Powerboat Talk

In this episode of Powerboat Talk, we sit down with Tony Scarlata, Southern California boat racer and hot boat enthusiast who is famous for driving some of the most recognizable and successful Top Alcohol Flatbottom drag boats in history.  A native of Northern California who spent his early years boating on the Sacramento Delta with his father and his friends. Scarlata was gifted his first boat, a jet, from his father for receiving a college scholarship to play football at Oregon State University. As if there were any doubt Scarlata had hot boats in his blood, he took out a $4,000 student loan and promptly invested it in his education, a big-block Chevy for the boat.  Scarlata started racing in 1990 and soon found himself driving for other boat owners. His first major win came in 1997 in the Pro Gas Flat class at Augusta. Before long, he moved up to Top Alcohol Flat, driving Rick Jackson's Flatzilla, followed by a four-year stint in one of Kevin Felkins' Canyon boats. Perhaps his most successful ride came behind the wheel of Tommy Thompson's Canyon Shazam. Scarlata recalls the team winning six Top Alcohol Flat championships, and in 2017 they became the first TAF team to break into the four-second range, running a 4.96 e.t. at Bakersfield. Scarlata also spent years racing circle boats in the Super Stock and K-boat classes. After a serious crash in Australia in 2010 nearly drowned him and left him in a medically induced coma for several days to reduce brain swelling, he retired from circle racing. In the episode, Scarlata also talks about founding the Outlaw Nationals in 2016, an event held each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving at the Sundance Saloon on the Parker Strip. The race grew out of a public challenge between Scarlata and rival drag boat racer Shane Westerfield to settle things with an impromptu showdown on the river. Last year marked the event's 10th running. The 2026 season has also been eventful for Scarlata. Although he didn't have a full-time driving ride, he was named Series Manager of the IHRA Outlaw Drag Boat Series in February, only to be relieved of his duties in June. In the episode, Scarlata shares some of the behind-the-scenes craziness surrounding the short-lived IHRA saga. Scarlata can also be found at any of the National Jet Boat Association (NJBA) drag boat races where he can be seen helping fellow racers, especially the younger ones, and manning the starter's barge.  Follow Tony Scarlata on Instagram @jetboatguru and on Facebook @Tony Scarlata 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: [email protected]    

In this episode of Powerboat Talk, we visit with Bob Wartinger, one of the most accomplished powerboat racers of all time. With 148 world and national records to his credit, Wartinger has spent more than 60 years in outboard racing, setting his first record in 1971 and his most recent in November 2025 at age 80. A University of Washington engineering graduate with a master's degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics, Wartinger also built a long career at Boeing while becoming one of the most respected figures in boat racing. He is best known for setting the world outboard speed record of 176.556 mph on the Colorado River in Parker, Arizona, in 1989, a mark that still stands today. But Wartinger's story goes far beyond speed. He has won major international endurance races, earned six inductions into the APBA Hall of Champions, and become one of the sport's leading advocates for safety. A past chairman of the APBA Safety Commission, Wartinger has also served as president of the UIM International Medical and Safety Commission (COMINSAFE) since 1990. Today, he continues to share his knowledge through consulting, writing, and his lifelong passion for powerboat racing Follow Bob Wartinger on Facebook @Bob Wartinger or online at www.bobwartinger.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: [email protected]

Harlan Orrin is a true legend in the West Coast performance boating world, with more than 60 years of hands-on experience designing and building molds, hulls, and custom wood decks. His roots in boat building trace back to World War II, when his father and uncle built wooden boats for the US military, an early influence that shaped Orrin's lifelong path. From an early interest in drafting and sheet metal fabrication, Orrin got his start in 1957 at Mandella Boats after his uncle Ernie purchased the company. In just four years, they built 54 boats, and during that time Orrin even built Rayson-Craft founder Rudy Ramos his first race boat. From there, he went on to start his own company, Orrin Boats and did work with many of the most iconic builders in the industry, including Sanger, Hallett, Eliminator, Aqua Craft, Scarab, Tige, and Commander, contributing to numerous iconic and race-winning boats. Known for innovations like the original Sanger bubble deck design and his unmatched craftsmanship, Orrin built his career designing by eye and experience rather than modern CAD tools. He also recreated the legendary "Banzai" drag hydro using only photos and historical references. Today, at 90 years old, he's still actively designing, restoring, and installing wood decks continuing a lifetime legacy in performance boating. Follow Harlan Orrin on Facebook @Harlan Orrin 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: [email protected]

