Speedboat - September 2018

SPEEDBOAT MAGAZINE

BRAWL AT THE BEACH!

ISLAND MAGIC Amazing 1,000 Islands Poker Run

SEPTEMBER 2018

SEPTEMBER 2018

OPA • Super Boat • Race World Offshore speedboat.com

93990_SpeedboatSept18_001.indd 1

8/14/18 12:13 AM

85973_SpeedBoatMar18 _002,003,013,015,033,037,041,045,047,053,084.indd 3

2/6/18 4:25 PM

93990_SpeedboatSept18_03,09,12,21,27,45,47,57,83,84.indd 3

8/14/18 3:18 AM

S

Where true luxury meets speed and dependability at over 110mph.

Your next boat purchase is an investment in both your family and yourself. Make the right choice.

www.NordicBoatsUSA.com

50 years of serving the custom boat industry.

The 28SS with twin 300s... The fastest way to get to 100mph!

LAKE HAVASU CITY, ARIZONA • 800.279.5398 • E-MAIL: sales@NordicBoatsUSA.com

NORDIC_spread_0615.indd 4

5/6/15 12:41 AM

NORDIC_spread_0615.indd 5

5/6/15 12:41 AM

Table of Contents SEPTEMBER 2018

COLUMNS 8 RAY LEE 10 TEAGUE ON TECH 14 INDUSTRY NEWS

FEATURES 16 ISLAND MAGIC The 1000 Islands Charity Poker Run brings together passionate powerboaters in a picturesque paradise.

32 CATALINA SKI RACE The 70th anniversary of the annual competition attracts nearly 50 teams to the 62-mile race.

38 OFFSHORE RACING: MENTOR, OH Race World Offshore’s inaugural race draws a dozen muscleboats to Ohio’s Lake Erie.

42 OFFSHORE RACING: ST. CLAIR, MI OPA’s fourth match of the season takes racers to the Wolverine State for some awesome action.

48 OFFSHORE RACING: MICHIGAN CITY, IN Despite clear skies and flat water, the Indiana offshore bout was a bit of a bruiser.

52 BOOGIE FEVER Now in its 10th year, this must-see show is attracting some of the coolest flatties on the planet.

6

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_006-007.indd 6

speedboat.com

8/14/18 12:22 AM

Speedboat.com Published by DCO Enterprises, LLC Publishers

Ray Lee ray@speedboat.com

Chris Davidson chris@speedboat.com

Editor

Brett Bayne brett@speedboat.com

Senior Tech Editors Bob Teague bobteague@teaguecustommarine.com

Jim Wilkes jim@speedboat.com

Tech Editors

National Sales Director Art Director

Greg Shoemaker Jim Wilkes Valerie Collins Ray Lee ray@speedboat.com

Gail Hada-Insley

Helicopter Services Fred Young fyoung@live.com

Photographers Cover Photo by Todd Taylor Table of Contents photo by Ray Lee

Todd Taylor, Pete Boden, Mark McLaughlin, Kenny Dunlop, Jeff Gerardi, Paul Kemiel, Daren Van Ryte

Operations Manager Michele Plummer and Subscriptions michele@speedboat.com 5840 W. Craig Rd Suite 120, #386 Las Vegas, NV 89130-2730

BRETT’S COVE 64 JASON’S DARLING

Webmaster

Mid-Life Crisis, a 1978 DiMarco we featured back in the Hot Boat days, returns for an encore.

Web Design

68 BLAST FROM THE PAST Boat and attendance turnout to Lake Ming’s annual boat, car, and hot rod show was light, but RC models were a highlight.

74 BATTLE AT THE BEACH

Craig Lathrop craig@speedboat.com

Blair Davidson Market It Mobile, Las Vegas, NV blair@speedboat.com

Editorial Offices

9216 Bally Court Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 (702) 313-1400

Long Beach provides the backdrop as 10 classes of boats show off their awesome power and speed.

SPEEDBOAT MAGAZINE (ISSN#1941-9473) is published 8 times plus a bonus issue this year by DCO Enterprises LLC.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Speedboat Magazine, 9216 Bally Court, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730.

PRINTED IN USA These rates represent Speedboat’s standard subscription rate and should not be confused with any special rates or premiums otherwise advertised or offered.

Editorial: Speedboat Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. All manuscripts, materials, photographs and artwork submitted are at mailer’s risk and must include self-addressed envelope with proper postage if requested to be returned. All letters sent to Speedboat will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes, and are subject to Speedboat's right to edit and comment editorially. All rights reserved. Reprinting in whole or part is expressly forbidden, except by written permission of the publisher.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Domestic $34.00 for 8 times plus a bonus issue, Canada $66.00 for 8 times plus a bonus issue, International $77.00 for 8 times plus a bonus issue. All prices are for one year and in U.S. funds. For subscription info: call (702) 313-1400.

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_006-007.indd 7

7

8/14/18 12:22 AM

OBSERVER’S SEAT RAY LEE

“Start spreading the news… I’m leavin’ today!”

Well, actually it was July 18, 2018–if we’re being precise. Speedboat photographer Todd Taylor and I set course for the far opposite end of the country and landed in upstate New York to cover the Second Annual 1000 Islands Charity Poker Run (see Page 16), benefitting the Make-a-Wish Foundation and River Hospital, which benefits veterans suffering from PTSD. We left triple digit temperatures on the West Coast to find a very welcoming, mild climate that ranged in the mid 80s by day–low 60s by night. It was perfect.

