Powerboat Talk

In this episode, I sit down with Chris Davidson, longtime publisher of Hot Boat Magazine and current publisher of Speedboat Magazine, to reflect on nearly four decades in the performance boating industry. Chris shares his unique journey—from collecting Elvis memorabilia to shaping the voice of high-performance boating media. He discusses the early days of Hot Boat, his family's deep roots in the boating world, and the magazine's pivotal 1989 sale to Larry Flynt's LFP Inc., which transformed it into a nationally recognized publication. Chris also opens up about personal challenges, including a shocking betrayal by his brother Darren in 2006 that led to a hostile takeover of the magazine—and ultimately inspired Chris to launch Speedboat Magazine, now the last remaining print publication in the performance boat world. Throughout the conversation, Chris emphasizes the importance of teamwork, loyalty, and personal connections. He talks about how building relationships in the industry with people like Bob Leach of Eliminator Boats and Ed Borges of Eddie Marine helped him to keep his magazines moving forward. Chris credits much of his success to a trusted crew of contributors, including Kevin Spaise, Jim Wilkes, Greg Shoemaker, Fernando Escovar, and Brett Bayne. It's a candid, behind-the-scenes look at a legacy shaped by passion, perseverance, and the power of relationships. You can follow Speedboat Magazine on Instagram @speedboatmagazine_sb.mag and Facebook @Speedboat Magazine View Speedboat online and subscribe www.speedboat.com Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com  

Reality and YouTube star Mike Finnegan returns on this episode of Powerboat Talk. Finnegan fills us in on his new role as a full-time YouTuber following MotorTrend's recent shutdown of all its TV shows. He also gives an update on his carbon fiber Cheyenne drag boat, Side Chick, sharing some of the challenges with its injury-plagued 632 cu. in. Chevy engine and the success of a recent dyno session. Finnegan offers advice on what makes a dyno experience successful—and reveals the one mistake you should never make when buying a boat. Where to find Mike Finnegan: Instagram @finnegan999 Facebook @mikefinnegansnews Youtube www.youtube.com/@finnegansgarage Website www.fsmgarage.com Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com

Slug Hefner's Dirty Duck Racing team made history at the 2024 Lake of the Ozarks Shootout (LOTO), breaking the 200 mph barrier for the first time. After falling just short of the milestone in 2023, Hefner's 438 Skater—powered by twin-turbocharged 557-cubic-inch engines—received a performance boost from a custom nitrous system designed by engine builder Carson Brummett. This upgrade propelled the boat to 202 mph, setting a new record as the fastest Skater and twin-engine boat in LOTO history. In this episode, Hefner shares the story behind his iconic Skater and the origins of the Dirty Duck name. He also reflects on his journey through the world of boat racing, from circle boats and drag boats to offshore racing. Hefner is more than just a record-setting racer—he's a well-respected business leader and dedicated philanthropist. As the owner of Hefner Furniture & Appliance in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Slug's commitment to excellence extends beyond the water, shaping both his business and his community with the same passion he brings to powerboat racing.  This episode is brought to you by: SoCal Jet Boats the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest River Attire, hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The SoCal Jet Boat SpeedShop. Visit SoCal Jet Boats at www.socaljetboats.com on Instagram at @SoCalJetBoats and Facebook @SoCal Jet Boats Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 orders@socaljetboats.com Visit Slug Hefner and Dirty Duck Racing online at https://dirtyduckracing.com/ Follow Dirty Duck Racing on Facebook @Dirty Duck Racing Learn more about the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout at www.lakeoftheozarksshootout.com Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com

In this episode, we're talking with the team behind Freedom One Racing, a new name making waves at this year's Lake of the Ozarks Shootout. The Shootout's loose rules invite wild setups, and Freedom One didn't disappoint, bringing a brand-new 388 Skater powered by twin 4,000-hp 4.9-inch bore, all-aluminum Noonan Hemi Pro Mod drag racing engines.  The boat's engines are a marvel of engineering much of which is familiar to the 1/4 mile crowd, but unconventional to general marine performance guys. Topped by PSI screw blowers, the engines feature dry blocks (no water jackets) and require no cooling system. They employ MoTeC engine management systems and route the power to the surface drives through Coan Turbo 400-style three-speed transmissions.  The Freedom One boat was purpose-built for shootout style events like LOTO and came together just days before hitting the water. While some mechanical hiccups kept them from a full-speed pass, they still managed to hit 170 mph officially (202 mph unofficially). Not bad for their first outing!   We hear from team members Noah and Ryan Ola and Ryan Greco, as they discuss how this project came together, their big plans to break the LOTO top speed record, and why Freedom One is more than just a racing team—it's a philanthropic effort with a mission to give back. This episode is brought to you by: SoCal Jet Boats the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest River Attire, hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The SoCal Jet Boat SpeedShop. Visit SoCal Jet Boats at www.socaljetboats.com on Instagram at @SoCalJetBoats and Facebook @SoCal Jet Boats Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 orders@socaljetboats.com Follow Freedom One Racing on Instagram @freedomon_racing and on Facebook @Freedom One Racing Learn more about the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout at www.lakeoftheozarksshootout.com Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com              

Billy Moore stands as one of the most successful offshore powerboat racers competing today. Following in the footsteps of his father, Bobby Moore—widely considered the first throttle man in offshore racing—Billy “works the sticks” in both Class 1 and Super Cat. I spoke with Moore recently, just as his Defalco Racing Class 1 team celebrated back-to-back wins at Mercury Racing's Midwest Challenge in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. In addition to racing for Defalco, Moore throttles the C.J. Grant Racing/Graydel Skater in the Super Cat class. Not only did Moore gain invaluable racing insight from his legendary father, but he also learned the finer points of boat rigging and race boat setup, beginning his tenure at his father's shop at 15. In this episode,Moore shares how the Defalco team made the strategic choice to switch from an Outer Limits hull to a Victory in the offseason and the challenges and rewards that followed. Based near Moore's home in Washington, North Carolina, the Defalco team benefits from his close involvement. Moore is also a key figure at Checkmate Powerboats, which is owned by Pete Caldwell of Caldwell Marine Designs. He shares updates on Checkmate's current direction and exciting future plans, including a possible trip out west to compete in the Parker Enduro. Follow Billy Moore on Instagram @billymoore_313 and Facebook @William Moore (Billy Moore) Learn more about Class 1 Offshore Powerboat Racing @ www.class1world.com Visit Checkmate Powerboats online @ www.checkmatepowerboats.net This episode is brought to you by Freedom and Fuel clothing brand made for people who love big horsepower, fuel burning engines. It doesn't matter if you're into hot rods, off-road, side-by-sides, or, of course, fast boats, Freedom and Fuel has the gear to match your passion for power and performance.  You can find freedom and fuel clothing at all ADBA and NJBA drag boat races at the SoCal Jet Boats trailer, on Instagram @freedomandfuel on Facebook @Freedom and Fuel, or online at freedomandfuel.com. Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com

Warren Kosikov is the Vice President of Sales for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), an organization that represents the automotive and marine aftermarket industries while advocating for the interests of both manufacturers and consumers. Before joining SEMA, Kosikov held executive sales management roles at Source Interlink Media, Buckaroo Communications, Petersen Publishing, and Nordskog Publishing. His extensive background in the performance boating industry includes work with Powerboat Magazine, Hot Boat Magazine, and Family and Performance Boating Magazine. Kosikov emphasizes SEMA's critical role in the automotive and marine aftermarket sectors, particularly their advocacy efforts on key issues, such as defending the industry against threats like potential bans on internal combustion engines (ICE). He also provides insights into the SEMA show as well as the company's sister event, the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) shows, offering ways for consumers to get involved in both the events and the organizations behind them. This episode is brought to you by: SoCal Jet Boats the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest River Attire, hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The SoCal Jet Boat SpeedShop. Visit SoCal Jet Boats at www.socaljetboats.com on Instagram at @SoCalJetBoats and Facebook @SoCal Jet Boats Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 orders@socaljetboats.com Visit SEMA online at https://www.sema.org/ Visit PRI online at https://www.performanceracing.com/ Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com