In this episode of Powerboat Talk, we sit down with drag boat racing pioneer Mary Rife, the first woman ever licensed to drive a Blown Fuel Hydro and the only woman in history to surpass 200 mph in a boat. Long before women became common in motorsports, Rife was competing head-to-head against the sport's best drivers in one of the most dangerous classes in racing. Often described as drag boat racing's answer to Shirley Muldowney, Rife built an extraordinary career spanning almost two decades without a major accident. In the episode, Rife talks about how the purchase she and her husband made of a 48-mph, 16-foot boat powered by an 85-hp Mercury outboard led to her quest for speed on the water. The purchase of a Holman & Moody-powered Kindsvater flatbottom came next and led the Rifes to their first time on a liquid drag strip. When Rife outqualified her husband at that first race at Lake Ming in Bakersfield, California, it earned her a place in the driver's seat, one she never relinquished. In 1973, the couple purchased a Howard hydro hull, rigged it in their garage, and named it Proud Mary after the Creedence Clearwater Revival hit song. The Rifes fit the boat with a blown 392 Chrysler Hemi and ran it on nitro, which Mary drove to its first pass of 155 mph. An upgrade to a Keith Black 426 Hemi led Rife down the path to a list of career accomplishments that included a 206-mph pass, winning the 1978 NDBA Nationals at Firebird, earning Driver of the Year honors in 1977, appearing on national television with Billie Jean King, and even taking racing legend Mario Andretti for a 168-mph ride across Long Beach Marine Stadium. Rife also shares the remarkable story of losing and later recovering Proud Mary, and the painstaking restoration that returned one of drag boat racing's most famous machines to its former glory. Follow Mary Rife on Facebook @Mary Rife McCally 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: [email protected]

In this episode of Powerboat Talk, we sit down with offshore racing legend John Connor to explore a career that helped define the sport's golden era. As throttleman and crew chief for Paul and Betty Cook, Connor played a key role in Betty's rise to prominence as one of the most important figures in offshore racing history.  In 1977, Betty Cook became the first woman to win a world championship in offshore powerboat racing (her first of two), and just the second female in any major motorsport to achieve the feat, alongside drag racing's Shirley Muldowney. Remarkably, Cook and Muldowney each captured their first world titles just one month apart, marking a groundbreaking moment for women in motorsports. Working alongside the Cooks, Connor helped push the limits of performance and reliability while driving innovation behind the scenes. The conversation dives into the team's development of the groundbreaking 38-foot Scarab and the KAAMA surface drive, technologies that helped reshape offshore boat design and propulsion. Connor also shares insight into his time with Tom Gentry, where he served not only as throttleman but as project manager and lead engineering force behind the transatlantic record setting Gentry Eagle. He discusses the challenges of developing its turbine-assisted powertrain and advanced systems, culminating in the record-setting 1989 transatlantic crossing, where the team averaged remarkable speeds over more than 3,400 miles.  Like Connor's time with the Cooks, his partnership with Gentry produced world championships, record speeds, and cutting-edge technology, but it ultimately ended in tragedy following a devastating crash in Gentry's final race in 1994, which led to his death in 1998. Connor is a fascinating and often underrecognized figure in offshore racing. This episode offers a firsthand look at the mindset and innovation that defined one of the sport's most influential contributors. Visit John Conner online @ www.connormarine.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: [email protected]

In this episode of Powerboat Talk, we sit down with Cade Wilson, the new owner of Sterling Engines, a name deeply rooted in offshore racing history. After a successful corporate career and a leadership foundation built through service in the U.S. Army, the U.S. Naval Academy, and as a Naval officer, Wilson set out to acquire and grow a business, ultimately landing in the one place he initially tried to avoid, racing. We dig into how a calculated acquisition quickly became a hands-on rebuild of both operations and reputation, from restoring equipment and workflow to navigating early challenges like the loss of key Super Cat customers. Wilson also breaks down Sterling's technical direction, including partnerships with Ilmor Marine for marinized V-10 Viper engines, expanding work with Mercury QC4v and Outboard platforms, and the growing role of MoTeC electronic fuel injection across their builds. From leadership and shop culture to race-day reliability and customer accountability, Wilson shares how that military mindset translates into the engine room and even into the cockpit through his unexpected partnership with Mike Howe and the Howe2Live Super Cat team, where he made his debut behind the wheel. Follow Sterling Engines on Instagram @SterlingEngines and Facebook @Sterling Engines Visit Sterling online @ www.sterlingengines.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: [email protected]