As we made our way to the little town of Clayton, New York, I couldn’t help but notice the lush green scenery, the relaxed hayfields and even deer alongside the four-lane highway. This was my first time

8

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_008.indd 8

1,000 Shades of Grandeur to New York and it was far from the bright lights and hustle that I’ve come to know as “the city that never sleeps.” No, this was light years away from that and I was good with it.

We arrived shortly after sunset and we were welcomed by the organizers of the event to the beautiful resort of the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel. We are never too demanding regarding our accommodations, nor are we ever snobbish. Anyone that has witnessed some of the “dives”

that we’ve stayed in can attest to this. So we were ecstatic to find such top-notch digs in little Clayton. The hotel is very well planned out–from the placement of the restaurant/bars to the stone’s throw away marina, just around the corner. The place is first-class!

The next day was “arrival day” when most of the poker running fleet was landing into town. Because we had a little extra time on our hands before the evening’s scheduled Street Party, Todd and I went and toured the Antique Boat Museum. At first, it seemed like a good time-filler but the deeper we went, the more enthralled we became. We saw the history evolve right there before us and it was humbling. I came across an old 1959 Mercury “Kiekhaefer” 78A outboard engine prominently on display. I sent a quick picture message to former Mercury Racing President and industry icon Fred Kiekhaefer to which he promptly responded, “I used to have one of those.”

Of course he did! The grandeur of it all was quite surreal.

The Street Party later that evening was quaint–for lack of a more descriptive term. Picture the fictional town of Mayberry, patrolled by Andy Taylor and Deputy Barney Fife, as their tiny sidewalks become engulfed with massive powerboats and monstrous tow rigs–all in living color. There were only half a dozen boats on display but the vibe was still electric, as local townspeople marspeedboat.com

8/14/18 12:24 AM

OBSERVER’S SEAT RAY LEE [Continued from page 8] veled at what had bestowed their tiny town on that balmy Thursday evening.

The next day brought on the charity speedboat rides for the Make-a-Wish families of Central New York. Generous speedboaters donate their vessels, fuel, time and love to this worthy cause.

Company CEO and President Diane Kuppermann explained to me that her organization and the good folks at the 1000 Islands Charity Poker Run had been working together to take these wonderful kids and their loved ones out for the rides of their lives. Putting their ailments and illnesses aside for a while in exchange for some hydrotherapy–by way of horsepower and all-out speed! The huge smiles on their little faces when they returned were enough to melt your heart. It did mine.

Saturday brought Poker Run Day. The total count was at 118 boats that morning and the ropes could not be thrown off from the cleats quickly enough for the eager crowd. With runs spanning across the St. Lawrence River, Alexandria Bay and up into the Canadian waters of Kingston, this is a true international run.

And if that weren’t enough, you encounter awe-inspiring castles, along the way!

Usually the boats are the stars of each event but the castles rivaled equally at this one.

I was graciously invited onboard Randy and Cherell Scism’s gorgeous MTI V-42 Center Console with quad Mercury Racing 400R outboard engines, providing me with an unparalleled platform to shoot photos from the water. Todd and industry veteran photographer Tim Sharkey (TimSharkey.com) were buzzing overhead in the helicopters, clicking away to bring you the images that appear within these pages.

Being fortunate enough to be a part of this publication, I have attended quite a number of events, all across the country.

They all have their special qualities and their unique flair that makes each event their own. This one has that–and much, much more.

Not to diminish any of the events organized for profit, but this one is

82

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_008.indd 82

straight from the heart. Principals Nolan Ferris, Jeff Morgan, Bobby Cantwell, Ken and Renee Lalonde, Court Rutherford, Alexandria Buduson and the hundreds of volunteers that worked tirelessly to pull this one off, are to be heartily commended. Their dedication to the sport and the spirit of their generosity were showcased in every detail put forth, in every moment spent and in every word spoken.

To witness the English family, with young Tyler living with congenital heart disease, being presented with their dream “wish” of owning a travel trailer as a complete surprise is a moment in time

that I will remember forever. The charities like Make-a-Wish and River Hospital make dreams come true. And young Tyler deserved it.

The 1000 Islands Charity Poker Run is a bonafide Class A event. From the time we arrived until long after we had gone–the organizers of this event made absolutely certain that we and everyone else, was well taken care of and enjoyed their stay. So, if you’re wondering if you should attend this one next year… just GO! You will not be disappointed, you will be impressed, you will return.

And it will be all for charity.

speedboat.com

8/14/18 12:24 AM

93990_SpeedboatSept18_03,09,12,21,27,45,47,57,83,84.indd 9

8/14/18 3:18 AM

TEAGUE ON TECH BOB TEAGUE Seizure Situation Dear Bob: Got a weird one for you. I am stumped.

I was working in a buddy’s boat last weekend. He bought a bare hull and stuck a 496 and Bravo One drive in it that had been sitting around for a while. The interesting thing is it will run fine for several minutes, then slow down, then seize. When I hit the key, it seems pretty well seized. Let it cool for a few minutes and it’s good to go again. No funny noises or anything.

At first, I thought it was water reversion and hydro locking, but it happens even at 2,000+ rpm. Plus, I pulled the plugs and there is no water in the cylinders.

