Maine Lobster Boat Races

[F/V First Team]

Here is a birds-eye view of what goes on during a race
This race was Winter Harbor 2002

 

[F/V First Team]

and on to part two

 

[F/V First Team]

On that day when the boat was put into gear we were traveling at 15 mph
We had two false starts (due to the local boys on opposite sides of the track)
The turbocharger failed halfway down the course, I melted 3 pistons out through the exhaust ports, the overflow line blew off the heat exchanger, coolant pissed out, ran along the length of the engine and entered the intake.
We coasted across the finish line half a boat length ahead of the prior years champion.
Best race I've ever been in by far
Engine had 22 hours on it
I cobbled a turbocharger together that night from a box of parts and pieces (and not knowing the full extent of the issues internally) and took her home under her own power the following day, although at a severely reduced rate of speed.

 

[F/V First Team]

I'm thinking that it was a little "hot" in the cylinders that day

 

[unclefish]

looks like somebody is making custom ash trays now

 

[F/V First Team]

Hey that's a great idea!
It certainly is a niche market that's for sure

 

[El Mar]

Never been to one, but something I want to do soon.

Nice Piston!!!!

 

[F/V First Team]

Thank you, I'll get the entire "hall of fame" together someday and take some photos

 

[petrel]

Neat perspective on the race from above.

What engine do you guys run with?

 

[F/V First Team]

SisuDiesel model 645DSBIM
410 hp at 2100 rpm
Inline 6 cylinder, turbocharged, intercooled

 

[MDI45]

I cant believe it still ran with all that went on....now thats a good engine boy

 

[F/V First Team]

She's always come home under her own power
The same cannot be said for the Volvo and John Deere that we sent to the sidelines puking black smoke
I've helped tow back quite a few boats, some more than once

 

[Tumblehome]

Good stuff First Team. I have never met you, but have watched your boat run for years now. You are posting some great pics, and bringing some solid knowledge as well. Thank you and keep it coming.

 

[Helen L]

I've always wanted to make the trek up there to see this. 9.5knts is boring.

 

[WoundUpMarine]

love the pictures, cant wait to participate this summer!

 

[lobstercatcher]

SisuDiesel model 645DSBIM
410 hp at 2100 rpm
Inline 6 cylinder, turbocharged, intercooled

 

[F/V First Team]

That is the Mystery Machine
Northern Bay 38 with the same engine as mine
Please direct your attention to exhibit A

 

[lobstercatcher]

hehe.. I know there was comratery during those runs. Ira told me the story when he was finishing my NB38. John wanted me to put the Susi 425 in mine too but I went with a 330 D6 Volvo. The 38 Very easy pushing hull as your picture shows. I was thinking about running m ine in the lower hp class when it was new but never did..

 

[F/V First Team]

Without the camaraderie the races would be quite boring
It's like going to a family reunion 10 times a summer
There are 12 events this year
Fun times

 

[F/V First Team]

For my 100th post I thought I'd do something with a bang