In this episode of Powerboat Talk, we sit down with veteran flatbottom K-boat driver Ty Newton of Phoenix, Arizona, a multi-time national champion and member of the American Power Boat Association Hall of Champions (2009). With more than three decades behind the wheel and 15 years in K-boats, Newton brings a deep well of experience and perspective to the conversation. Newton shares the story of his recent trip to Australia to compete in the BAD Boat Challenge, marking his third appearance in the event after first competing in 2019. He breaks down the unique challenges and joys of racing down under. The conversation dives into some of the technical differences between American K-boats and their Australian counterparts. Newton reflects on the harsh realities of competition, recounting a difficult outing at the Australian event with the Mr. Big Stuff racing team that began with a violent flip and barrel roll and continued with another spin and multiple DNFs, ultimately falling out of contention. Newton shared his future plans to return to Australia and drive the Mr. Big Stuff K640 looking for some retribution. The boat remains down under in the possession of new co-owner Craig Cook. Newton discusses his new role as crew chief for his son Talon Newton and the challenges and joins of teaching his son. Talon competes in the SA 105mph class in Southern California Speedboat Club events on the west coast. The Newton's will also be hitting courses on the east coast this year competing in events in Decatur, IL, Hampton, VA, and Cambridge, MD. You can follow Ty Newton on Instagram @tyracer61 and Facebook @Ty Newton You can follow Talon Newton on Instagram @legacy.racing.61 and Facebook @Talon Newton 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: [email protected]  

In this episode, recorded before the 2025 racing season, we sit down with Dave Villwock, the most successful driver in Unlimited Hydroplane racing history. At the time, Villwock had amassed 67 career wins, 10 national championships, 10 APBA Gold Cups, and multiple world speed records. During the 2025 season, he added to that legacy with his 68th career win and 11th Gold Cup at age 71. Villwock's story spans decades, from driving flat bottoms and wrenching in the pits to rising as a crew chief, becoming a dominant driver, and ultimately returning to the cockpit at age 70. His career reached another milestone with his 2025 induction into the Motorsports Hall of Fame, joining a select group of boat racers to receive the honor. He retired following the 2025 season. In this episode, Villwock reflects on his relationships with key figures who shaped his career, including owners Bill Bennett (Miss Circus Circus) and Bernie Little (Miss Budweiser), drivers Chip Hanauer and Andrew Tate, and legendary boat designers Ron Jones and Ron Jones Jr. Whether you're a die-hard racing fan or a curious listener, Dave Villwock's story is built on hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to learning from the best, growing through the relationships that shaped his career. Tune in for an engaging conversation with one of the greatest in the sport. Follow Dave Villwock on Facebook @Dave Villwock Learn more about Unlimited Hydroplane Racing @ www.h1unlimited.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: [email protected]  

As the founder of Customer Marine, Inc. (CMI), Joe Zelinski stands as a central figure and true innovator in the high-performance marine world. For decades, CMI headers have set the benchmark for performance marine exhaust systems. Raised by a father who was a plumbing contractor, Zelinski developed a strong work ethic early on, along with a natural curiosity for anything mechanical. While spending summers digging ditches for his father's business, he purchased his first boat, a Boston Whaler, at just 12 years old. Not long after, he landed a job at a local boat shop where he was paid in parts, eventually working his way into pit crew duties for the owner's son on the race circuit. It was there that Zelinski developed a passion for racing and began focusing on building components to go faster. After graduating college, Zelinski joined Kiekhaefer Aeromarine, taking on a variety of roles within the company. While observing an effort to duplicate an existing set of stainless steel headers, he proposed that the company manufacture its own. The idea was met with resistance, and Fred Kiekhaefer challenged him directly: "If you want to build headers, go start your own company building headers!" Taking that challenge to heart, Zelinski left the company in 1986 and introduced CMI to the industry at the IMTEC show in Chicago in 1989. In this episode, Zelinski reflects on the path that grew CMI into a dominant name in the marine industry, with its headers becoming standard equipment on Mercury Racing engines and a top choice for leading engine builders such as Sterling, Innovation, and Keith Eickert. The conversation also traces Zelinski's later years with the company, including the sale in 2005, the transition into corporate ownership, and his eventual departure in 2012. To learn more about Custom Marine, Inc visit them online @ www.custommarine.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: [email protected]  