Is there any chance the starter is maybe not disengaging from the flywheel and pulling motor down after it heats up without making any unusual noises?

Could it be the oil pump, or something in the upper half of the drive? Valve stems sticking on guides? Pistons skirt or wrist pins? Spark doing something funny and jumping a cylinder ahead?

It’s got great oil pressure, and nothing funny in the oil on the dipstick. The problem pulled the motor down from around a constant 2,000 rpm as recently as yesterday. Yet two weeks ago, the motor ran for around an hour on the hose and never had it happen.

Any help or ideas?

Thanks, Bill Taylor San Francisco, CA Bill, I doubt that the problem is being caused by the starter motor not disengaging. If that were the case you would be able to hear noise from the starter while the engine was running. As you know, the upper in a Bravo drive is rotating whenever the engine is rotating. I am assuming that the drive is properly filled with oil. If the drive was causing the motor to stop because of some heat-related issue, it would be very hot to the touch. The only other thing that is rotating is the gimbal bearing. If for some reason the engine was so far out of alignment, it could cause the

10

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_010.indd 10

bearing to get hot. But it would have to be so far out that you would have difficulty putting the drive on.

So, let’s focus on the engine. The problem is apparently heat-related. If the 496 had been rebuilt by an automotive engine rebuilder, it is possible that the piston-to-wall clearances are too tight.

Performance marine engines need to have more piston-to-wall clearance than automotive engines and the ring gap also should be increased. As the pistons warm up, they could be expanding to a point that they are too tight in the bores.

I doubt that it is valve guide related because if the valves were sticking in the guides and not closing completely, you could detect a miss and hear it in the exhaust. A 496, as well as most stock engines have the wrist pins pressed into the small end of the rod as apposed to being full floating pins. Accordingly, the only movement of the wrist pin is in the piston. The pins are lubricated by oil directed from a passage from the oil ring land. As the pistons warm up, the wrist pin clearance in the piston will increase slightly. The wrist pins would also not have enough leverage to stop the motor.

The most likely cause is related to the main bearings and possible lack of lubrication. To prove this, after the engine stops, try rotating the engine by hand with a socket and breaker bar on the snout bolt. Even though you stated the engine has great oil pressure, there could be a lack of lubrication to the crankshaft main bearings for some reason.

If the engine was rebuilt, a galley plug or something could have been left out.

Also, if the engine was rebuilt, the main bearing clearance could be too tight.

Typically, big block Chevys need around .003" clearance on the mains.

Check to see if the oil cooler and filter hoses are routed properly. Oil will not flow through your filter backwards because it has what amounts to a check valve on the inlet side of the filter. It is actually like a rubber flap. The oil flows into the outside of the filter and comes out the center.

In some cases, depending on where the pressure sender is, you can see good oil pressure while oil is not getting to the bearing. This is only an outside chance because if the engine was being starved

for oil, you should also be able to detect valve train noise as the lifters would not stay pumped up creating the lash.

Overheating at Idle Dear Bob: I have a 33’ Hallett with a pair of 580 cubic inch, 725-hp EFI naturally aspirated engines. They run great but one of them starts to get warm at idle. Once I put the boat on plane, it cools right down to the same temperature as the other one.

I checked the water pump impeller and it look fine. I also noticed that when I pull the boat out of the water, there is a little water in the bilge on the same side. What do you think could be the cause?

Bill Valencia Alhambra, California Bill, one of the first things that I would have told you to check is the impeller and pump housing. Sometimes, even though the impeller looks good, there is scouring in the ends of the housing that cause the impeller not to seal on the ends, which makes it loose prime when it needs to draw water. But let’s assume that the pump is good.

We have had this problem a few times, which is hard to find. The clue that you are also getting water in the bilge indicates that you probably have a hose leaking somewhere. If it is an inlet hose to the pump, it could be drawing air in at idle when the hose has negative pressure in it and then leaking once the boat is under way and the hose has positive pressure in it.

If the boat is equipped with sea strainers that have pop-off vales or check valves that have a through-hull dump above the water line, a piece of debris could be holding the valve open which allows air to inter at idle speed. It is easier for the pump to draw air than water.

If all that checks out, it is time to check the inlet hoses that come from the drive.

Very rarely, I have found that the inner liner of the hose has delaminated from the wall and creates something like a flap that closes off flow during suction. Once the boat is underway, the water pressure pushed the flap out of the way and lets water pass.

If you check that inlet water hose coming from the drive to the pump or sea strainer, you may also find your leak. speedboat.com

8/14/18 12:26 AM

93366_SpeedboatAug18_02,03,17,49,55,83.indd 17

7/25/18 9:07 PM

Powerboat Nation is the world’s leading resource for Powerboating Videos, Photos, News and more!

There’s no better place on the web to live the powerboating life!

93990_SpeedboatSept18_03,09,12,21,27,45,47,57,83,84.indd 12

8/14/18 3:18 AM

93366_SpeedboatAug18_02,03,17,49,55,83.indd 2

7/25/18 9:07 PM

INDUSTRY NEWS

6M-3L MSD Marine Ignition Unveiled CP Performance has released its all-new 6M-3L MSD Marine Ignition, a fully sealed unit with a single wiring connector for a fast, hassle-free installation. Three rotary dials and an LED display simplify setting the cylinder select, adjustable start retard, and rev-limiter and make plug-in rev-limiter chips and hard-to-read dials a thing of the past.

