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Notice to Drivers and Crews

First of all welcome from LODBRS Safety and Tech.  (tech@lucasoildragboats.com). As we start our second season, I will remind everyone that your input as to the rules and any corrections or additions, are needed and welcome.

Drain Plug Failure!

When is the last time you did maintenance on your drain plugs?

  1. Take plugs apart and clean and lube the screw parts – replace plug if corroded, stripped, or worn.
  2.  Inspect the rubber and if cracked or worn, replace plug
  3. Remember that in most sponsons, the plug only goes thru a ¼” of material
  4. Instruct crew members to hold onto outside edge of plug, while installing/tightening
  5. Start using a check list at the in ramp

Pump Loaders!

Another jet boat totaled and Driver injured. This is preventable

  1. a. Go to a welding supply and purchase a dye penetrate kit. They are easy to use, take little time, and will help you inspect your loader for cracks. Prop guys have been doing this for years. Do this between rounds

Universal Slip Joint Failure!

Inspect Your Couplers and Dye Ckeck Them

It has been brought to the  attention of LODBRS Safety/Tech that there has been a failure of the universal slip joint between the steering shaft and box. The failure was a crack on the slip hub part of the  universal, the crack opening up, under power (prop blast hitting rudder) and causing the splines to start "skipping" between the coupler and box. Fortunatly the driver and boat were ok, but with the rudder moving around without driver input, caused 'some' concern.

It is desirable that you inspect your couplers, and dye ckeck them. Please contact tech@lucasoildragboats for more info or if you have questions.

Jet Boat Pump Loader Failure!

Drivers Please Check Your Pump Loader For Cracks Etc.

At the recent NJBA race in Bakersfield, a pump loader failed, forcing the stern of the boat out of the water, rendering the ratchet and relief valve useless. The boat was destroyed, the driver is ok, and safety equipment worked.

Investigation showed that the loader was constructed from mild steel and mig welded. Also the design had been altered and ground on. Note that a weld did not fail. The loader cracked on the right side on angle going from the ‘grate’ up to the mount.

PLEASE:  pull your loaders out and inspect them for cracks etc. The hi-frequency vibrations that occur, can lead to failure. A dye penetrate test kit would be the way to go on this. Any questions contact tech@lucasoildragboats.com This is a voluntary inspection and is the responsibility of the owner/driver.

Rule Changes for 2011:

Go to the Tech & Safety page for a quick reference of this years rule changes. The rule book was re-formatted and re-structured, to make it easier to read and navigate through.

All:

Check your Driver’s License expiration date and safety equipment recertification dates: Jackets, Blower Restraints, Seat Belts, (if due, you might consider a 6/7 point system) and Helmets.  Snell 2000 helmets, both ‘M’ and  ‘SA’, are be allowed through the 2011 season. This is in line with NHRA and Helmet Mfg. policies. SFI has assured LODBRS that testing of both exceed the ASTM (American Society for Testing Materials) standards, and the only real difference is in the fireproof rating of the helmet liner. If you are a capsule driver with a “M’ helmet, you might consider a ‘SA’ helmet.)

Capsule Boats

LODBRS will begin a Capsule Recertification Program this season, along with sonic testing of cages. If you don’t have, or are missing a SFI sticker, let us know, and we will assist you in getting them. Also “no tinting is permitted on the windshield (canopy) in order that rescue divers may see into the capsule if it is submerged” If it’s tinted – replace it!  Also: check your Capsule floatation:  12”x12”x1” = 4.5 lbs buoyancy. Contact tech@lucasdragboats.com or your Association Safety/Tech if you have questions.

Air Supply:

Check the expiration dates on your air bottle(s) - ‘VIP’ (visual inspection – due annually) and ‘DOT’ (hydrostatic insp. – due every five (5) years). Stage one (tank) and stage two (helmet) systems should be checked by a dive shop or mfg.

There are downloads available on the website  www.lucasoildragboats.com  for Capsule, Boat and Driver Safety Inspection, and LODBRS Safety Inspection Sheet

Capsule Recertification Program

Rule 10.2  Capsules – SFI 36.1 and 36.2 specs call for the capsule shell and windshield to be recertified every two years. This recertification shall be done by the original manufacturer, as long as they are still a SFI certified capsule manufacturer.

In order to comply with this long ignored program, LODBRS will be available to recertify capsules and windshields under the following conditions:

  1. The manufacturer is no longer in business
  2. The manufacturer is no longer SFI certified
  3. The manufacturer is un willing to recertify capsules and windshields

LODBRS will charge a fee of $60.00, to cover cost of stickers.

The following manufacturers are currently SFI certified:
Kevin Felkins – Canyon Boats – (209) 334-6396
Mike Lepai – K&M Enterprises – (817) 714- 7210
Norm Grimes – Kurtis Kraft Boats (818) 768-9868
Mark Kaase – M&W Manufacturing, Inc. (918) 342-5841
Billy Ruff – Sandrail Mfg., Co (951) 830-6005

Rule 10.26  Roll Cage – cages must be sonic tested every three years.

LODBRS will do sonic testing at, no charge, at all National events. Sonic testing can be done by qualified sonic testing inspectors (NHRA, NASCAR, LODBRS, SFI) or Sanctioning Association. Contact tech@lucasoildragboats or your Association  for further info.

Note: The individual Drag Boat Associations may, after approval from SFI, offer to do capsule recertification's. Contact your association for details. 

Questions?   Contact tech@lucasoildragboats.com