In this episode, the 2nd of two parts, we talk with racer Tyler Speer following the 2025 drag boat racing season as he breaks down the continued progress of his A Fuel Nitro Hydro, Georgia Outlaw, through the 2025 season and his plans heading into 2026. Speer, who works in the family boat business Proboat in Woodstock, GA with his father Tim, talks about an early-season change to a different clutch program that required the team to re-establish their baseline setup, which slowed progress as they worked through the learning curve and adjusted to the new combination. We talk about his results competing in both the Southern Drag Boat Association and the Kentucky Drag Boat Association, where he finished second and third in season points, respectively. The conversation also covers the final race in Wheatland, Texas, where Speer and his team put things together to run a 4.22-second elapsed time, setting a class record and winning the event. For 2026, Speer will continue to be the only naturally aspirated, nitro-burning boat on the circuit and will continue to work with A Fuel drag racing standout Randy Meyer. He will again rely on his FuelTech system for fuel management and data logging, using expanded data to evaluate clutch performance, fuel delivery, and run-to-run consistency. Speer will continue to focus on the current A Fuel boat and resist the move back to Top Fuel. He also outlines plans to build two additional Warhawk hulls to serve as backup boats and support ongoing testing and development. We also discuss expectations for the International Hot Rod Association and its involvement in drag boat racing, along with how that could impact participation and event structure moving forward. Finally, we talk about the usefulness of running a marine engine on a dyno, as well as availability and quality control issues with high-performance racing parts. Follow Tyler Speer on Instagram @TylerSpeerRacer on Facebook @Tyler Speer on Youtube @TylerSpeerRacer Visit Tyler online @www.tylerspeer.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: [email protected]  

Tyler Speer is one of the most versatile racers in modern drag boat competition and a rising force in nitro-powered hydro racing. Today he campaigns an Injected Nitro Hydro in the Top Alcohol Hydro class, pushing the limits of performance while developing one of the most demanding boats in the sport. Speer began racing motocross at age five, later moving through go-karts, the Allison Legacy Series, and stock cars, before making his ARCA Racing Series debut in 2010. After transitioning to drag boats in 2014, he quickly made his mark by winning the 2016 Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series Pro Modified World Championship and the 2018 Pro Outlaw World Championship. Off the water, Tyler works alongside his father Tim, at Proboat in Woodstock, Georgia, the family's boat shop, building boats and tuning engines while developing their own race program. In this episode, Tyler discusses the team's conversion from a single-prop to dual-prop set up in the hydro, the challenges of tuning an injected nitro boat, and working with NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster champion Randy Meyer to refine their program. Look for our next episode where Tyler returns as he prepares for the 2026 IHRA Drag Boat season. You can follow Tyler on Instagram @tylerspeerracer on  Facebook @Tyler Speer and on you tube @tylerspeerracer Visit Tyler online at www.tylerspeer.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: [email protected]  

This episode of Powerboat Talk is a recording of a livestream that we did at Eddie Marine in Rancho Cucamonga for Eddie's SoCal Performance Expo opening night party. We had the privilege of interviewing 23 marine and automotive industry leaders and personalities. Eddie's SoCal Performance Expo brought together almost 300 cars and 90 performance boats for a great day in sunny Southern California. The line up was INSANE!! To learn more about Eddie's SoCal Performance Expo visit their website eddies-socalexpo.com  Clint Miglia- Eddie Marine / Eddie Motorsports Ray Lee- Speedboat Magazine  Ken Johnson- Social Lab Media Scott Walters- Cobra Performance Boats Rob Torres- Barron Boats Tony Chiaramonte- DCB Performance Boats Jake Fraleigh- Eliminator Boats Anna Frasier- Mercury Racing Tom Leigh- Tommy Gun Images Mike Wahl- FiTech Fuel Injection Mitch Kelly- The Crazy Painters Rob Lindsay- RJ Fab JR Villarreal, Illicit Camaro Frank Tabbakh- NextaSex Adrian Barrett- Barrett Custom Marine Leanne Shadlow- Demon Bikini Chad Havens- Demon Bikini Racing Greg Shoemaker- GS Marine Carlos Ulloa- Good Boy Vodka Bob and Cherilyn Teague- Teague Custom Marine Travis and Summer Richardson- Swoop Motorsports View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk  Contact me: [email protected] You can listen to Powerboat Talk on youtube and most podcast players like Apple Podcasts, Youtube Music, Spotify Podcasts, Pandora, Amazon Podcasts, Audible, iHeart Radio, Podtail, Audacy, Google Podcasts, Tune In Radio