Compatible with 8-cylinder engines, this CD ignition multi-sparks from 0 to 3,000 RPM for a clean idle and quick throttle response, and capacitive-discharge sparks run from 3,000 RPM all

the way up to 12,000 RPM. A large, easyto-read LED display shows the rev limit, highest RPM turned, cylinder select, start retard, and battery voltage, and it can be set to a live-tach mode on V8s with just the turn of a knob.

The 6M-3L MSD Marine Ignition can be triggered by magnetic pickup, ampli-

Shane Wins Governor’s Cup History was in the making at the 68th Indiana Governor’s Cup race held July 7-8, 2018 in Madison, IN. Jimmy Shane drove his Miss Homestreet Bank/Miss Madison unlimited hydroplane to a first-place finish with an average speed on 140.089 mph on the Ohio River hydro course. This marks his 17th career win on the H1 Unlimited Series circuit.

The big buzz on pit row was Cindy Shirley. A longtime crew member of the Miss Madison team was recently appointed as crew chief. Shane’s victory provided Shirley with her first win as

14

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_014.indd 14

crew chief. “I am ecstatic. We fine-tuned the boat all day to find the right balance with propeller selection and find the right gearbox ratio,” Shirley said.

Added Shane: “We threw everything we could at it and I am really thankful to Cindy for the great setup.”

Second place finisher was Auxier Marketing Presents Delta/Realtrac, with driver Andrew Tate, averaging 135.716 mph. Third place was secured by Tom Thompson in his Reliable Diamond Tool Presents J&Ds hull, with a 118.803 mph average.

fier, and points inputs and records the highest RPM the engine has revved for the past 20 minutes of run time. It delivers spark energy down to 6 volts of battery supply, features a fully potted housing to withstand demanding marine conditions, and the built-in start retard is adjustable in 0-, 10-, or 20-degree increments.

A total entry of nine boats from the Grand Prix World Supercharged Automotive Hydroplane Series were on hand to compete for the APBA North American Championship. These GPW boats are powered by big block V8 blown Chevy engines and are the perfect complement to the bigger H1 unlimited class.

With earplugs in place, the final heat was deafening with the loud roar of seven inboards making the start line.

Former unlimited driver Jamie Nielsen piloted his Cabo Marine-sponsored hydroplane to claim first place and capture the APBA North American Championship trophy.

“I had little problems all weekend long with electrical issues and was unsure if the boat would start for the final heat,” Nielsen said. “It fired up and I got a good start and the boat held up and I never looked back.”

The jubilant boat owner and former unlimited hydroplane champion, Scott Pierce, was all smiles when he bearhugged Nielsen. “It all came together for a great victory,” Pierce said.

As the dust settled at the end of the Madison Regatta weekend, another page has been added to the unlimited hydroplane history book.—Paul Kemiel speedboat.com

8/14/18 12:35 AM

87703_SpeedBoatApr18_002,003,009,012,013,015,017,018,019,021,023,029,031,033,035,055,057,061,063.indd 9

3/12/18 12:27 PM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

Todd Taylor, Tim Sharkey and Ray Lee

Island Magic The 1000 Islands Charity Poker Run Brings Together Passionate Powerboaters in a Picturesque Paradise.

T

he sleepy, tiny town of Clayton in upstate New York is a cozy community with a slow pace and a relaxed atmosphere. That

is, until the 1000 Islands Charity Poker Run comes to town. Then Clayton comes alive with massive rigs with powerful powerboats in tow—energizing it to beyond-extreme levels.

Benefitting the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Central New York and River Hospital, specializing in the treatment of PTSD for weary veterans—this char-

16

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_016-18,20,22-24,26,28-31,81.indd 16

ity event’s sophomore production, with returning title sponsors Aqua-Mania and G3 Racing, had every bit the flair and finish of one that has been operating for decades.

The beautiful 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel served as the communal hub of all the festivities and made for constant interaction for the Poker running fleet.

Held on the St. Lawrence River, this run is a true international voyage that travels from the U.S., into the waters of Canada and returns back into the States.

Along the way, there are lush greenery,

gorgeous waterfront homes and fairytale-style castles.

The Friday of that weekend brought the Make-a-Wish charity speedboat rides for kids living with illness and their families. Dozens of generous performance boaters prepared their vessels early in the morning to welcome aboard the eager, yet nervous children. Needless to say, they all returned to the docks wearing glowing smiles that spanned from one ear to the other.

[Text continues on page 81] speedboat.com

8/14/18 12:39 AM

Boldt Castle is located on Heart Island in the Saint Lawrence River.

The lovely 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, located on the St. Lawrence River in Clayton, NY. speedboat.com

93990_SpeedboatSept18_016-18,20,22-24,26,28-31,81.indd 17

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

17

8/14/18 12:39 AM

Island Magic

Street Party

Above: Shawn Burke’s 42’ Outerlimits.

Left: This 2018 Freightliner is owned by Ken and Renee Lalonde.

Below: The Lalondes’ 48’ MTI is powered by twin Mercury Racing 1350s.

18

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_016-18,20,22-24,26,28-31,81.indd 18

speedboat.com

8/14/18 12:39 AM

80679_SpeedBoatNov17_002,003,009,011,017,025,027,033,081,083.indd 83

10/9/17 6:06 PM

Island Magic

Street Party

Above: This 36’ MTI, owned by Kelly O’Hara, was one of the real eye-popping boats on display at the Street Party.

