Powerboat racing is becoming more and more popular as a spectator sport as people are drawn in to the rush of speed. The problem however is that many people who witness powerboats in person often claim they really are not moving so quickly and that race cars move much quicker both in terms of top speed and acceleration. If one watches on video however, they can see that powerboats use a great amount more force than a race car ever would. Viewers also need to keep in mind that water is different from concrete or dirt.When watching a powerboat race live and in person for the first time, people notice the large waves which follow behind a large turn and think that this is just some sort of special effect to make the boats look cooler than they already are. The reality is that at high speeds these waves and splashes of water occur because the boat, while it is on top of the water, must still at the same time break through the water. To do this, the engine uses extra force while turning so it can maintain speed. Observing this on video can show all the force being used whereas in real time the waves or large splashes may be distracting and cause people to think they are just for show.
The environment also plays a very important role when it comes to powerboats. Water is constantly moving and very rarely stays stable. It is a much more difficult task for a powerboat than a car which needs to accelerate on a race track to move quicker and push through the water. In real time, this is visible in more windy and rough waters but a video helps clarify this in more calm waters such as a lake.
Whenever enjoying a powerboat race, keep in mind the situation, the environment, and the power being used to overcome the former, and you will be able to fully appreciate the sport.