This week's episode features an inside look at the Boat Alcohol Displacement (BAD) Boat Challenge in Australia with Stock Racing team members Gordy Jennings (Jennings Motorsports) and Paul Fitzgerald (Southern Thunder Marine). As the crew chiefs responsible for tuning and maintaining Mike Stock's El Cid K-boat, piloted by Duff Daily, Jennings and Fitzgerald found themselves representing the United States alongside Mr. Big Stuff and driver Ty Newton. Together, the two American teams faced a formidable lineup of 28 blown alcohol boats from Australia and New Zealand, making for two intense weekends of competition. We explore the realities of taking a race program halfway around the world, the chemistry within a veteran team, and the technical and strategic hurdles they encountered along the way. The discussion also highlights the Australian racers, their distinct equipment, and unique approach to driving. And while the racing was serious, the experience was as rewarding as it was challenging and a whole lot of fun. Follow Gordy Jennings on Facebook at Jennings Motorsports Visit Paul Fitzgerald's Southern Thunder Marine online at www.southernthudermarine.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: [email protected]    

On this episode of Powerboat Talk, we welcome Tate Ramsey, an Australian circuit boat racer, three-time winner, and reigning National Drivers Champion. Ramsey is also the current BAD Boat Challenge champion, and he puts that crown on the line in the upcoming 2026 USA & New Zealand vs. Australia BAD Boat Challenge. There, he'll face a deep and competitive field of more than 25 Australian racers, along with standout American challengers Duff Daily and Ty Newton and New Zealander Zack Weller. Ramsey's race boat is a 21-foot Child's Play powered by a 470-cubic-inch PSI-blown big-block Chevy built by BNR Engines, with top speeds reaching 160 mph. In this episode, Ramsey shares an inside look at the razor-thin margins that define elite powerboat racing, where milliseconds matter where anything less than meticulous preparation can make or break a race weekend. Ramsey discusses the unique experience of hosting two legendary American racers on Australian waters and evaluates his chances against the Americans' Mike Stock/Duff Daily designed flatbottom boats. Ramsey also opens up about the unique dynamic of racing alongside his brother, Blake Ramsey, his trusted teammate who is simultaneously one of his toughest competitors. Drawing from a deep family racing legacy, Ramsey discusses the history of Australia's evolving safety standards and its influence on the current state of racing down under. Follow Tate Ramsey on Facebook @Ramsey Racing and on Instagram @Ramsey.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: [email protected] You can listen to Powerboat Talk on youtube and most podcast players like Apple Podcasts, Youtube Music, Spotify Podcasts, Pandora, Amazon Podcasts, Audible, iHeart Radio, Podtail, Audacy, Google Podcasts, Tune In Radio    