Left: Company owner Randy Scism captained this MTI-V42 factory demo boat with quad Mercury Racing 400s.

Below: A few of the official board of directors of the 1000 Islands Charity Poker Run, along with several volunteers, pose outside the Channelside Restaurant.

20

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_016-18,20,22-24,26,28-31,81.indd 20

speedboat.com

8/14/18 12:39 AM

93990_SpeedboatSept18_03,09,12,21,27,45,47,57,83,84.indd 21

8/14/18 3:18 AM

Island Magic

Poker Run

Left: Edward LaGuardia in his 32 Doug Wright.

Right: Chris LaMorte in his 36’ Skater.

Below: Vinnie Diorio in his 43' Outerlimits, Cazzo Veloce, and Rich Szesnat in his 50' Outerlimits, Poor Dirt Farmer.

Bottom right: Mike Lasell of MBL Engineering pilots his 36' Nor-Tech Supercat, All In.

22

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_016-18,20,22-24,26,28-31,81.indd 22

speedboat.com

8/14/18 12:39 AM

Antique Boat Museum One of the benefits of visiting Clayton, NY, is that it’s home to the Antique Boat Museum, which houses 300 unique and beautifully preserved boats and thousands of recreational boating artifacts across 4.5 acres. It’s a can’t-miss attraction if you attend the poker run.

The antiques on display at the museum include a Mercury Kiekhaefer 78A outboard from 1959 (above) and a vintage Gar Wood wooden powerboat (right).

The Quest for Speed exhibit in the Gold Cup Building, completed in 2008, showcases the history of boat racing, from the outstanding Gold Cup and Harmsworth Trophy winner, Dixie II, to record setting hydroplane competitors.

Bombita 2-P (left) and Tangerine 1-F (above) are two of the race boats housed in the Gold Cup building.

speedboat.com

93990_SpeedboatSept18_016-18,20,22-24,26,28-31,81.indd 23

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

23

8/14/18 12:39 AM

Island Magic

Poker Run

Above: Board member/auctioneer Nolan Ferris presents the Best Graphics award to Anthony Zullo, owner of this Nor-Tech SuperCat. Left: Singer Castle provides the backdrop for this Wright Performance 360 owned by Doug Bryant.

Below: Boats dock at the Clayton Harbor Municipal Marina and 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel.

24

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_016-18,20,22-24,26,28-31,81.indd 24

speedboat.com

8/14/18 12:39 AM

93990_SpeedboatSept18_03,09,12,21,27,45,47,57,83,84.indd 25

8/14/18 3:18 AM

Island Magic

Poker Run

Above: The MTI-V42 Factory Boat support, with Randy Scism accepting the Best Appearing Boat award.

Right: Boats prepare for Saturday morning’s run at Clayton Municipal Marina.

Left: I/O vs Outboards!

Running side-by-side during the poker run are Jeff Morgan (far lane) in his 42’ Fountain, Captain Morgan 2.0, and Devin Wozencraft of Caifornia-based Wozencraft Insurance in his outboardpowered 32’ Skater (near lane).

26

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_016-18,20,22-24,26,28-31,81.indd 26

speedboat.com

8/14/18 12:39 AM

The Return of the Long Beach to Catalina

2018 SCOPE POKER RUN September 28 – 30 Maya Hotel, Long Beach, CA

For further information, email Pete Boyer:

scopeboats@gmail.com For Rainbow Harbor dock slip reservations, contact Karen at

Fred Inman

[562] 570-8636 Special Maya Hotel group block rate available until August 29 or until sold out.

Maya Hotel [562] 435-7676 Reference rate/group code "SCO"

Fo

SCOPE_93990_SpeedboatSept18_027.indd 27

re i o rm

mat r o f n

ion

m o c . o f n i e p : sco

8/14/18 12:27 PM

Island Magic

Poker Run Right: Jeffery Gibson of Texas in his Larry Smith Wellcraft 31’ raceboat Finney Racing, with the famous Singer Castle in the background. The boat was raced raced in 1995 by the late, great Donnie Wadeck.

Below: Tom Ashley in his Donzi ZR, 10’s are Wild.

Right: Matt Cevasco of event sponsor Team Tag Hauer drives his 353 Formula FasTech, Secret Formula.

28

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_016-18,20,22-24,26,28-31,81.indd 28

speedboat.com

8/14/18 12:39 AM

Michael McCrone pilots his 36 Spectre Poker Run Edition.

Above and right: Nolan Ferris presents Greg Vamplew, owner of a 43’ Nortech V, with the Best Dressed Captain & Crew Award.

Below: Nick Narrett in the former Sutphen raceboat Great Adventure.

speedboat.com

93990_SpeedboatSept18_016-18,20,22-24,26,28-31,81.indd 29

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

29

8/14/18 12:39 AM

Island Magic

Banquet

1000 Islands Board Member Nolan Ferris with Make-a-Wish of CNY President/ CEO Diane Kuppermann.

Above: Nolan Ferris, first-place poker-run winner Mike Lasell and Bobby Cantwell.

Below: The awards are ready to be handed out!

Above: Nolan Ferris, Renee Lalonde, Court Rutherford, Kitty Corcoran, Diane Kuppermann and Bobby Cantwell pose in front of the Mercury Racing cooler, which fetched $8,800 for charity.

