 7 - 8 kts.

2) If' you've taken your Carver 390 Predicted Log Racing, what speed did you run it at, and if you're powered by Crusader 454s, what RPMs?

Thanks!

[bud37]

OK, its been a couple days or so and curiosity has taken over.....what is log racing, is it like a car rally on water?? new one for sure.......

[boatingbob]

Good question, bud37; your hunch is right, that's essentially what it is. You are given a course (locations on a chart and their lat/long). You plot it out (Coastal Explorer is popular), measure the distances, figure in the currents and predict how many seconds it will take you to run the course (a typical race is about 14 miles or so). Before the race, you submit your time estimate, which includes the rpm you intend to operate your boat at (you're allowed +/- 10% variance).

Now here's the catch: you're not allowed to have any timepieces in view! An assigned observer is onboard to record when you pass checkpoints and to guard against cheating. Person who comes closest to their estimate wins.

Believe it or not, good log racers can come within 1% of their estimates!

I've figured out that at 1800rpm, my Carver 390CPMY goes about 8kts. I was all ready to race this weekend, but there's a Gale Warning up, so I think I'll pass, and wait 'til the next one.

Predicted Log races are pretty popular among yacht clubs here in the PNW. I get the impression you're Canadian. Are you on the East Coast?

[tomschauer]

I've heard of log racing and a few yacht clubs in our area sponsor these contests, most of them sailing clubs. Unfortunately, I don't have the skill or patience to participate.

[bud37]

Source of the post Predicted Log races are pretty popular among yacht clubs here in the PNW. I get the impression you're Canadian. Are you on the East Coast?

Yup, great lakes area.....did some car rallies when much younger, B.P. used to have mileage rallies to test fuels......it was good to hear that you were not just trying to beat a log across a lake.. Sounds like it is well organized and would be a test of skill to navigate that way....good luck man........