Auto Racing
A motorboat is a power driven vessel with an internal combustion engine driving a jet pump or propeller. Even a sailboat, while it has an engine running, is technically a power driven vessel. The term motor boating refers to motorised cruising vessels used for leisure.
A little bit of history! – Many names contributed to the invention of the motorboat. Charles Raymond Hunt was responsible for introducing the deep v-shaped hull in 1963, one of the motorboats most important advances. Renato Levi is given credit for the evolution of the motorboat, particularly developing unique concepts – improving the performance of racing boats. Rudolph Diesel made huge advancements in motor boating. He is best known for inventing a 25-horsepower, four-stroke, single vertical compression engine.
Types of motorboats – A speedboat is a small motorboat designed to move quickly. It is often used in races and for water skiing. Even inflatable boats and dinghies with a motor attached are classed as types of motorboats.
There are 3 popular version of motorboats, which are: inboard, inboard / outboard and outboard. If the engine is fitted within the boat, it’s called a powerplant. An outboard motor has a removable section attached to the boat.
Motor cruisers offer a range of amenities, depending on the number of passengers and the type of the cruising. They range from small vessels equipped with basic essentials for a short cruise to much larger holiday crafts complete with shower, cooker and sleeping accommodation.
Where to begin – All first time motorboat cruisers should have some form of training. As a rule, the larger the motorboat and the longer the journey, the greater the level of training is required.
Beginners can rent small vessels for a short cruise, without needing much training. This will help you understand the basic motorboat controls. Courses are available for beginners which cover the basic areas of handling the boat. The Royal Yachting Association offers three levels of courses, from a two day helmsman course offering basic boat handling, helmsmanship and engine maintenance to a five-day coastal skipper course.
A great way to start motorboating is to combine your motor boating course with a holiday, either in the UK or across the European mainland. A number of well known activity holiday companies are RYA training centres and offer courses with certificates.
Where to use your motorboat – Motorboating is the perfect way to explore Britain’s many rivers ‘the Norfolk Broads, the Yorkshire dales, the historic city of York and the River Thames.
You don’t need to limit cruising to the UK. Many European countries offer an interesting waterway journey.
Motor boating can be a fun and relaxing pastime. Unlike sailboats, there is no need to wait for the right wind conditions before setting sail.
Snowmobile racing is a kind of motor-sport played on snow and ice. Basically, a snowmobile is a terrain vehicle driven by one or two rubber tracks. Snowmobiling revitalizes the body and mind, and hence, a snowmobiler is fairly relaxed at the end of a day of snowmobiling. Both, a driver and a passenger are affected by, the wind, sun, cold, glare, vibration, motion, and other factors.
Snowmobilers in Canada and the United States expend over $27 billion on snowmobiling each year. This comprises expenses on equipment, clothing, accessories, and snowmobiling vacations. It is the only source of income for a few smaller towns that rely exclusively on tourism during the summer and winter months. Snowmobiling has a major economic impact on larger cities and towns as well.
WPSA (World PowerSports Association) is the governing organization of snowmobile racing, and it sanctions races within the United States. ISMA (International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association) represents four major snowmobile manufacturers, namely Arctic Cat, Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), Polaris Industries, and Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA.
According to a latest study, more than 95 percent of snowmobile enthusiasts believe snowmobiling to be a family life-style activity. Also, snowmobiling boosts winter tourism. The typical snowmobiler is 41 years of age, married, and has a yearly household income of $70,000.
Drinking alcohol and snowmobiling is a dangerous combination, and most states have laws banning snowmobiling while under the influence of alcohol. People die every year after crashing into other snowmobiles, vehicles, pedestrians, or trees.
For safe riding, it is advisable to know the riding area, to use a map, and to seek guidance from local people. Also, it is important to keep the snowmobile in top shape, follow the rules, and dress appropriately.