Left: Dan Kleitz of Outerlimits Powerboats.

Right: Nolan Ferris and Bobby Cantwell with the second-place trophy winners, Katelin and Colton Moe, who donated their prize money back to charity.

30

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_016-18,20,22-24,26,28-31,81.indd 30

speedboat.com

8/14/18 12:39 AM

Five year-old Tyler English, who is living with congenital heart disease, had a longtime wish: to go camping across the country with his family—while running, playing and fishing wherever he chose.

On the early evening of July 21, 2018, the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Central New York, along with the amazing efforts of the 1000 Islands Charity Poker Run, made young Tyler’s wish come true.

After a short explanation of Tyler’s situation and then spurred on by the chants of “move that truck” by the emotional crowd, title sponsor Aqua-Mania’s large trailer was moved to reveal his brand-new, dream RV that awaited him. It even sported a large painting of a New York Giants jersey with “T. English” emblazoned upon the rear—the Giants being his favorite NFL football team.

There was not a dry eye in the house. speedboat.com

93990_SpeedboatSept18_016-18,20,22-24,26,28-31,81.indd 31

M AKE

A

W ISH

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

31

8/14/18 12:39 AM

C ATALINA SKI RACE The 70th anniversary of the annual competition attracts nearly 50 teams to the 62-mile race.

T

he competition that bills itself as the World’s Greatest Ski Race kicked off its 70th anniversary event this summer with

STORY BY

Brett Bayne PHOTOGRAPHY BY

Daren Van Ryte

32

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_032-34,36.indd 32

skiers from all over the world on a 62-mile race to Catalina Island and back to the Queen Mary ship in Long Island.

The Catalina Ski Race’s overall winner was Australian skier Ben Gulley competing in Men’s Open class; he was pulled by a GAC hull driven by Sean Clancy with observer Justin Pick and navigator Tom Whitham. Their time was 54 minutes and 31.6 seconds.

Aussies also won their classes in Junior Boys (skier Baily Cropper pulled behind a Fountain), Formula II Outboard (Michael Boylan, behind a Cyclone), Open Day Cruiser (Blake Dingli, behind a Nordic), Expert Men (Peter Harmer, behind a Donzi) and Women’s Open (Rachel Stapleton, pulled behind a Fountain). It was definitely a “g’day” for these skiers!

Todd Haig, one of the winningest skiers in world history, finished second overall, pulled by Nordic Boats President Randy Davis. They finished a second after Gulley. speedboat.com

8/14/18 1:12 AM

Men’s Open: Overall winner Ben Gulley (above) is pulled by driver Sean Clancy, observer Justin Pick and navigator Tom Whitham in a 38' GAC hull (left). Their time was 54:31.6.

Men’s Open: Second-place finisher Todd Haig (below right) is pulled by Nordic Boats President Randy Davis, with observer Dennis Hall and navigator Steve Davis, in the #191 43-foot Nordic Racing competitor (below left). Their time was 54:32.1.

PHOTO BY SCOTT SHANKLIN

Senior Men: Skier Jack Lynch of the United Kingdom took first place in the class. He was pulled by driver Ryan Sharman, with observer Bradley Cannings and navigator Paul Sharman in a 36' Apache (left). Their time was 1:10:38.6.

speedboat.com

93990_SpeedboatSept18_032-34,36.indd 33

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

33

8/14/18 1:12 AM

Catalina Ski Race

Intermediate Men: U.S. skier Rex Helm took first in the class; he was pulled by driver Brian Blount with observer Bryin Yedor and navigator Darrel Weatherford in a 38' Donzi.

Noble Nordics!

Junior Boys: Australian skier Korey Galley was second in the class, pulled by driver David Frank and observer Mark Holmes in a 21' Nordic (left).

Open Day Cruiser: Australian skier Blake Dingli won the class, pulled by driver Jeff Barrus, observer Jason Dingli and navigator Bobby Hauck in a 28' Nordic (below).

Sportsman: USA skier Brett Leonard won the class, pulled by driver Steve Irwin and observer Brad Liberator in a 21' Nordic (above).

Superclass: USA skier Cameron King won the class, pulled by Greg Foster and observer Mike King in a 21' Nordic (left).

34

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_032-34,36.indd 34

speedboat.com

8/14/18 1:13 AM

92255_SpeedboatJul18_03,09,15,35,41,47,53,81,83.indd 15

6/24/18 9:44 PM

Catalina Ski Race

Women’s Open: Australian skier Rachael Stapleton won her class, pulled by driver Jody Campbell, observer Darren Stapleton and navigator Jason LaBahn in a 42' Fountain (left) with a time of 1:30:36.6.

Novice: USA skier CJ Ferguson won the class, pulled by driver Cory Ferguson with observer Brian Wilson and navigator Matt Bastien in a 32' Formula (left) with a time of 1:24:47.4.

Over and Back: USA skiers Kane and Don Kennedy won the class, pulled by driver Ross Kennedy and observer Perry Thomas in a 38' Wellcraft Scarab. Their time was 1:12:02.8.

Senior Women: USA skier Mary Maher was second in her class, pulled by driver Wayne Lee, observer Rob Ettinger and navigator Ron Songrath in a 42' Fountain.

Their time was 1:47:17.4.

