F1 powerboat racing is a grand prix style event, similar to Formula 1 GP racing, in which teams compete in 13 venues around the world each season. The races take place along a track of approximately 350 meters with multiple turns, over which the boats can reach 150 miles per hour (240 km/h). The races are longer than most power boat races at approximately 45 minutes, but still shorter than most automobile races.F1 racing boats use tunnel hull catamarans that are capable of both high speed and exceptional maneuverability. Overall, the boats weigh 860 pounds (390 kilogrammes), including 260 pounds (118 kilogrammes) of engine. They are 20 feet (6 meters) long and seven feet (2 meters) wide, keeping weight low through extensive use of carbon fiber and Kevlar. The tunnel hull design creates an air cushion under the hull, so that at speed only a few inches touch the water, leading to the high speed possible with these hulls.
F1 boats are powered by a Mercury V6 two stroke engine that burns 120 liters of Avgas per hour, generating 350 horsepower at 10,500 rpm. This engine can propel the boats to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than four seconds and to a maximum speed of over 240 km/h (150 mph).
F1 boats have not changed much in appearance, However the construction and safety has been dramatically improved from the original open-cockpit plywood boats. They also have an airbag behind the driver that prevents the cockpit form completely submerging if the boat flips.
