Allowed Viper Modifications

[John Elliott]

I do not have other Vipers to OD race against, and I already have another class OD boat that is very popular. So I made some changes to my Viper but they can be undone. The biggest permanent change is that the deck was removed and replaced with a tonneau. If I make the stock deck into a panel that is quickly installed and removed, do you think the boat would be accepted as OD with the deck installed with screws (not glasses back in)?

The reason for removing the deck, was weight, I single hand race the boat in PHRF in the ocean so going forward is much easier and safer standing in the hold, the hold provides great storage, and I trailer with the jib hanked so that all I do is raise the already stepped mast and the jib is ready to hoist.

The tonneau is not class legal, but with the deck optionally put back in, would the class accept the boat? So my question is whether the culture of the class tends to be strict to the letter, or do you think people will let boats vary (slide a little) as long as they don't gain an advantage?  I have read that the class is very welcoming, but would they welcome small changes or is my idea totally out of bounds?

[Eddie Wolfe]

THESE RULES ARE CLOSED CLASS RULES WHERE IF IT DOES NOT
SPECIFICALLY SAY THAT YOU MAY – THEN YOU SHALL NOT.

This statement is from page one of the Viper class rules. You're welcome to petition the class Technical comittee to allow the boat at a class event. Personally I don't think you'll get very far. Good luck.

[John Elliott]

Thanks for citing that rule. I think you are right.

[Justin S]

If the deck as supplied by the builder was reinstalled for class events then the TC would likely look upon that favorably.  Please feel free to reach out directly.

[Eddie Wolfe]

If you want to turn your VX1 into a Melges 19, Go ahead. Please don't do this to Vipers.