36

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_032-34,36.indd 36

speedboat.com

8/14/18 1:13 AM

89198_SpeedboatMay18_011,13,15,27,39,41,45,81.indd 45

4/20/18 2:53 PM

RACE

WORLD

The organization’s inaugural race draws a dozen muscleboats to Ohio’s Lake Erie.

OFFSHORE Mentor, OH

STORY BY

Brett Bayne & Paul Kemiel PHOTOGRAPHY BY

Pete Boden (RWO) and Paul Kemiel (OPA and SBI)

T

hree important offshore races got fans’ hearts pounding this summer in quick succession, beginning with the very first bout sanctioned by Race World Offshore.

Held at Ohio’s Headlands Beach State Park, the Mentor Offshore Grand Prix—alternatively known as Roar Off the Shore—was actually part of the Super Boat International lineup in previous years; for its inaugural event, Race World Offshore has scheduled a two-race season, with the second set for Dunkirk, NY. Poor weather in the Ohio area very nearly put the kibosh on much of the racing, as winds continued to gather strength throughout the day, resulting in three- to [Text continues on page 62]

38

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_038-44,46,48-51,61-62.indd 38

speedboat.com

8/14/18 3:34 AM

new caption

RACE 1 (from top): Winner Performance Boat Center/ Jimmy John’s; second-place finisher Cleveland Construction and third-place finisher M-CON. speedboat.com

93990_SpeedboatSept18_038-44,46,48-51,61-62.indd 39

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

39

8/14/18 3:34 AM

RACE WORLD OFFSHORE Mentor, OH

Race 2: Driver Gary Ballough took the twin outboard-powered Doug Wright hull FJ Propeller to first place in the class.

40

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_038-44,46,48-51,61-62.indd 40

speedboat.com

8/14/18 3:34 AM

US Class One (left): Wake Effects, featuring the mighty duo of Rusty Rahm (driver) and Jeff Harris (throttles), ran uncontested in the class, but still put on a great show.

The 48' MTI is powered by a pair of Mercury Racing 1650 engines.

Race 2: Team Allen Lawn Care and AdvancedSleeve.com (above) took second and third place in the class. .

ProStock Vee: Team Octane, (left), with owner/driver Jim Simmons and throttleman Tony Canale, took first place in the class in their 30' Phantom.

speedboat.com

93990_SpeedboatSept18_038-44,46,48-51,61-62.indd 41

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

41

8/14/18 3:34 AM

OFFSHORE POWERBOAT

ASSOCIATION

OPA’s fourth match of the season takes racers to the Wolverine State.

St. Clair, MI Super Cat: Aaron Hope and Anthony Smith were the winners in AMH Motorsports (formerly the Stihl boat).

A

lthough a few race teams occassionally do cross over between the OPA and SBI universes, the Offshore Powerboat Association is, by and large a tightly

Class 3: Wazzup, a 38' Fountain vee, was the winner, with owner/driver/throttleman Nick Smith (above).

42

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_038-44,46,48-51,61-62.indd 42

knit organization that tends to be loyal to its group. By the time competitors got to St. Clair, MI, they’d already wrapped up three races for 2018, including events in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, Lake Ozark, MO, and Ocean City, MD, all occurring in little more than a month’s time. And while SBI groups its teams in six classes, OPA features twice as many for racers to compete in. Of course, it’s rare for every class to be represented in every race—for example, there have been no boats representing Class 1 since the first race of the year, no Extreme class boats in races 1 and 4, and no Super Vee [Text continues on page 62] speedboat.com

8/14/18 3:34 AM

Class 7: John Hughes (driver/throttles) and Justin Rose (navigator) were victorious in Hangin’ N Bangin’.

Class 6: Liquid Addiction (right) was the winner; above: the team and crew includes Tim Vanderburg (driver), Jeff Kipfmueller (throttles) and Cliff Shaw (navigator).

Super Vee Light: Done Deal, a 30' Phantom vee, took the checkered flag in the class. The boat is driven by Mike Mironyk and throttled by Steve Papp.

speedboat.com

93990_SpeedboatSept18_038-44,46,48-51,61-62.indd 43

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

43

8/14/18 3:34 AM

OFFSHORE O FFSHORE P POWERBOAT OWERBOAT AASSOC. SSOC. SSt.t. CClair, lair, M MII

Class 5: Specialized Racing, a 32' Superboat vee, took first place. The boat features driver/throttleman Mark Gallegher and navigator Laura Appelhoft.

Class 4: AmmoCammo.com, a 29' Scarab, took the win in the class. The boat’s team includes driver Joey Meglino and throttleman Rob Lauer.

44

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_038-44,46,48-51,61-62.indd 44

speedboat.com

8/14/18 3:34 AM

93990_SpeedboatSept18_03,09,12,21,27,45,47,57,83,84.indd 45

8/14/18 3:18 AM

OFFSHORE POWERBOAT ASSOC. St. Clair, MI

Extreme Vee: The father/son team of Steve and Stephen Kildahl took the win in Boatfloater.com.

Class 2: Eliot Gray (driver) and Terry Forsythe (throttles) drove the MTI Bat Boat uncontested in the class (above).

Super Stock: Owner/throttleman Nick Scafidi and driver Brit Lilly were victorious in Shadow Pirate.

