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Outboard Performance Craft

Category Information

Capable of speeds over 140mph, the Outboard Performance Craft has come a long way since its beginnings as the "Outboard Pleasure Craft" class. This category of racing features some of the biggest, most powerful outboard engines in Powerboat Racing. OPC engines can range from off-the-shelf production engines to heavily modified, high tech engines built for world record speed. Today's most high tech OPC race boats can start from a dead engine start, go 0 to 100mph in 6 seconds and turn 180 degrees with forces of up to 5 G's. These tunnel boats are the fastest turning vehicle in the world!

Most OPC classes use the water-skimming tunnel boat design, with an air space under the boat between the sponsons. These range from open-cockpit Sport C boats to fast, powerful Formula 1 rockets. However, there's room for v-bottom and flatbottom coats as well in some classes. You can start with a class that uses off-the-shelf production engines and pleasure boats and move up to highly modified racing engines and built-for-speed composite hulls. Whether Many racers move from Stock, Modified or PRO racing to the Sport C or SST 45 class. Once they find they like tunnel boats, they can keep moving up in speed, size and budget. Sportsman classes like Tri-Hulls (in the Texas-Louisiana area), Mini GT and GT Pro get the whole family out on the water, racing together. (Kids as young as 12 can start in Mini GT).

Champ
Champ

CHAMP is an APBA OPC altered class for 16-foot minimum boats with a minimum race weight ranging from 1,050 to 1,200 pounds depending on the engine. The class permits several outboard engine configurations, including Mercury 2.0L, 2.4L, and 2.5L engines, the Mercury 200XS, Yamaha 2.6L, and OMC 3.0L, with specific RPM, gearcase, head, and displacement requirements for each combination. Maximum engine displacement is 3.0 liters, and boats must use a driver restraint system and reinforced cockpit meeting APBA safety standards. CHAMP also has specific technical requirements for fuel injection, fuel pressure, gearcases, and other engine components, with all boats required to comply with APBA OPC safety and racing regulations. (Page 33 of OPC Rulebook under "Resources" tab)

Minimum Length: 16 ft
Minimum Weight: 1,050–1,200 lbs, depending on engine
Engine: Mercury 2.0L, 2.4L, 2.5L, 200XS, Yamaha 2.6L, or OMC 3.0L, subject to class specifications
Fuel: Standard pump and/or racing gasoline; petroleum-based or synthetic oil permitted
Approximate Speed: 90-100 MPH
Formula 1
Formula 1

Formula 1 is an APBA OPC National Limited class. The 2026 rulebook does not publish the Formula 1 technical specifications directly; instead, it directs competitors to contact the OPC representative for the current technical standards. Formula 1 boats are required to comply with all APBA general racing and safety rules, including mandatory kill switches, foot throttles, driver seats, and rollover/gravity kill switches. Formula 1 also requires a reinforced cockpit/driver-restraint system meeting APBA safety standards. Page 36 of OPC Rulebook under "Resources" tab.

Minimum Length: Not Specified
Minimum Weight: 1050 to 1200 lbs. depending on engine size
Engine: 2.0-2.5 Ltr. Mercury Racing Engine, Mercury 200XS, Yamaha 2.6 Ltr., OMC 3 Ltr., Mercury 250 APX
Fuel: Subject to APBA general fuel requirements
Approximate Speed: 100- 120 MPH (clocked at 143 MPH in kilo trials)
Formula 150
Formula 150

Formula 150 is an APBA OPC Formula class for boats at least 16 feet long with a minimum race weight of 1,050 pounds and a maximum displacement of 165 cubic inches (2.7L). The class allows standard factory-production outboards from multiple manufacturers, including Mercury, OMC, Yamaha, and others, with the 200XS OptiMax also legal. Smaller engines may be modified within the class rules, while larger production engines have specific stock requirements. Standard gasoline is used under APBA fuel-testing requirements, and Formula 150 boats typically compete at approximately 80–90 MPH, with significantly higher speeds possible in kilo trials. Page 31 of OPC Rulebook under "Resources" tab.

Minimum Length: 16 ft.
Minimum Weight: 1,050 lbs.
Engine: Production outboards up to 165 cu. in. (2.7L); multiple Mercury, OMC, Yamaha, and other configurations permitted under specific class rules.
Fuel: Gasoline subject to APBA OPC fuel requirements and testing.
Approximate Speed: 115 MPH in competition
Formula 200
Formula 200

Formula 200 is an APBA OPC Formula class for boats with a minimum length of 16 feet, with minimum race weight determined by the engine configuration: 1,100 lbs for Mercury 2.0L, 1,175 lbs for Mercury 2.5L, 1,200 lbs for Mercury 200 APX, 200XS Optimax, Yamaha 2.6L, and OMC 3.0L, and 1,265 lbs for the Mercury 250 APX. The class permits these specified engine combinations and allows power trim and adjustable spoilers. Fuel must consist of standard pump and/or racing gasoline, with petroleum-based and/or synthetic oils permitted. Formula 200 boats typically run approximately 110 MPH. The class also requires a reinforced cockpit/driver restraint system meeting APBA safety standards. Page 32 of OPC Rulebook under "Resources" tab.