Shane Westerfield is a versatile and accomplished racer with a rich history in both drag boat and car racing. Along with his father, Steve, he owns Westerfield Motorsports, a shop specializing in supercharged engines, components, and high-performance flat bottom boats. Westerfield's 15-year drag racing career began by helping his father with his Top Alcohol flatbottom and reached a peak in 2017 when he won the NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car World Championship. Westerfield has amassed 14 NHRA national event wins and continues to drive alcohol cars. He spent the last five seasons with Rick Jackson Motorsports and recently began driving Bucky Austin's AA Nostalgia Funny Car where he won their first two events. Despite his success in car racing, Westerfield is most passionate about competing with his Blown Gas flat bottom in the National Jet Boat Association (NJBA) and Columbia Drag Boat Association (CDBA) and working to keep the class healthy and competitive as one of the few remaining "heads-up" drag boat racing classes. He has streamlined class rules and secured sponsors to increase prize money, ensuring its continued growth. In this episode, Westerfield shares the challenges of closing the family's trade show exhibit company due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he explains how the setback led him and his father to pivot to their side project—working on boats and engines. They eventually transitioned to the business full-time, building a reputation for one-off custom work that has made them a go-to destination in the fast-boat community. This episode is brought to you by: SoCal Jet Boats the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest River Attire, hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The SoCal Jet Boat SpeedShop. Visit SoCal Jet Boats at www.socaljetboats.com on Instagram at @SoCalJetBoats and Facebook @SoCal Jet Boats Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 orders@socaljetboats.com You can follow Shane Westerfield on Instagram @shanewesterfieldracing and on Facebook @Shane Westerfield and @Westerfield Motorsports Visit Westerfield Motorsports' website www.westerfieldmotorsports.com Learn more about Blown Gas Flatbottoms on Facebook @Blown Gas Flats Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com

Ron Gordon, General Manager and Vice President, founded American Turbine with his boyhood friend, Bruce Simmons, in 1989, bringing decades of experience in the jet drive industry. Ron's first encounter with a jet pump dates back to 1968, when he began working on his family's Glastron V174 jet boat. Gordon's career in the industry officially began in 1976 when he and Simmons founded Dominator Jet in Lubbock, Texas. After running the business for 12 years, they sold Dominator. Gordon stayed on as manager for a few years before he and Simmons left to start American Turbine. Gordon developed American Turbine jets from a “clean sheet of paper,” incorporating innovative designs and proven ideas from his years at Dominator. He was the original designer of key industry innovations such as the shouldered wear ring, Energizer kits, and larger impeller sizes ranging from AA to 9½ inches. American Turbine was also the first to offer high-performance intakes, high-flow bowls, and high-quality investment cast impellers. In 1993, Gordon sold American Turbine to Travis Garske, owner of Travis Pattern & Foundry (TP&F), ensuring top-quality production through TP&F's aluminum foundry and CNC machine shop. Gordon personally oversees the machining and hand-finishing of every impeller, emphasizing the importance of precision and craftsmanship that machines alone cannot replicate. Under Gordon's leadership, American Turbine has continued to innovate, acquiring Dominator Jet in 1998 and Legend Jet in 2007. With over 48 years of experience, Gordon and his highly skilled team remain at the forefront of jet drive technology, delivering unmatched quality and expertise. This episode is brought to you by: SoCal Jet Boats the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest River Attire, hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The SoCal Jet Boat SpeedShop. Visit SoCal Jet Boats at www.socaljetboats.com on Instagram at @SoCalJetBoats and Facebook @SoCal Jet Boats Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 orders@socaljetboats.com Visit American Turbine online at www.americanturbine.com Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com  

Tres Martin is the owner of Tres Martin Performance and Tres Martin Performance Boat School, where he offers advanced, hands-on, skill-based training for performance boat owners. Martin grew up working with his father, Ralph Martin, at Everglades Marina in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Ralph Martin is credited with organizing the first poker run for boats in 1985. In 1986, Martin began racing offshore powerboats, achieving great success in the Superboat class, where he throttled various Apache and Fountain race boats. He concluded his career with an impressive 66 wins, including four National Championships and four World Championships. In 1993, Martin founded Tres Martin Performance, focusing on high-performance boats. In 2003, he launched his driving school after several customers halted work on their boats due to difficulties securing insurance. Today, Martin's school is often a requirement by insurance companies for boat owners seeking coverage. Martin emphasizes the importance of proper education and training to prevent accidents and ensure boater safety, regardless of insurance requirements. In this episode, Martin discusses the unique characteristics of today's high-performance boats and shares valuable tips on becoming a safer and more skilled boat operator. This episode is brought to you by: SoCal Jet Boats the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest River Attire, hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The SoCal Jet Boat SpeedShop. Visit SoCal Jet Boats at www.socaljetboats.com on Instagram at @SoCalJetBoats and Facebook @SoCal Jet Boats Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 orders@socaljetboats.com Visit Tres Martin's websites at www.performanceboatschool.com and www.tresmartinperformance.com Follow Tres Martin on Instagram @tres_martin_performance and @tresmartinperformanceboatschool Follow Tres Martin on Facebook @Tres Martin's Performance Boat School Inc and @Tres Martin Motorsports Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com

Gordy Jennings is one of the most decorated circle boat racers in history, particularly noted for his excellence in driving blown boats in the K-boat division. While his boat racing career is remarkable, Jennings is perhaps best known for his expertise in performance engine building, a skill he honed while working for his stepfather, Paul Pfaff, at Paul Pfaff Racing Engines. During his time at Pfaff, the company excelled at creating power plants for boats and found success in various forms of motorsports, including sprint cars and off-road racing. Today, Jennings works as a dyno operator for Toyota Racing Development (TRD) and continues to build engines for Tom Buckles' Bucks Up Racing K-boat, driven by Cory Ferguson. Jennings hints at a secret plan to attempt a K-boat kilo run with one of his best friends and K-boat owner, Mike Stock. In this episode of Power Boat Talk, Jennings discusses his background in racing, which began alongside his boyhood friend, Greg Foster. He also talks about his rivalry with racer Duff Daily, his experiences driving in the Parker Enduro, Australian B.A.D. boat racing, Offshore Racing, his horrific racing crash in 1995, and the lengthy recovery process that followed. This episode is brought to you by: BoatLoanGuy.com your trusted source for Marine and RV Financing. BoatLoanGuy provides quick and easy stress-free financing for most types of boats including performance boats, pontoons, and center consoles. BoatLoanGuy offers loans from $20,000 to $5M with up to 20 year terms.  Visit BoatLoanGuy at www.boatloanguy.com On Instagram @rvboatloans and on Facebook @RV and Boat Loans Contact BoatLoanGuy.com (619) 699-9900 info@boatloanguy.com This episode is also brought to you by: SoCal Jet Boats the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest River Attire, hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The SoCal Jet Boat SpeedShop. Visit SoCal Jet Boats at www.socaljetboats.com on Instagram at @SoCalJetBoats and Facebook @SoCal Jet Boats Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 orders@socaljetboats.com You can follow Gordy Jennings on Instagram @kingofkboats and on Facebook @Jennings Motorsports Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com

Chuck Stearns and Mike Avila are two of Water Ski Racing's most successul competitors. Stearns, who is often regarded as the greatest water skier in history having won National and World Championships in tournament skiing, won his first Catalina Ski Race in 1955 at the age of 16. Stearns went on to dominate the international race winning an unprecendented (at the time) 11th title in 1982 at the age of 44. Stearns also set a multiple world speed records culminating with is run of 122.11 m.p.h. in 1969 at Long Beach Marine Stadium. Avila one the first ski race he entered in 1968 at the age of 10. He went on to become one of the most dominate skiers in the 80's. Avila claims to have the most wins in ski racing history with 149 which included 27 national championships. Avila was a member of six US world teams. Avila still competes today as a boat driver and finished 1st overall in the 2023 Catalina Ski Race. Lifelong friends, Stearns and Avila are both members of the Water Skiing Hall of Fame. Stearns was inducted in 1982 as a member of the first class of inductees. Avila was inducted in 2002 as the first speed skiing only member.  Stearns will also be a passenger in Avila's boat as they compete in this year's Catalina Ski Race on July 13.  This episode is brought to you by: SoCal Jet Boats the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest River Attire, hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The SoCal Jet Boat SpeedShop. Visit SoCal Jet Boats at www.socaljetboats.com on Instagram at @SoCalJetBoats and Facebook @SoCal Jet Boats Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 orders@socaljetboats.com This episode is also brought to you by: BoatLoanGuy.com your trusted source for Marine and RV Financing. BoatLoanGuy provides quick and easy stress-free financing for most types of boats including performance boats, pontoons, and center consoles. BoatLoanGuy offers loans from $20,000 to $5M with up to 20 year terms.  Visit BoatLoanGuy at www.boatloanguy.com On Instagram @rvboatloans and on Facebook @RV and Boat Loans Contact BoatLoanGuy.com (619) 699-9900 info@boatloanguy.com Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com