In this episode, we sit down with one of offshore powerboat racing's most accomplished throttlemen, Richie Powers. Over the course of more than three decades, Powers amassed an extraordinary record, more than sixty victories across Superboat and UIM Open Class competition, nearly 12,000 miles of race-winning performance, seven World Offshore Titles, and eleven national and international championships. His many successes occurred on some of the world's most demanding open water courses and conditions. Power's put his stamp on many of the most important technical advancements in high performance boating and offshore racing.   Powers's journey began as a 19-year-old test driver for Mercury Marine working under Karl Kiekhaefer, where he quickly earned a reputation for fearlessness and precision. His early years at Lake X placed him alongside legends such as Bob Magoon, Gene Lanham, Odel Lewis, and Don Aronow, and by his early twenties he was competing in grueling events like the 548-mile Bahamas 500 and major races throughout the country. From racing under Carlo Bonomi's Dry Martini team in Europe to joining powerhouse American programs with Tom Gentry, Al Copeland, Bernie Little, and Rocky Aoki, Powers's career is a tour through offshore racing history. He won four consecutive UIM world titles in the 1970s, three U.S. Superboat world championships in the early 1990s, and set multiple world Kilo speed records, including a blistering 158-mph average in Gentry's 40' Skater. Along the way, Powers raced with and befriended some of the world's most recognizable names, sharing cockpits and racecourses with actors Don Johnson and Kurt Russell, and encountering icons like Mario Andretti, Steve McQueen, and Jacky Ickx through the sport's tight-knit, high-adrenaline community. Powers also helped pioneer the first successful canopied, sit-down V-bottom Apache raceboat, Apache Heritage, which captured back-to-back world titles in Key West. In this conversation, Powers reflects on the machines, the men, the danger, and the innovation that defined offshore racing's most influential era. It's a rare look into a remarkable career that shaped the sport from the inside out. Follow Richie Powers on Facebook @Richie Powers 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: [email protected] You can listen to Powerboat Talk on youtube and most podcast players like Apple Podcasts, Youtube Music, Spotify Podcasts, Pandora, Amazon Podcasts, Audible, iHeart Radio, Podtail, Audacy, Google Podcasts, Tune In Radio

Alan Stoker is a world-renowned boat racer and the builder of Stoker Boats. An innovator whose career spans the formative decades of Mod VP outboard racing and tunnel-hull development, Stoker was raised in Southern California. This episode was recorded shortly after his third straight victory at the 2024 Parker Enduro. Stoker grew up immersed in boating through his father, John Stoker, owner of John's Custom Marine, where he began working weekends at just 11 years old. He started racing when his dad purchased a kneel-down racer from Ron Hill and spent time in the pits while his father crewed on the world speed record-holding Hustler jet engine boat. John Stoker also competed in the Parker Enduro with a Chrysler-powered Patterson, further cementing racing as a family pursuit. In 1976, when the first Evinrude V-6s were introduced, the Stokers bought a wood-plug Kona bottom, built a wood deck, and raced the Parker Enduro. A step up to a Witchcraft the following year, driving with Earl McKinney, saw the team win 12 out of 13 races. As competition in the V-bottom outboard ranks intensified, a partnership with Jerry Baker of Baker Boats provided the Stokers with increasingly faster equipment. With the advent of modified V-bottoms, which eventually evolved into full-blown tunnel boats in the hugely popular Mod VP class, the Stokers were led to design what would become one of the most successful hulls of the era, the Stoker Sport Tunnel (SST) Mod VP. These boats are still being produced today by Eliminator Boats. For its 45 years in operation, John's Custom Marine remained a loyal Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC) dealer. During much of that time, Stoker was often the lone competitor powered by an OMC Evinrude. His many successes behind the wheel in Mod VP competition were rivaled only by his reputation as a highly skilled and innovative engine builder. Stoker later climbed back into the driver's seat alongside his old friend and longtime competitor, the late Greg Foster, to win the Parker Enduro in 2012 and again in 2017. The appeal of running a new V-8 Mercury on one of his 22-foot SST hulls led him to team up with boat owner John Roth, a partnership that dominated the event from 2022 through 2024. An attempt to tie old friend Todd Bowden's record of four consecutive Parker Enduro victories was ultimately thwarted in 2025, when Stoker was forced to withdraw at the last minute due to back issues. If history is any indication, Alan Stoker's story at the Parker Enduro is far from finished. 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: [email protected] You can listen to Powerboat Talk on youtube and most podcast players like Apple Podcasts, Youtube Music, Spotify Podcasts, Pandora, Amazon Podcasts, Audible, iHeart Radio, Podtail, Audacy, Google Podcasts, Tune In Radio  

In this episode of Powerboat Talk, I talk to three new flatbottom circle boat racers—Nash Thorpe, Nick Balayan, and Travis Hill—who share their backgrounds, experiences, and insights from their first race at the Southern California Speedboat Club's season opener in Parker, Arizona, this past April. The conversation covers their paths into racing, the challenges they faced as rookies, the importance of community support, and their aspirations for future races. They reflect on rookie mistakes and how everything changes when you strap on a helmet and go side-by-side with some of the best circle racers in the world—compared to just running your boat hard on a river or lake. They also discuss navigating the process and many hurdles to participate in their first race, and how their newfound friendship and support for each other made it all possible. Follow Nick Balayan on Instagram @nickbalayan138 Follow Nash Thorp on Facebook @Nash Thorp Follow Travis Hill on Instagram @blownflat_trav To learn more about Circle Boat Racing, visit the Southern California Speedboat Club online  @ www.scscracing.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: [email protected]  

