Question about the starting line

[mittens]

Watched a bunch of videos of the drags..

what's keeping the 2 skis at the starting dock? Almost like they are on a mat? They are both running and not going anywhere..

sorry for the whole thread on a single laim question.

and do normal people/ modded skis come to race? I mean when you go to a drag strip is always fun to line up against other people close and race sometimes the driver makes the difference. What's the cost to enter and have a fun day being a part of it?

[Xspook]

Sounds like you're referring to the Hydrodrags...

https://www.surfandturfpromotions.com/tavares-schedule-and-rules.html

https://www.surfandturfpromotions.com/2019-hydrodrag-rules.html

I think there's a platform they're on and it's lowered in unison for both riders. Kinda like what they do for dirt bike racing:

See the 2:20 mark of this vid

https://youtu.be/SBimo6dIDrE?t=140

[mittens]

I posted the question in the hydrodrags area for that reason.

but they can be seen with water still being pushed out the pump... they just don't go anywhere.

[Xspook]

I talked to one of the guys involved and he states they use a pontoon boat as the center platform and there is a set of bunks on both sides.

Each ski sits on the slightly raised bunks and then they are dropped in unison.

[mittens]

Ah ok like set of trailer bunks, and can be raise/lowered to keep them still while running.

cool thanks for that info!

[ShawnInFL]

Watched a bunch of videos of the drags..

what's keeping the 2 skis at the starting dock? Almost like they are on a mat? They are both running and not going anywhere..

Hey Mittens, have always wondered about this myself. Found this video, gives some help to your question. Had no idea either, always wondered. Not sure I see a "drop" though. Kinda looks like they just launch off the bunks. Has to be rough on the hulls. BTW - all these drags are done in Tavares, FL. Wooten park area. It's actually Lake Dora. This is my stomping ground and where I do all my riding. The Harris or Dora chain of lakes. Always good times! You might notice all the pylons sticking up in the background. That's post hurricane Irma (2017). Used to be really nice aluminum docks all through those pylons. Irma came through and folded them up like the lid on a tin can, OUCH! BIG $$'s We got worked that year!

Anyway, thought the vid might help.

https://youtu.be/onmbaJI1nQY

[mittens]

Yea that video looks like what I thought. just barley some bunk and they throttle off it. its not lowering or why would they not lower it when loading ha.

[troyheb]

I talked to one of the guys involved and he states they use a pontoon boat as the center platform and there is a set of bunks on both sides.

Each ski sits on the slightly raised bunks and then they are dropped in unison.

Been there many times. The above description pretty much sums it up.

[ShawnInFL]

I'm just not understanding the drop part. By no means questioning it, I have no idea. Just asking for more clarity. Couldn't see anybody in the boat doing anything but maybe leveling the pontoon (guys in back) and giving the green. Can you tell us more about the drop part? Love to learn.

[troyheb]

It works kinda like a electronic boat lift, but much faster dropping the skis into the water.

[mittens]

Have you done the drags? Speaking from personal experience?
I agree videos sure don't look like any drop. Or moving parts.

not being argumentative just asking.

[troyheb]

Have friends that used to race. Attended the drags with them. Never did it myself.
Its not much of a drop. The skis are just out of the water enough to keep them on the bunks while allowing them to rev up some.

[troyheb]

This may give you a better view.

https://youtu.be/0yMrPtn7bJo

[ShawnInFL]

You clearly see a lever action in that one for sure. Love it everytime I see it/hear it! So want to try it sometime. Not on a pro level, just for fun against friends or comparative skis. They do a bunch of 2 stroke stuff down there as well, loud as hell. Only bummer, the events always rope off all the good beaching for the skis in front of the bar lol Guess it beats having no parking had we driven cars. So many of the world record runs are from that same lake (Dora). Pretty cool. I know we've all seen this one, at least 10 times. 60psi, sick!

https://youtu.be/5yj5G8pKcW4

[ShawnInFL]

Happy to report good news for those that like to come down to the races in Tavares, FL. As shown above, the docks were wiped out a few years back from Hurricane Irma. Took my TriToon out over the weekend and was happy to see workers have been busy over the winter getting things back to normal.