Keith Eickert is one of the most recognized and successful high-performance engine builders in offshore racing history. With a career that began at Mercury Racing in 1972, Eickert went on to create power for 37 World, International, and National Champions.  Eickert was recruited to Mercury by his childhood friend Gary Garbrecht, who was the head of Mercury Racing. Eickert graduated from working on cylinder heads at Mercury to becoming one of their best engine builders. In 1976, Eickert was lured away from Mercury to build engines exclusively for racers Rocky Aoki (Benihana) and Preston Hen (Natural Light), the owner of the infamous Thunderbird Swap Shop. As the race team's participation fizzled and Eickert's popularity increased, he went into business in 1981 with Jerry Jacoby and Bob Saccenti and opened Hawk Marine Power. Eickert went on to start KS&W Engines where he worked from 1982 to 1984, then worked for Ben Kramer at Apache Boats where he designed parts to marinize and race V12 Lamborghinis for the first time. Eickert later founded Lightning Performance Products and Keith Eickert Power Products, where he added a complete line of high-performance parts to his engine-building business. After two failed business partnerships, Eickert relaunched his original Lightning Performance line as part of the Don Onken group of companies. Under the Onken banner, Eickert developed and launched his V-16 engine concept, where he coupled two 540 cu. in. Big Block Chevy engines. Eickert programmed the electronically fuel-injected assembly to fire as one 16-cylinder engine. The power plant helped push Onken's Mystic American Ethanol to multiple Lake of the Ozarks Top Gun victories. Eickert, now in his 80s, is retired and still resides in Florida. He occasionally still builds engines to stay busy. This episode is brought to you by: BoatLoanGuy.com your trusted source for Marine and RV Financing. BoatLoanGuy provides quick and easy stress-free financing for most types of boats including performance boats, pontoons, and center consoles. BoatLoanGuy offers loans from $20,000 to $5M with up to 20 year terms.  Visit BoatLoanGuy at www.boatloanguy.com On Instagram @rvboatloans and on Facebook @RV and Boat Loans Contact BoatLoanGuy.com (619) 699-9900 info@boatloanguy.com This episode is also brought to you by: SoCal Jet Boats the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest River Attire, hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The SoCal Jet Boat SpeedShop. Visit SoCal Jet Boats at www.socaljetboats.com on Instagram at @SoCalJetBoats and Facebook @SoCal Jet Boats Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 orders@socaljetboats.com Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com

Jerry Gilbreath has made a career out of designing, building, and racing some of the most exotic and well-known boats in the world. His journey began in the 1960s, driving flat-bottom endurance boats in races like the Salton Sea 500 and the Parker Enduro. Gilbreath's father, Jake, founded Gil Marine, which started as a gas tank manufacturer and grew into one of the largest aftermarket performance marine companies in the world, producing iconic Gil Exhaust Manifolds and the first outboard set-back bracket, the Gil Bracket. Gilbreath became one of the most respected and talented custom boat builders globally. With his GMT Tunnel boats and partnership with racer Greg Foster, he played a key role in advancing the Mod-VP racing class. Gilbreath also rigged water ski racing boats for Vic Edelbrock and Jerry Herbst. Later, Gilbreath became involved in offshore racing, teaming with Al Copeland and Matt Alcone to form one of the most dominant Open class catamaran teams in the late 1990s. He is often mentioned as one of the best throttlemen to ever control an offshore race boat. Although retired from racing, Gilbreath remains involved in high-performance boating with a collection of custom boats. You can follow Jerry Gilbreath on Instagram @jerry_gilbreath This episode is brought to you by: SoCal Jet Boats the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest River Attire, hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The SoCal Jet Boat SpeedShop. Visit SoCal Jet Boats at www.socaljetboats.com on Instagram at @SoCalJetBoats and Facebook @SoCal Jet Boats Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 orders@socaljetboats.com This episode is also brought to you by: BoatLoanGuy.com your trusted source for Marine and RV Financing. BoatLoanGuy provides quick and easy stress-free financing for most types of boats including performance boats, pontoons, and center consoles. BoatLoanGuy offers loans from $20,000 to $5M with up to 20 year terms.  Visit BoatLoanGuy at www.boatloanguy.com On Instagram @rvboatloans and on Facebook @RV and Boat Loans Contact BoatLoanGuy.com (619) 699-9900 info@boatloanguy.com Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com      

Bob Brown is widely regarded as one of the leading authorities on performance boating, having reported on and participated in every facet of the industry over the last 50 years. Growing up as an avid boat racer, Brown became the editor of Powerboat Magazine in 1973 through his affiliation with fellow racer Bob Nordskog. After leaving Powerboat in 1979 to start his own public relations agency, Media Direction, Brown continued to write for the magazine as well as for every major performance boat publication, including Hot Boat, Performance Boats, Sportboat, Boating, Speedboat, and Speed on the Water. Brown has raced endurance inboards in the Salton Sea 500 and Parker Enduro. He has also driven tunnel outboards in the Parker race with legends Bill Muncey, Chip Hanauer, and Alan Stocker, been the winning driver in the Catalina Water Ski Race pulling Chuck Stearns, and raced offshore boats with Nordskog and Tom Gentry. Instrumental in advancing the Powerboat Magazine Performance Trials, Brown has test-driven over 2,000 boats in his career. He was also key in the promotion and growth of the Southern California and Lake Havasu Boat Shows. This episode is brought to you by: BoatLoanGuy.com your trusted source for Marine and RV Financing. BoatLoanGuy provides quick and easy stress-free financing for most types of boats including performance boats, pontoons, and center consoles. BoatLoanGuy offers loans from $20,000 to $5M with up to 20 year terms.  Visit BoatLoanGuy at www.boatloanguy.com On Instagram @rvboatloans and on Facebook @RV and Boat Loans Contact BoatLoanGuy.com (619) 699-9900 info@boatloanguy.com This episode is also brought to you by: SoCal Jet Boats the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest River Attire, hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The SoCal Jet Boat SpeedShop. Visit SoCal Jet Boats at www.socaljetboats.com on Instagram at @SoCalJetBoats and Facebook @SoCal Jet Boats Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 orders@socaljetboats.com Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com    

Nathan Eller, owner of East Coast Squirt Boats, discusses his passion for jet boats and LS Chevy engine swaps. He shares how he got into jet boating and the progression of his business, which now specializes in LS swaps. Nathan talks about the challenges and rewards of starting his own company and the freedom it gives him. He also explains the appeal and benefits of LS engines and discusses the various options and accessories that need to be considered when choosing and installing an LS engine in a jet boat. This episode is brought to you by SoCal Jet Boats the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest River Attire, hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The SoCal Jet Boat SpeedShop. Visit SoCal Jet Boats at www.socaljetboats.com on Instagram at @SoCalJetBoats and Facebook @SoCal Jet Boats Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 orders@socaljetboats.com This episode is also brought to you by BoatLoanGuy.com your trusted source for Marine and RV Financing. BoatLoanGuy provides quick and easy stress-free financing for most types of boats including performance boats, pontoons, and center consoles. BoatLoanGuy offers loans from $20,000 to $5M with up to 20 year terms. Visit BoatLoanGuy at www.boatloanguy.com On Instagram @rvboatloans and on Facebook @RV and Boat Loans Contact BoatLoanGuy.com (619) 699-9900 info@boatloanguy.com Follow Nathan Eller on Facebook @Nathan Eller and @East Coast Squirt Boats Visit East Coast Squirt Boats website www.eastcoastsquirtboats.com Links to products and companies that sell LS Swap parts as discussed in this episode; SoCal Jet Boats www.socaljetboats.com CP Performance www.cpperformance.com PSI https://www.psiconversion.com/ ICT Billet https://www.ictbillet.com/ Tick Performance Camshafts https://www.tickperformance.com/camshafts/ Bassett Headers https://bassettracing.net/ Schoenfeld Headers https://www.schoenfeldheaders.com/ IMCO www.imcomarine.com Painless Performance https://www.painlessperformance.com/ AEM https://www.aemelectronics.com/ NJBA https://njbaracing.com/ Lightning Headers www.lightningheaders.com Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com Watch the video of this episode at https://www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com You can find links to listen on my website at www.powerboattalk.com or listen on YouTube or most podcast players like Apple Podcasts, Spotify Podcasts, Pandora, Amazon Podcasts, Audible, iHeart Radio, Podtail, Audacy, Google Podcasts, Tune In Radio

