April 2022 Propwash Web

PADDLEBOAT RULES AND REGULATIONS Paddleboat Racing has become a tradition at the NAMBA Nationals. Racing will include the Gary Johnson portsman’s Class and a Modified Class . The rules for each are given below: GARY JOHNSON SPORTSMAN’S CLASS: Only those boats purchased at the present or past NAMBA Nationals are legal. These paddleboats may not be modified in any way. Construction Guideline for these boats: 1. Boats must be constructed from solid wood or plywood. No balsa or light ply pleases. 2. The paddle will be constructed of wood and no more than four blades. All blades shall be no thicker than 3/32 inch, no longer than 2 ½ inches, and not wider than 2 inches. No blade cupping or modifications please. 3. The boat hull should be approximately 15 inches long, ¾ inches thick and 6 inches wide. 4. The propulsion system will be a rubber band or bands, stretched across the transom between two screws or bolts and needs to be perpendicular to the boat’s riding surface. 5. Placing the current NAMBA logo on the deck of the hull is recommended as the paddleboat then becomes a nice National souvenir. MODIFIED CLASS: 1. Shape may be of any design. 2. Hull must be at least 15 inches long. 3. Width and paddle size are open. 4. Construction materials are open. 5. All boats must be propelled by paddles. 6. No prop-driven boats are permitted. GENERAL RACING RULES: NAMBA Nationals paddleboats may be decorated to add interest and individuality. Such decorations may include team names, colors, logos, or NAMBA number for easy identification. No slippery stuff will be allowed on the rubber bands or boat’s bottom. Number of boats in a heat will be determined by the Contest Director with lake or pool size in mind. First one to cross or hit the finish line will be the winner. Double elimination style racing is recommended. Trophies will be awarded based on the number of entrants.