Our Boats
Overview
The Formula 3000 (F3000) Outboard Performance Class (OPC) powerboats are lightweight, high-performance single-seater catamarans, designed with the same DNA as their F1 and F2 cousins. These boats are purpose-built for closed-course circuit racing on anti-clockwise tracks averaging 1.5 km in length.
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At the heart of each F3000 boat is a 2.5-litre, two-stroke outboard engine with a carbureted powerhead and a 12-inch center section. These engines pump out an impressive 280 horsepower, launching the boat from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4 seconds. With a top speed exceeding 160 km/h and the ability to pull over 3Gs in tight turns, these boats are true waterborne rockets.
Constructed from a high-tech mix of fiberglass, carbon fibre, epoxy, and wood, the hulls are both incredibly strong and feather-light, each weighing around 400 kg. The tunnel hull design, combined with aggressive aerofoil shaping and a wide beam, delivers lift and stability, allowing the boat to "fly" just above the water with unmatched precision and agility.
While F3000 boats may resemble Formula 1 powerboats in design, they are built to be more cost-effective. They use durable Sport Master or CLE gear cases instead of the ultra-slick (and more expensive) Super Speed Master (SSM) cases used in F1. This creates a more level playing field and keeps the class accessible while still delivering edge-of-your-seat excitement.
Safety & Regulations
F3000 powerboats don’t compromise when it comes to safety. Each boat features a fully enclosed safety capsule that protects the driver, who is secured with a five-point racing harness. The hulls incorporate built-in floatation in key areas, ensuring that the boat remains upright and the cockpit above water in the event of a rollover.​
Many boats are equipped with their own onboard emergency air supply for added safety, and communication radios are soon to become mandatory across all teams to further improve coordination and emergency response.
While F1 boats demand additional safety features such as inflatable airbags, reinforced crash boxes, and collapsible pickle forks, the F3000 class still meets strict safety standards and is purpose-built for the class’s unique performance range.
F3000 races take place on relatively calm waters over a 25 km total distance, typically run across 20 laps. Whether tearing across the water at full throttle, sitting in the paddock, or turning heads on the trailer, F3000 boats never fail to impress.