Veteran offshore racer Lorne Leibel returns to cometition and takes on open ocean races in his vintage 47 ft. Apache powerboat. This episode is also brought to you by: BoatLoanGuy.com your trusted source for Marine and RV Financing. BoatLoanGuy provides quick and easy stress-free financing for most types of boats including performance boats, pontoons, and center consoles. BoatLoanGuy offers loans from $20,000 to $5M with up to 20 year terms.  Visit BoatLoanGuy at www.boatloanguy.com On Instagram @rvboatloans and on Facebook @RV and Boat Loans Contact BoatLoanGuy.com (619) 699-9900 info@boatloanguy.com This episode is also brought to you by: SoCal Jet Boats the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest River Attire, hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The SoCal Jet Boat SpeedShop. Visit SoCal Jet Boats at www.socaljetboats.com on Instagram at @SoCalJetBoats and Facebook @SoCal Jet Boats Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 orders@socaljetboats.com  

In this episode, I welcome back Joe Shelfo, who serves as the secretary and treasurer at the National Jet Boat Association (NJBA). Shelfo is not only an accomplished drag boat racer but also one of the foremost authorities on V-drive repair, setup, and rigging globally. Previously featured on Episode 32 of Powerboat Talk alongside NJBA President Mike DeClark and Southern Drag Boat Association (SDBA) Owner and Series Director David Carroll, Shelfo discussed the formidable task of uniting the sport's leading organizations to orchestrate The Drag Boat Nationals at Firebird Lake in Chandler, Arizona. Throughout the episode, Shelfo delves into the distinctive attributes of owning a V-Drive boat. "They offer a raw, hot-rod-like experience on the water," he notes. "V-drive boats evoke a sense of thrill and nostalgia with their distinctive sound, scent, vibrations, and handling. They're somewhat primitive—simple, mechanical, and cost-effective compared to other boat types." Shelfo further elaborates on key considerations when purchasing a V-drive boat, the advantages of using a Casale V-drive, the correct way to install a propeller, the advantages of incorporating a Whirl-a-way unit into your boat's V-drive, and insights into maintaining your boat's underwater gear effectively, among other topics. Moreover, Shelfo provides insights into entering the world of Drag Boat racing and identifies the qualities that distinguish exceptional racers. This episode is brought to you by: SoCal Jet Boats the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest River Attire, hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The SoCal Jet Boat SpeedShop. Visit SoCal Jet Boats at www.socaljetboats.com on Instagram at @SoCalJetBoats and Facebook @SoCal Jet Boats Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 orders@socaljetboats.com This episode is also brought to you by: BoatLoanGuy.com your trusted source for Marine and RV Financing. BoatLoanGuy provides quick and easy stress-free financing for most types of boats including performance boats, pontoons, and center consoles. BoatLoanGuy offers loans from $20,000 to $5M with up to 20 year terms. Visit BoatLoanGuy at www.boatloanguy.com On Instagram @rvboatloans and on Facebook @RV and Boat Loans Contact BoatLoanGuy.com (619) 699-9900 info@boatloanguy.com   You can follow Joe Shelfo on Instagram @joeshelfo and on Facebook @Joe Shelfo You can visit the NJBA at www.njbaracing.com  You can follow NJBA on Instagram @njba_racing and on Facebook @National Jet Boat Association   Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com    

Mike Lovro is the Director of Instrumentation Sales for AutoMeter Products, one of the few companies that manufactures performance marine instrumentation. Lovro has been with Autometer for 21 years and is in line to become the company's longest standing employee when he reaches the end of his tenure.  In our conversation, we talk about some of the things that make marine gauges unique. We also discuss the history behind some of AutoMeter's marine gauges including GPS speedos and stepper motor instruments. Founded by Vern Westberg in 1957 and based in Sycamore, IL, AutoMeter has developed many industry-leading products during their 60+ year history. In 2002, AutoMeter was acquired by a private equity firm, the Harbour Group and has changed hands since. Lovro talks about the adjustments and changes with corporate ownership but the company continues to embrace the family feel that its founders established.  In addition to the more commonly known AutoMeter High Performance division focused on performance and racing automotive instrumentation and electronics, AutoMeter also includes divisions in OEM, motorcycle, test equipment, and of course, marine. Autometer also owns Spek-Pro gauges, Stack, Ltd. instrumentation and Dedenbear drag racing products You can visit AutoMeter online @ www.autometer.com You can follow AutoMeter Products on Instagram @autometerproducts and on Facebook @Autometer Products, Inc. Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com

Speed on the Water is an online magazine/website owned and edited by co-publishers Matt Trulio and Jason Johnson. The pair have nearly 50 years of combined experience reporting on high-performance boating and its community. Both writers began their boating careers as employees of Powerboat Magazine and have been important figures in that magazine's legacy.  Founded in 2009 by Trulio, Speed on the Water publishes daily news features, a weekly newsletter, and an annual print magazine called "Speed on the Water's Year in Review." The publication focuses on the “Big Boat” community of manufacturers and the Offshore Racing and Poker Run events they frequent.  In recent years, Trulio and Johnson have steered Speed on the Water into the arena of video creation. Their first two series, "In the Lead" and "Water Street Confidential," were co-produced by their video partner, Scrapyard Media, and sponsored by Mercury Racing. The series have been great successes and have set a high bar.  The team's newest productions document Jim Schultz and his record-breaking Factory Billet race boat, as well as the construction of the Class 1 Monster Energy/M CON Skater race boat. These videos coincide with Speed on the Water's distinctive storytelling. Trulio and Johnson promise many more of these videos in the future. You can follow Matt Trulio and Jason Johnson on Instagram @speedonthewater and on Facebook @Speedonthewater.com Visit the Speed on the Water website at www.speedonthewater.com Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com  

Rusty Wyatt, a Canadian F1 racer, recently signed with the new Sharjah Team for the 2024 UIM F1H2O World Championship season. The team, previously owned by four-time F1 Champion Scott Gillman, now has Gillman as its acting Team Manager. Wyatt boldly announced his arrival to the foreign grid with a rare rookie win in his very first F1H2O race on Lake Toba in Indonesia. Wyatt grabbed the checkered flag with a calculated and timely move from the outside lane on the finishing stretch of the race.  Wyatt, a 28-year-old elevator technician from Innisfil, Ontario, Canada was named the 2012 Canadian Boating Federation's Rookie of the Year in the T-850 category. He secured High Point titles in both 2013 and 2015. Wyatt's journey didn't stop there. In 2016, he emerged as the top rookie in the Superleague Tour. Last year, he clinched fourth place in the US F1 Powerboat Championship Series with his lone win coming at the Loto Powerfest on the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. You can follow Rusty Wyatt on Instagram @rustywyattracing and on Facebook @Rusty Wyatt Racing Learn more about F1 Powerboat Racing @ www.f1h20.com Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com

In this conversation, I talk with Nick Imprescia, the son of renowned throttle man Joey Imprescia, and Ian Morgan, Nick's longtime friend and driver of the 151 Express 450R Factory Stock class MTI offshore boat. We discuss what it's like being the “new kids” in the sport.  We also talk about the pair's journey in the marine industry and the influence of their families on their racing careers, and their transition from racing a garage-built, low budget bracket class boat to competing in the ultra-competitive Mod-V and 450R Factory Stock classes with a fully funded and supposed race team.  The conversation touches on their opportunities to learn from some of the best racers in the world like Shaun Torrente, who Imprescia and Morgan work for, John Tomlinson, and, of course, Imprescia's dad. The boys also share stories about attending Mercury service school, re-powering with the new 500 hp Mercury outboards, the importance of data analysis, collaborating with Patrick Weismann, and their fascination with How It's Made and MythBusters TV shows. You can follow Nick Imprescia on Instagram @nick_imprescia and on Facebook @Nick Imprescia You can follow Ian Morgan on Instagram @ian_morgan and on Facebook @Ian Morgan Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com