Minimum Length: 16 ft
Minimum Weight: 1,100–1,265 lbs, depending on engine
Engine: Mercury 2.0L, Mercury 2.5L, Mercury 200 APX, 200XS Optimax, Yamaha 2.6L, OMC 3.0L, or Mercury 250 APX
Fuel: Standard pump and/or racing gasoline; petroleum-based and/or synthetic oils may be added
Approximate Speed: 110 MPH
GT 20
GT 20 Boat

GT20 is an exciting youth racing class that gives young drivers a safe and affordable entry into competitive powerboat racing. Drivers can begin as young as 9 years old, learning essential skills such as boat handling, racing strategy, safety, and sportsmanship. Powered by a 20-horsepower outboard, GT20 boats provide thrilling performance while remaining manageable for developing racers. The class is designed to build confidence, create lifelong friendships, and provide a clear pathway to advanced APBA and international racing categories.

Minimum Length: 10 ft
Minimum Weight:
Engine: 20HP 4 Stroke Mercury Outboard
Fuel: Pump Gas
Approximate Speed: 30 to 40MPH
Modified Unlimited
Modified Unlimited

Modified Unlimited (Mod U) is an APBA OPC Altered class for boats at least 16 feet long, with a minimum race weight of 1,050 pounds for engines under 2,800cc and 1,250 pounds for engines 2,800cc and over. The class allows any boat design and open engine modifications, but altered motors must have originally been outboards, must retain a starter and cowling, and engines in displacement-limited configurations must be naturally aspirated. Fuel is subject to APBA OPC fuel requirements. The rulebook does not specify an official competition speed for Mod U, so an approximate speed should not be treated as a rulebook specification. Page 35 of OPC Rulebook under "Resources" tab.

Minimum Length: 16 ft.
Minimum Weight: 1,050 lbs. under 2,800cc; 1,250 lbs. 2,800cc and over
Engine: Originally outboard; modifications are open. Displacement-limited engines must be naturally aspirated.
Fuel: Subject to APBA OPC fuel requirements
Approximate Speed: 120-140 MPH (clocked at 142 MPH in kilo trials)
Sport C
Sport C

Sport C is an APBA OPC production class for 15–17 foot boats powered by a single stock-production outboard. The class permits specific production engines, including Mercury, OMC, and Yamaha configurations, with modifications limited by the Sport C technical rules. Boats must meet the class minimum weight based on the engine configuration and comply with APBA requirements for propellers, fuel, steering, safety equipment, and driver restraints. Sport C is designed for competitive production-based racing, with typical race speeds around 70–80 MPH. Page 27 of OPC Rulebook under "Resources" tab.

Minimum Length: 15 ft.
Minimum Weight: Varies by engine configuration
Engine: Single production outboard; specific Mercury, OMC, and Yamaha engines permitted
Fuel: Standard pump and/or racing gasoline under APBA OPC fuel requirements
Approximate Speed: 70–80 MPH
Sportsman GT Pro
Sportsman GT Pro

Sportsman GT Pro is an APBA OPC Sportsman class for small performance boats that may be homebuilt, custom-built, or production-built from any material. Boats may be V-bottom, modified vee, or tunnel designs (no hydroplanes) and must have a minimum 4-inch tunnel depth at the transom. The class permits 25 HP and 30/35 HP two-cylinder Johnson/Evinrude engines, with specific stock-engine and allowable-modification requirements. Drivers must remain seated, use a foot throttle and steering wheel, and boats must start off plane. Page 37 of OPC Rulebook under "Resources" tab.

Minimum Length: 10 ft.
Minimum Weight: 525 lbs. (25 HP); 650 lbs. (30/35 HP)
Engine: 25 HP, or 30/35 HP two-cylinder 31.8 cu. in. Johnson/Evinrude
Fuel: Standard pump and/or racing gasoline; petroleum-based and/or synthetic oils may be added
Approximate Speed: 50-60 MPH
SST 120
SST 120

SST 120 is an APBA OPC Super Stock class for boats at least 16 feet long with a minimum race weight of 1,100 pounds and a maximum displacement of 122 cubic inches (2.0L). The class uses a Mercury 2.0L outboard with specific stock and permitted modification requirements, including allowable changes to reeds, sleeves, exhaust ports, cylinder heads, and other components while maintaining the class specifications. Power trim and adjustable spoilers are permitted, and all SST 120 boats must use a reinforced cockpit/driver restraint system meeting APBA safety standards. Fuel is subject to APBA OPC fuel requirements. The rulebook does not specify an official competition speed for SST 120, so an approximate speed is not listed as a rulebook requirement. Page 29 of OPC Rulebook under "Resources" tab.