Fred Inman is the owner and founder of Inman Marine Corporation (IMCO), one of the largest and most respected performance aftermarket marine manufacturers in the world. Like many entrepreneurs, Inman, a metal fabricator by trade, began his career in the marine industry by making parts in his garage for his flatbottoms in the 1960s. After gaining experience at a similar company, Inman partnered with a friend to start his own metal fabrication business. Over the years, he produced a wide range of commercial products, including solar water heater tanks, concrete pump components, and auxiliary gas tanks for diesel cars and trucks during the gas crunch of the 1980s. These lucrative ventures gave Inman the capital to grow his marine business—his true passion. With the help of his three children, Belinda, Fred Jr., and Frank, IMCO evolved from building gas tanks for jet boats into a manufacturing powerhouse, producing performance exhaust systems, hydraulic steering systems, and its own line of high-performance SCX outdrives. Today, IMCO operates manufacturing facilities in both California and Nevada. In the episode, Inman shares his core business philosophies and explains how he stayed ahead of the curve, guided by the belief that "nothing lasts forever." He reflects on his extensive journey in the marine industry, the evolution of his company, the challenges he faced, and the critical role that family has played in his success. You can follow IMCO on instagram @imcomarine and Facebook @IMCO - Inman Marine Corporation Or find them online at www.inmanmarine.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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]  

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: [email protected]

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. Update: Since this episode was recorded, Freedom One Racing suffered a serious crash at the Desert Storm Shootout April 26, 2025 when the boat flipped at over 200 mph. This was the boat's first pass of the weekend and it's first run since the team's debut at the Lake of the Ozark's Shootout. While the boat was heavily damaged, the still unidentified driver and throttleman escaped with only minor injuries. As of now, we have not received an official update from the team regarding their future plans. 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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]              

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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]

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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]

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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]  

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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]      

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]    

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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

Welcome to my new podcast where we talk everything, performance boats! I have been boating my entire life and have spent over 30 years in the performance marine aftermarket. But, I still have a lot to learn and many people in the fast boat world that I want to get to know. I created this podcast so that I can share my experiences and knowledge with others who enjoy performance 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: [email protected]  

This episode features a talk with Ron Lund. Lund is not a household name in the boating industry, he's a cabinet maker by trade, but Lund recently bought two of the old Rogers jet boat molds so now he is a boat builder. I thought it was an interesting story when I stumbled onto it on Facebook so I decided to to talk to Lund to get the full story on what it took to get the molds and how he plans to bring the boats to market. Lund and his son also campaign a Rogers in the Comp Jet circle boat racing class and we had some discussion about that as well. Thank you for listening! Joe Rode 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: [email protected]  

Lorne Leibel is a three-time US and three-time world champion offshore racer who has driven boats with Bob Latham, John Tomlinson, Richie Powers, Ryan Beckley, Bob Idoni, and Bob Morgan, among others. After a decades-long retirement, Leibel, a homebuilder from Canada, is back in the saddle again with old mate Latham, conquering the open seas in the Ocean Cup series competition in his vintage triple-engine 47-ft Apache, boat #001 of the 47-ft model, Leibel spent years trying to find the boat and purchase it, only to sell it and then purchase it again. In the podcast, Leibel talks about some of his boating exploits, including driving with Tomlinson in his very first race, competing against actor Don Johnson, and dealing with Ben Kramer when buying his first offshore race boat. 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] Follow Lorne Leibel on Instagram @lorneleibel Follow Apache Power Boats on Instagram @apachepowerboats and on Facebook @Apache Powerboats Visit Apache Powerboats online at www.apachepowerboats.com Learn more about the Ocean Cup Series 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: [email protected]  

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]   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: [email protected]    

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]  

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected] 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: [email protected]                          

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]  

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: [email protected]      

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: [email protected]  

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: [email protected]  

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.