Corey Ferguson is the driver of Tom Buckles's Bucks Up K-Boat. Ferguson is a veteran circle boat driver, starting in the ranks driving for Jim Mobley's OutaPlace racing team. Ferguson has also been a successful participant in the Parker Enduro and also competed in the US and internationally as a water ski race driver. Ferguson drove in the Southern California POPRA offshore series with his dad in their Skater Ferguson is also a seasoned boat rigger and engine builder after having spent time working for Bob Teague and Mobley.  Join us in this episode of Powerboat Talk where Ferguson tells us how it all started and where it's going.  You can follow Cory Ferguson on Instagram @c_ferguson38 and Facebook @Cory Ferguson Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow Powerboat Talk on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com You can listen to Powerboat Talk on most podcast players like Youtube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify Podcasts, Pandora, Amazon Podcasts, Audible, iHeart Radio, Podtail, Audacy, Google Podcasts, Tune In Radio  

Michael Reagan is the eldest son of the former President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. Reagan is also a boat racer with a history dating back to the mid-sixties when he made his mark competing in famous marathon races such as the Colorado River Nine Hour Enduro and the Salton Sea 500. In this episode, Reagan discusses his renowned father and the path that led him to powerboats. Reagan informed us that his original marathon race boat was the first glass boat constructed by Bob Patterson of Patterson Boats. The flatbottom was equipped with a V-drive and a single overhead cam Ford engine built by Holman and Moody. In the early '80s, Reagan collaborated with Larry Smith, the owner of Scarab boats, and initiated a series of endurance runs as fundraisers for charitable organizations. Reagan's most notable achievement was his "Assault on the Mississippi" where he broke the record for the 1,027-mile run from New Orleans to St. Louis, making the trip in 25 hours. With financial backing from sponsors Bud Light, W.R. Grace, Descente Clothing, and Justice Brothers, the run raised $500,000 for the US Olympic Committee. Reagan's 38 ft. Scarab was powered by three of the newly released 430hp V-8 Evinrudes. Following an illustrious career as a conservative radio talk show host, bestselling author, and political speaker, Reagan now serves as the president of the Reagan Legacy Foundation, which he established to commemorate his father's achievements and to educate and inspire people worldwide to cherish freedom and liberty. Follow Michael Reagan on Twitter @ReaganWorld and Facebook @Michael Reagan Visit the Reagan Legacy Foundation at www.reaganlegacyfoundation.org Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com                          

Boat racing doesn't have a decathlete division, but if it did, Andrew Tate would undoubtedly lead the pack. During the 2023 race season, Tate piloted boats in a number of classes, including Stock Outboard, 350 Hydro, Grand Prix Hydro, Formula 1, and, of course, Unlimited Hydroplane. In this episode, Tate delves into the details of his experiences racing the different types of boats. Tate, a fourth-generation boat racer, began his driving career at the age of 11 in the APBA Stock and Modified Outboard classes. His talent quickly emerged, leading him to multiple National Championships. In 2023, Tate clinched the Hydroplane Racing League (HRL) Grand Prix Season Championship for the second consecutive year. As the driver of the Miss Madison Racing U-91 Miss Goodman Real Estate Unlimited Hydroplane, he stepped into the shoes of the retiring champion, Jimmy Shane, after the 2022 season. Following in his father Mark's footsteps, who boasts four driving championships and two gold cup victories during his Unlimited career, the younger Tate has made his mark. Since his debut in the Unlimited category in 2016, Andrew has garnished an impressive nine wins, including a coveted driver's championship and a Gold Cup victory. Tate's passion extends beyond the inboard hydroplanes. In 2023, he began competing on the F1 Championship Powerboat circuit, where he drives a tunnel boat owned by his close friend and fellow racer, Dylan Runne. In the offseason, at his Michigan home, you'll find Tate swapping the water for ice. He continues to enjoy competitive ice hockey, a sport he has pursued since childhood and into his college years. Alongside his racing endeavors, Tate contributes to the family business, Sun Coating Company, working in Sales and Marketing. Visit Andrew Tate's website at www.andrewtateracing.com Follow Andrew Tate on Instagram @andrewtate101 and Facebook @Andrew Tate Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com

Fred Kiekhaefer, former president of Mercury Racing and son of Mercury Marine founder Carl Kiekhaefer, shares stories of his journey in the marine industry. He now owns K.Lab Design Works, a design and consulting firm, and discusses his latest project: a surfacing drive with a cockpit-controlled variable-pitch propeller. The drive, known as Project Dolphin, was designed for performance diesels in the recreational and military markets. Kiekhaefer received a patent for the drive in 2022 but canceled the project due to low demand for diesel-powered boats. After his father's death in 1983, Kiekhaefer took over the family business, Kiekhaefer Aeromarine Motors, which was famous for its successful racing engines. He decided to shift the business from engine building to performance products, drive systems, and propellers. He also developed products such as Zero Effort Controls and K-Plane trim tabs, which are still industry standards today. In 1988, Aeromarine launched their Sterndrive by Kiekhaefer, a drive that could handle extreme horsepower. Kiekhaefer recounts how the drive dominated offshore racing for years. In 1990, Mercury Marine bought Aeromarine and named Kiekhaefer president of Mercury Performance. The Aeromarine drive was rebranded as the Mercury Number Six drive. Mercury Performance later became Mercury Racing, where Kiekhaefer led the division to great success. He oversaw the development of the QC4V engine, a 9.0-liter quad-cam, four-valve engine that is arguably the best performance marine engine ever. Kiekhaefer retired from Mercury in 2012 and lives in Colorado, where he enjoys his exotic car and does work for various charity organizations including AeroAngel and the Morgan Adams Foundation. Follow Fred Kiekhaefer on Facebook @Fred Kiekhaefer Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com  

In this episode, I welcome Australian Champion Circle Boat Racer Chris Palmer who is also the promoter of the Australian BAD Boat Championship.  The Australian Blown Alcohol Displacement (BAD) boats are some of the most exciting pieces of equipment in boat racing. The V-bottomed V-drives are powered by up to 600 cu. in., 2000 plus horsepower engines and race on tight courses on rough narrow rivers throughout Australia.  In researching the subject matter, I discovered that in Australia, flatbottoms and v-bottoms are considered displacement hulls because they displace water (pushing it out of the way) when they run as opposed to tunnel boats and hydros which run over the top of the water. This year's championship is a continuation of Palmer's USA vs. Australia B.A.D. Boat Challenge that he started in 2007. Unfortunately, none of the US based K-boat teams were able to make the trek Down Under for the 2024 event. Round one of the event will be run January 20-21 in Windsor, New South Wales while the final round will culminate the following weekend, January 27-28 in Berri, South Australia.  You can watch a livestream of the event on the event's Facebook page Australian BAD Boat Championship In the episode, we discuss the many differences between Australian and American sprint boats and racing. Palmer talks about Australia's recent tragic years of loosing many racing legends and their new found commitment to safety that included legislating mandatory safety cells in the upper classes of displacement hulls.  In the episode, Palmer talks about his family's history in racing and his journey from driving hydros to BAD boats where he has won Australia's coveted Marj Watson Trophy five times. It was interesting to learn of the time that Palmer spent competing in Judo. Palmer told stories about training all around the world. He has won multiple International, Continental and National championships and is currently a coath at the Ulverstone Judo Club. You can follow Chris Palmer on Facebook @Chris Palmers Outlaw Racing You can follow the event on Facebook @Australian BAD Boat Championship and on Instagram @AUSPowerboat Promotions Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com      