Minimum Length: 16 ft.
Minimum Weight: 1,100 lbs.
Engine: Mercury 2.0L (122 cu. in.) outboard
Fuel: Subject to APBA OPC fuel requirements
Approximate Speed: 90-100 MPH
SST 45
SST 45

SST 45 is an APBA OPC Super Stock class for boats at least 12 feet long with a minimum race weight of 700 pounds and a maximum engine displacement of 44.9 cubic inches (740cc). The class uses the Sea-Way Marine/OMC 44.9 cubic-inch, two-cylinder engine, with specific stock and allowable modification requirements. Any boat design is permitted as long as it meets the minimum length, and drivers must be seated. Power trim and adjustable spoilers are permitted, although an up/down lift adjustable while underway is not allowed. Fuel is subject to APBA OPC fuel requirements, and SST 45 typically competes at approximately 60–70 MPH, with kilo speeds exceeding 87 MPH. Page 28 in OPC Rulebook under "Resources" tab.

Minimum Length: 12 ft.
Minimum Weight: 700 lbs.
Engine: OMC 44.9 cu. in. (740cc), two-cylinder
Fuel: Subject to APBA OPC fuel requirements
Approximate Speed: 60–70 MPH (87+ MPH kilo speed)
SST 60
SST 60

SST 60 is an APBA OPC Super Stock class for 14-foot minimum boats with a minimum race weight of 825 pounds and a maximum displacement of 56.1 cubic inches (920cc). The class uses the OMC/Sea-Way Marine 56.1-cubic-inch three-cylinder engine, with specific stock and allowable modification requirements, including permitted alternate reeds, limited cylinder-sleeve replacement, and refinishing of the gearcase while maintaining the original design. Power trim and adjustable spoilers are permitted, and SST 60 boats are required to use a reinforced cockpit/driver restraint system meeting APBA safety standards. Fuel consists of standard pump and/or racing gasoline, with petroleum-based and/or synthetic oils permitted. APBA lists typical competition speeds of approximately 80–85 MPH, with kilo speeds exceeding 94 MPH. Page 29 of OPC Rulebook under "Resources" tab.

Minimum Length: 14 ft.
Minimum Weight: 825 lbs.
Engine: OMC/Sea-Way Marine 56.1 cu. in. (920cc) three-cylinder
Fuel: Standard pump and/or racing gasoline; petroleum-based and/or synthetic oils may be added
Approximate Speed: 80–85 MPH (94+ MPH kilo speed)
Tri Hull
Tri Hull

Formula Tri-Hull is an APBA OPC National Limited class. The 2026 rulebook does not publish specific technical standards for the class; competitors are directed to contact the OPC representative for the current requirements. The class requires compliance with all APBA general racing and safety rules, including mandatory kill switches, foot throttles, driver’s seats, and rollover/gravity kill switches. The rulebook also specifies a minimum of 6 cubic feet of flotation foam for Tri-Hull boats. Page 35 of OPC Rulebook under "Resources" tab.

Minimum Length: 15'
Minimum Weight: 1250 lbs without driver
Engine: Engines must not exceed 100 cubic inches in displacement as originally manufactured. 3ci tolerance allowed for overbore.
Fuel: Fuel must comply with all APBA/OPC rules
Approximate Speed: 60-80 MPH
VP 75
VP 75

VP 75 is an APBA OPC National class for molded V-bottom boats with a minimum length of 13 feet and a minimum race weight of 900 pounds, including the driver, lifejacket, helmet, and propeller. The class permits stock-production Class E engines up to 49.99 cubic inches, with certain 56-cubic-inch engines also permitted under the class’s modified SST 60 specifications. Power trim is allowed, and boats must use through-the-hub exhaust propellers and a 20-inch midsection. Fuel is standard pump and/or racing gasoline, with petroleum-based and/or synthetic oils permitted. VP 75 has an approximate competition speed of 55–58 MPH. Page 43 of OPC Rulebook under "Resources" tab.

Minimum Length: 13 ft.
Minimum Weight: 900 lbs. (Boat, Engine, Driver)
Engine: Stock-production Class E engine up to 49.99 cu. in.; certain 56 cu. in. engines permitted under VP 75 specifications
Fuel: Standard pump and/or racing gasoline; petroleum-based and/or synthetic oils may be added
Approximate Speed: 60-80 MPH