In November, the National Jet Boat Association (NJBA) and the Southern Drag Boat Association (SDBA) came together to co-produce the biggest drag boat race in recent history, The Drag Boat Nationals at Firebird Lake in Chandler, Arizona.  I am joined on this episode of Powerboat Talk by NJBA President, Mike Declark, and Financial Secretary/Race Director, Joe Shelfo, and SDBA Owner and Series Director, David Carroll, to discuss the challenges in bringing the sport's two most prominent organizations together to organize the event.  The Drag Boat Nationals saw 156 drag boats travel to Arizona where they competed for almost $83,000 in prize money. The event was highlighted by the weekend's final twilight pass by the two Top Fuel Hydros in attendance, Nitro Nuts, driven by Mike Robbins, and Liquid Voodoo, piloted by Kebin Kinsley. The elite group of drag boat racing's leaders shared their experience of joining two sanctioning bodies with their separate rule books and varying classes in producing the event. My guests also shared their vision of growth for the sport which includes continued and expanding unification of the various sanctioning bodies and the creation of a Pro Series for racers.  Follow NJBA on Instagram @njba_racing and on Facebook @National Jet Boat Association Visit their website at www.njbaracing.com Follow SDBA on Instagram @sdbaracing and on Facebook @SDBA Southern Drag Boat Association LLC Visit their website at www.sdbaracing.com Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and on Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com  

In today's episode of Powerboat Talk, we welcome back Jet Pump and Drag Boat Racing expert Greg Shoemaker, owner of G.S. Marine. Shoemaker spent his most formidable years in the performance boating industry working for Eliminator Boats where he helped develop and popularize their 19 ft, Daytona through his very successful drag racing exploits.  In the episode, Shoemaker answers some questions about basic jet pump operation and provides input on some simple “do's and don'ts” that are often misunderstood by today's jet boaters.  Shoemaker shares the story behind the 130 mph flip of his and partner Norm Grimes's “Dash for Cash” Daytona as well as the first time he “got wet” driving “Underdog,” his original record setting Daytona. Shoemaker also shared some stories about his many years of writing Jet Tech columns and testing boats for Hot Boat, Performance Boats, and Speedboat magazines.  You can follow Greg Shoemaker on Instagram @gs_marine_inc and on Facebook at @G.S. Marine, Inc  Visit GS Marine online at www.gsmarine.us Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com  

I was recently joined by Nathan Yates, founder and Head Graduate Adviser of the Princeton University Electric Speedboating (PES) Team and Andrew Robbins, CEO of PES to discuss their recent world record speed run and how it came to fruition.  On October 26, 2023, veteran tunnel boat racer John Peeters piloted an electric powered, 14 ft. Pro-Outboard hydro to a new world Kilo record of 114.20 mph. The boat and engine were designed, built, and prepped by the 44 graduate and undergraduate members of the Princeton University Electric Speedboating (PES) Team.  Beginning life as a project to compete in the American Society of Naval Engineer's Promote Electric Propulsion (PEP) Competition, PES saw their entry progress from a 27 mph top speed in the 2021 contest to a 120 mph in two years.  The official APBA/UIM approved kilo record consisted of a 111.08 mph first pass followed by a 117.50 mph return pass for an average of 117.50. The team's boat, nicknamed Big Bird, broke the previous official electric kilo record of 88.61 mph set in 2018 by Jaguar Vector Racing. The run also broke the unofficial single run pass record made by Shaun Torrente in his Vision Marine Technologies' powered S2 catamaran of 116 mph, at this year's Lake of the Ozarks Shootout. Yates and Robbins attribute much of the team's success to Peeters and JW Myers, owner of Black Sheep Racing, for lending the team a wealth of knowledge and racing experience. Much credit can also be given for the support from John Ruiz and Cigarette Racing and Ben Sorkin and Jonathan Lord, owners of Flux Marine Electric Outboards.   

Eddie McPheeters is the owner of Eddie's Inboard Marine in Tucson, Arizona. McPheeters took over management of the business from his father in 2001. A self proclaimed “V-drive guy at heart,” McPheeters specializes in restorations and gel coat refinishing and repair.  McPheeters has also become the “go-to” expert for repair, restoration, and performance upgrades for vintage Mandella Boats. McPheeters and his team proved their metal at the recent Parker Enduro where they ran McPheeters's 1972 Mandella, Brown Sugar, and brought home the 1st place trophy in Division IV/GN Class and finished 5th overall. It was the second Enduro win for McPheeters and co-driver/friend Tyler Stevenson who won the Parker 300 Enduro in 2006 with a 1968 Mandella powered by a 427 Ford engine. McPheeters is a 2nd generation Mandella guru. His father, Eddie, started the family's obsession when he bought his first Mandella in 1964 from then company owner and legendary endurance racer Lou Brummet. The senior McPheeters's purchase turned into a lifelong friendship with Brummet that saw him become a crew member of Brummet's at a marathon race in Miami's historic Marine Stadium. McPheeter also became the Tucson area rep and dealer for Mandella Boats. The Brummet/McPheeters partnership still thrives today with the team's next generation as Brummet's son Carson, owner of Brummett Marine Engines in Pasadena, California, was instrumental in the success of the Eddie's Inboard Enduro entry. Brummet consulted on many aspects of the race set up and build which included, of course, the 427 Chevy engine and its exotic/vintage Lucas mechanical fuel injection.  I hope you enjoy this episode of PowerBoat Talk where we here how Eddie McPheeters transforms iconic Mandella Boats into period correct modern performers.  

For the first time on Powerboat Talk, we're excited to have back with us the renowned circle boat racing icon, Duff Daily. I first had the privilege of interviewing Daily last November for an article in Speedboat Magazine. At that time, he had just clinched a win in his class at the Parker Enduro, with his son Dustin by his side as co-driver. Since that initial interaction, Daily and I have maintained contact, frequently discussing his illustrious racing history and the ongoing racing season. After witnessing the recent race by the Southern California Speedboat Club at Lake Ming in Bakersfield, and with the Enduro approaching, I felt it was the perfect time to reconnect with Daily for an in-depth conversation. In addition to discussing Daily's adventures in K-boat racing this year, we touched upon his recent nomination to the Motorsports Hall of Fame, the innovative engine he acquired for his son's Biesemeyer circle boat, and updates on the restoration of a reproduction of his father's iconic F-Service vintage racer. Now at 70, the retired Miami fireman, Daily, boasts an impressive racing career spanning over half a century.  

Ross Wallach is the Owner and President of RPM Racing Enterprises and is the main man behind West Coast circle boat racing where he is the race director and promoter. Wallach is the President of the Southern California Speedboat Club (SCSC) which was founded in 1946 and is one of the oldest, remaining, active powerboat clubs in the world and the stewards of the famous Parker Enduro.  Dubbed by Wallach as the “Indy 500 of Powerboat Racing,” the Parker Enduro was first established in 1963 as a nine hour event and has been run for the better part of 60 years. Unfortunately, Wallach was involved in the decision to shut down the financially unsustainable race after the 1999 running.  Wallach was also instrumental in bringing the event back in 2005 with a renewed vigor and re-emphasis on the original pathos of “run what you brung” and a new, unofficial slogan of “no boat left behind.” Over time, the Parker Enduro has evolved from its initial nine-hour setup to a format where participants race for four hours followed by an additional lap. The Enduro utilizes a six mile course over the Parker strip on the Colorado River. The next addition of the Parker Enduro will be start from the BlueWater Resort and Casino in Parker, Arizona on March 28, 2023.  

Shaun Torrente is a three time F1 and two time Offshore World Champion. He also owns Shaun Torrente Racing where he manufactures innovative marine components, with billet set-back brackets being their specialty. Torrente is also a Mercury Racing dealer, rigs and set-ups race boats, and operates the GSR High Performance Driving School.  If that wasn't enough to occupy his time, at this year's Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, Torrente and his business partner and race teammate, Sean Conner, introduced their new, purpose built, 32 ft. S2 Powerboats racing catamaran. Rigged in only six days with a pair of Vision Marine Technologies E-Motion 180E electric outboard engines and tested for only two days, Torrente upped his record for the world's fastest electric boat to 116 mph.  It isn't hard to see, with everything that Torrente has his hands into, that he's a very driven and competitive guy. He sat down with me and shared some of the things that make him tick and keep him motivated. You can follow Shaun Torrente on Instagram @shauntorrenteracing and Facebook @Shaun Torrente Racing Visit Shaun Torrente online at www.shauntorrenteracing.com Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com      

Jim Schultz is the owner of the Factory Billet 51 ft. Outerlimits GTX that set the record for the fastest V-bottom at this year's Lake of the Ozarks shootout with an astonishing run of 184 mph. The pass obliterated Schultz's old record of 166 mph on the 3/4 mile course and surpassed the all time LOTO V-bottom record of 180 mph which was accomplished on a one mile course! Schultz, who is a machinist by trade, owns Geremarie Corporation which manufactures billet aluminum parts for world renowned boat companies like MasterCraft and Cigarette. Schultz also owns Factory Billet Power which specializes in drive and engine performance upgrades for elite boat racers.  In this episode of Powerboat Talk, Schultz tells us about some of the engineering specifics of his Outerlimits which is powered by twin, Brummet Marine built, 605 cu. in. twin turbocharged, Big Block Chevys that make close to 3000 hp each. He also talks about the surprises he encountered during his record breaking run where he exceeded his expectations of achieving 170 mph by an almost unbelievable 18 miles per hour. I hope you enjoy this episode of Powerboat Talk. Please share our podcast with any performance boaters that you think may be interested in my show. You can follow Jim Schultz and Factory Billet Power on Instagram @factorybillet and Facebook @Factory Billet Power You can follow Outerlimits Powerboats on Instagram @outerlimitspowerboats and on Facebook @Outerlimits Powerboats   Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com  

Jeff Bennett is an Aerospace Engineer and the owner of Bennett Analytics, a firm that offers state-of-the-art engineering services like aerodynamics, wind tunnel testing, and systems engineering- All talents that have helped things like the Space Shuttle. Bennett can also help your boat go really, really fast! Stemming from a love of fast boats, Bennett has methodically blended his experience from a career in the Aerospace industry (where he worked for Aeronautics giants General Dynamics, McDonnell Douglas, Rockwell, and Boeing) into a vast knowledge of bottom design and jet pump set-up that has led to many national championships and world records in drag boat racing. Bennett made the decision, early in his career, to focus on hull design. “While other people spent their time building more power in their engines,” Bennett told us, “I quickly discovered that the key to performance was through modifying the shape of the race boat bottom. I was able to make them much faster and, more importantly, a lot safer.” But Bennett is more than a “bottom guy”. His years of testing and analyzing data led him to pioneering the use of computers and data analysis in Jet Boat racing. Working with Racepak data systems, Bennett was instrumental in developing the systems that are found on most competitive drag boat teams. Bennett has become the “the computer guy” on a number of these teams, ready, at the race track or on the end of a phone line, to “plug in” between rounds to determine what went wrong, what went right, and what can be done to make it better. Thank you for joining us for a very special episode of Powerboat Talk.  

Tony Chiaramonte is the Vice President and part owner of DCB Performance Boats now located in Phoenix, Arizona. DCB was founded over 30 years ago, in 1990, by Dave Hemmingson, under the name Dave's Custom Boats. DCB quickly became the “go-to” place for high end, custom rigged Eliminator Daytona's and other high performance outboards. Chiaramonte joined Hemmingson in 1993 where he swept floors and washed boats as he learned the business of boat building. Fast forward to 2023, and Chiaramonte is leading the team, and we learn that DCB has introduced over 15 boat models since its inception, with the newest being their M37R and another new model in development, the M42R.  With a production schedule that produces less than 20 boats a year, DCB is committed to providing one-off, custom boats that are completely unique to each owner. To help create their “works of art on the water,” every DCB is built in-house, using the most advanced construction techniques available. As would be expected given the boats that he builds, Chiaramonte is an accomplished high performance driver with a lot of time behind the wheel of 170 + mph water rockets. Chiaramonte personally water tests every boat sold with its new owner. He will spend as much time on the water with them (oftentimes multiple days) Chiaramonte is completely confident with the owner's competence and proficiency in the driver's seat.  Chiaramonte's driving excellence was recently recognized when he was inducted into the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout's Bob Morgan Memorial Hall of Fame. Follow Tony Chiaramonte on Instagram @tna_chiaramonte Follow DCB Performance Boats on Instagram @dcbracing and on Facebook @DCB Performance Boats Visit their website www.dcbperformanceboats.com Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com    

Mark and Thomas Weigl are the owners of Tuff Boats located in Ontario, Canada. At the recent Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, Thomas Weigl drove their TUFF 34 ft. model to capture the title of fastest single engine V-bottom at 135 mph. Powered by a Mercury Racing 1100/1350 hp engine, the boat has run 148 mph in testing on their home lake in Canada.  Mark, the elder Weigl, founder and President of Tuff, gained a wealth of knowledge through his years of experience racing offshore boats with his wife Dana. The couple captured both national and world championship titles in their 32' triple engine Skater catamaran affectionately named "TUFF n' UFF". Running an offshore team on a budget, Mark kept their boat competitive with the more heavily funded teams through his hard work and meticulous testing and modifications. Mark's keen sense of preparation and work ethic has been adopted by his son, Thomas, and applied to their company throughout their operations. The Weigl's are “hands on” owners who personally build each boat that they sell. Every TUFF Boat is custom designed, hand-built and precision crafted at their facility in Ontario, Canada. Visit Tuff Boats' website at www.tuffboats.com Follow them on Instagram @tuff_marine and on Facebook @Tuff Marine Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com     

Jake Fraleigh is the owner of Eliminator Boats in Mira Loma, California. In 2018, Fraleigh and a group of investors acquired the company in a bankruptcy auction. Fraleigh had the good fortune of growing up near Bob Leach, who founded Eliminator boats in 1969, and spent many summers working at the boat company. Fraleigh now finds himself at the helm of the company that builds some of the most storied performance boats in the world. Fraleigh talks about his experiences growing up with the company and the west coast marine industry. He informs us about some of the challenges he endured in acquiring the boat company and implementing new practices to run the business more efficiently.  Fraleigh discusses Eliminator's rich history and explains the importance of continuing to build their classic models like the 19 ft. Daytona and Alan Stoker's iconic Stoker boats. You can find Eliminator Boats on Instagram @EliminatorBoats and on Facebook @Eliminator Boats Visit Eliminator online at www.eliminatorboat.com Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk https://www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com      

Erick Bryner is an motorsports photographer and owner of Firedrill Productions, a boutique graphic design and digital production studio specializing in creative services support for corporate marketing departments for several large companies and ad agencies. But, what drew us to Bryner was his professional photography business, Fast Loud Photography where he spends a lot of his time shooting fast boats. Bryner got the motorsports bug from his dad who had hot rods and was a drag racer. His first paid photo shoot was of a hot rod for an advertisement. Bryner grew up racing motocross and jet skis so his passion for speed is well nurtured. Bryner's social media pages and website are filled to the brim with images of every kind of performance boat imaginable.  While staying busy photographing boat races and poker runs, Bryner is also partners in the very successful Catalina Fun Run. In the podcast, he tells us about how the Fun Run came to be and what the plans are for this year's event. Bryner also talks about his road to becoming a professional motorsports photographer and about the many challenges that the occupation faces today. Bryner also lets us know about the progress on his new jet boat. You can visit Erick Bryner online www.firedrillproductions.com or www.fastloudphotography.com Find Erick on Instagram @fastloudphotography or on Facebook @Fast Loud Photography or on youtube @FastLoudPhotography Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk  and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com  

Don Onken is 83 years young and has accomplished a lot in his powerboat racing career. But he's not done yet. “Our goal with American Ethanol is to go as fast at the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout in 3/4 mile as we previously did in one mile” Onken said. “People didn't think we'd ever get to 200 mph on the short course, but here we are.”  In 2022, driven by Tony Battiato and throttled by John Cosker, the owner of Mystic Powerboats, Onken's 51 ft. Mystic Catamaran produced a run of 207 mph to capture the LOTO Shootout Top Gun award for the eighth time. The boat was powered by four Vortech Supercharged, 600 cu. in. Big Block Chevys that were built by Earl Moorman at Onken's performance engine shop, Onken Racing. The engines use Big Chief cylinder heads, Holley Dominator engine management systems, Custom Marine headers, and run on E85 ethanol fuel from Renegade Race Fuel. The engines are mounted crank-to-crank, tractor pull style, producing 2250 hp each to spin the number 10 Arneson drives through SCS crash boxes.  In preparation for this year's LOTO assault, Onken planned to outfit the Mystic with four new engines. Built using Mercury Racing Engine blocks and double overhead cam cylinder heads, the 557 cu.in. short stroke engines will use Procharger superchargers to make 2550 hp each. Don felt confident that the extra 1000 hp combined would get them the additional 10 mph they needed to get the boat to 217 mph which would have equaled their one mile best speed. In the episode, Don talks about this very ambitious undertaking. You can find Don Onken and American Ethonal Racing on Facebook @American Ethonal Mystic Race Team To learn more about the Lake of the Ozarks (LOTO) Shootout visit them online https://lakeoftheozarksshootout.com/ Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk  and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com  

Phil and Jeremy Gerber are the owners of the Roadster Shop which is known for its high-end, custom built Muscle Cars and Trucks. Their company also manufactures new, state of the art, high-performance chassis that they use in all of their builds and sell to the best custom builders in the world. The Gerbers, along with their Director of Operations, Josh Henning, are also hosts of the Oil and Whiskey podcast where they talk about whiskey and the automotive aftermarket.  The Gerbers grew up boating with their father Neal, a successful entrepreneur who helped them start the Roadster Shop over 25 years ago. Neal passed away in 2019 after a heroic six year battle with cancer, but not before his sons surprised him with a gift of a completely restored and customized 1971 27 ft. Magnum Sport. The boys grew up listening to their father's many stories about his revered Magnum Maltese that he had owned when he was younger. In our episode, the Gerbers talk extensively about their journey to build the boat for their father. We also discuss their hot rod business, their new Four-wheel drive, turn-key Chevy truck rollers, and their exclusive automotive distribution deal with Mercury Racing. You can find the Roadster Shop on Instagram @roadstershop On Facebook @Roadster Shop Visit the Roadster Shop online at https://roadstershop.com/ Listen to the Oil and Whiskey podcast at https://roadstershop.com/podcasts/ on youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@OilandWhiskey or most popular podcast hosts like Apple Podcasts or Spotify Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk  and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com                    

Stan Murakami boasts over 40 years of experience at Schiada Boats, having started his career right after graduating high school in the late 70s. As the current Vice President, he oversees the company's custom rigging and boat production. On the podcast, Murakami shares insights into the remarkable evolution of Schiada boats' performance and his past work at Teague Custom Marine and Howard Boats. Schiada is renowned for crafting high-performance, ultra-custom V-drive day cruisers, with their popular 21 ft. River Cruiser being the preferred choice for water ski racing on the west coast. Most often, the boats are delivered with 1000 hp. + supercharged engines from Teague Custom Marine or Brummett Marine which easily push the cruisers to over 100 mph.  The company's roots go back to 1956 when it was founded by brothers Leonard and Chuck Schiada. Located in Long Beach, California, Schiada offers a range of models, including a 21 ft. tunnel hull and V-bottom boats ranging from 20 ft. to 43 ft. You can contact Stan Murakami through email at schiadastan@aol.com Visit Schiada Boats online at www.schiadaboats.com Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com  

Todd Haig is arguably the best water ski racer in US history having won the prestigious Catalina Water Ski Race an unprecedented 16 times. 12 of those wins and a World Championship in 2005, were achieved with the help of his Team Nordic Racing teammates; driver and owner of Nordic and Hallett boats, Randy Davis, and observer, Dennis Hall. In 2014, with Catalina win number 12, Haig surpassed the Catalina record of 11 wins which was previously held by Water Skiing legend Chuck Stearns. For this episode, I am joined by all three members of Team Nordic Racing. We talk about the formula for the team's success as well as some of the nuances of water ski racing. We caught the boys only days before they headed off to race in Belgium in the infamous Diamond Race (which they won) and in Austria where they finished 3rd. They will compete in the 2023 Catalina Water Ski Race in Long Beach, California on July 22. View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk You can find Todd Haig on Instagram @thaig13 You can find Team Nordic on Instagram @team_nordic_racing  Visit Nordic Boats online at www.nordicboatsusa.com Learn more about the Catalina Water Ski Race at www.catalinaskirace.net/ Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com  

Taylor Scism is the Director of Client Relations at Marine Technology, Inc./MTI Boats, a company owned and founded by her father Randy. Scism is also a World Champion Offshore Powerboat racer as she competes in the 450 Factory Stock class in one of the company's 39 ft. MTI Catamarans. Scism began racing in 2021 in an effort to learn more about the mechanics of making a boat go fast. She currently competes in the Offshore Powerboat Association, P1 Offshore, and Race World Offshore racing series. Scism has grown up with MTI boats, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, and aspires to someday succeed her father as the leader of the high performance boating monster. You can find Taylor Scism on Instagram @taylor.scism and @mtiboats and Facebook @Taylor Scism and @MTI - Marine Technology Inc  Visit MTI Boats at www.marinetechnologyinc.com Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com  

Jim Frisbie's career in the boat industry began in the early 70's. He was instrumental to the success of two of California's most prominent custom boat builders, SKV Boats and Hallett Boats, where Frisbie oversaw production. Ironically, he was the last remaining employee at each company before they were sold. Frisbie was meticulous and organized in the way he built boats and the products reflected that. Frisbie shares some memories of both of the company's founders, Gene Racine and Nick Barron.  You can find Jim Frisbie on Facebook @Jim Frisbie  Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk  and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com        

Erik Nordskog is an offshore boat racer and the grandson of powerboat racing legend Bob Nordskog. Nordskog began racing stock outboards at a young age and, at age 18, his grandfather selected him as the navigator for his famous Canada-to-Mexico offshore endurance run. Nordskog maintains facebook pages that document the legacy of Bob Nordskog and the magazine he owned, Powerboat Magazine. Nordskog continues to be involved in offshore racing as one of the commentators for Ocean Cup open water endurance race series. Nordskog shares many great stories about his grandfather's innovations and life as one of the icons of the performance powerboat industry.  You can find Erik Nordskog online at www.onitpro.com  On facebook at @Bob Nordskog or @Powerboat Magazine   Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com        

Janet Wilson is the Managing Director of Ocean Cup, an Offshore racing series that sanctions open water, world speed record attempts. The endurance competitions are run, rally style, with staggered timed starts in point-to-point and out-and-back configurations. The racers must be equipped to take on open, unprotected passages with no support. Wilson, who is married to Offshore Endurance racer Nigel Hook, has five Ocean Cup series races scheduled for this year in California and Florida. The shortest race is 106 miles, while the longest race tops 430 miles. You can find Janet Wilson on Facebook at @Ocean Cup , on instagram @oceancupofficial , and online at www.oceancup.com  Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com  

Andrew Games is what you might call an extreme performance boater having built and raced flat bottoms, cracker boxes, and river cruisers. Games has also skied in the Catalina water ski race. In this episode, he talks about his experiences as well as his most recent project where he restored a new rescue boat for the Southern California Speedboat Club. You can find Andrew Games on instagram @games550 @gamesboysracing On Facebook @Andrew Games and @Games Boys Racing Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com  

Tim Seebold began racing powerboats when he was eight years old. Following in the footsteps of his father, boat racing legend, Bill Seebold, Jr, and his brother, Micheal, Seebold made his mark in outboard powered Formula 1 tunnel boats. After a 44 year career, Seebold retired in 2016, ending the Seebold racing dynasty that had begun with Grandpa Bill Seebold in 1939. But the youngest Seebold's resume held its own against that of the elder Seebolds as he amassed 19 North American National Championships, seven Formula One National Series Championships, induction into the prestigious APBA (American Powerboat Association) Hall of Champions, and the most total Formula One race wins (37) in US History.  Seebold's legacy in F1 racing continues today, outside of the cockpit, as the Managing Director of the F1 Powerboat Championship Series. You can find Tim Seebold on Instagram @timseebold and @f1powerboatchampionship On facebook @Tim Seebold and @F1 Powerboat World Championship Online www.seeboldracing.com and www.f1powerboatchampionship.com Visit the Powerboat Talk website at www.powerboattalk.com View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com  

David Newton is the host and creator of a popular podcast about Unlimited Hydroplanes called Roostertail Talk. Living in the Seattle area, Newton, who has been around Unlimiteds his entire life, offers some great insights on the upcoming season, its drivers and teams. We also discuss many of the technical aspects of 200 mph Unlimited Hydroplanes. You can find Roostertail Talk on most popular podcast hosts like Apple or Spotify Find David on Instagram @roostertailtalk and Facebook @Roostertail Talk Online www.roostertailtalk.com Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com