46

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_038-44,46,48-51,61-62.indd 46

speedboat.com

8/14/18 3:34 AM

93990_SpeedboatSept18_03,09,12,21,27,45,47,57,83,84.indd 47

8/14/18 3:18 AM

SUPER

BOAT

Despite clear skies and flat water, the Indiana bout was a bit of a bruiser.

INTERNATIONAL

Michigan City, IN

Superboat Unlimited: Miss Geico, with driver James Sheppard and throttleman Steve Curtis, took the checkered flag in the class. Above right: the team accepts its award at Sunday evening’s banquet.

T

here were no storms or high seas to blame as more than 20 Super Boat International teams came to Michigan City, IN, for the group’s second race of

the season—and promptly started breaking and crashing. Miraculously, no racers were injured after two boats flipped (one landing upside down) and two others spun out. The race was a genuine nail biter as thousands of spectators lined the beaches in Michigan City to watch boats in half a dozen classes compete in the sweltering August heat.

Miss Geico brought home the win in Unlimited class after Wake Effects suffered a mechanical problem and CRC Racing flipped, landing right side up and causing exten[Continues on page 61]

48

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_038-44,46,48-51,61-62.indd 48

speedboat.com

8/14/18 3:34 AM

Superboat: WHM Motorsports, a 40’ Skater cat powered by a pair of 750-hp Sterling engines, captures the win for owner/driver Billy Mauff and Jay Muller on the sticks.

Superboat Vee: Boatfloater.com, a 29’ Extreme vee, was first in the class for driver Stephen Kildahl and his father, Steve Kildahl.

Superboat Stock: FJ Propeller, a 32’ Doug Wright cat powered by twin 300-hp Mercury outboards, was first in the class. Above: driver Bryant Hopkins and owner/ throttleman Gary Ballough. speedboat.com

93990_SpeedboatSept18_038-44,46,48-51,61-62.indd 49

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

49

8/14/18 3:34 AM

SUPER BOAT INTERNATIONAL Michigan City, IN

Production 3: The Developer/Wix Filters, a 38' Fountain powered by a pair of 600-hp Dart engines, took the checkered flag. The boat features owner/driver JP Larkin and throttleman Eddie Tamberino (left).

Production 4: Driver Billy Shipley and owner/throttleman Chad Woody were the winners in JRJ Construction/Team Woody (below and right). The 28’ Lavey Craft is powered by a 680 hp KPE Racing engine.

50

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_038-44,46,48-51,61-62.indd 50

speedboat.com

8/14/18 3:34 AM

Above: Crowds fill Franklin Street at the Taste of Michigan City after the boat parade.

Above: LaPorte County Convention & Visitors Bureau staff: Rick Wright, Amy Riehle, Dale Cooper, Chelsea Miller, Scott Miller, Executive Director Jack Arnett, Jane Daley, Cathy Horning (sales and catering at the Blue Chip Casino) and Linda Simmons. Below: Performance Boat Center/ Jimmy John’s takes a 180-degree spin, shearing the skegs off its drives.

speedboat.com

93990_SpeedboatSept18_038-44,46,48-51,61-62.indd 51

Big Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram representatives and owner Scott Clausing pose with the 2018 Miss Great Lakes Grand Prix queen along with Michigan City Mayor Ron Meer, Angie Gaghan (sales manager at Blue Chip casino), Jack Arnett, Executive Director of the LaPorte County Convention & Visitors Bureau with staff members Jane Daley and Rick Wright, Great Lakes Grand Prix race director.

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

51

8/14/18 3:34 AM

BOOGIE

Fever

52

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_052-54,56,58-59.indd 52

speedboat.com

8/14/18 2:45 AM

Now in its 10th year, this must-see show is attracting some of the coolest flatties on the planet.

Story and photos by Mark

McLaughlin

S

omething incredible has been happening in the Central California city of Kingsburg—and if you’re a flat-

bottom fanatic, it’s imperative that you make time to check out the event known as Flat Bottom Boogie.

Located 20 miles southeast of Fresno, Club Royal Oak is an RV park set along the Kings River. For the last decade, the venue has played host to the Boogie, a combination show-and-shine, meet-andgreet and speed exhibition that features muscleboats from all over the state and surrounding states.

Around 80 boats participated in the 2018 event, according to organizer (and Club Royal Oak owner) Alan Degenhardt, who said one of the new features of the event was the addition of grandstands that were set up about half track to accommodate spectators and the overflow of people that did not have a reserved waterfront campsite.

“It’s wonderful to watch people enjoying themselves and enjoying something that was just created 10 years ago,” he said. “Just watching people come out and enjoy themselves is very gratifying. It’s a nostalgic event that takes you back to the 1970s, and that’s what everybody likes.”

Among the attending boats were a beautifully painted 1978 Hondo T-Deck Runner Bottom owned by MartinWooley of North Fork, CA. (Painter Darren Allen of Killer Designs did 10 coats of clear on this machine.) And Darren Hicks’ 1976 Brendella Night Stalker—powered by a 426 Hemi—won the trophy for Best Runner Bottom. Entertainment was provided

by Jeremy Pearce, whose Elvis Presley impersonation sent attendees home with plenty of great “Memories.”

Above: The newly acquired Dago Red by Shaunda Blinzler from Jason Crews was a dream come true for her and driver Roddy Blinzler.

Crews, on the other hand, was not so happy to unload this beautiful package in the trailer. The 1985 Canyon flatty by Wayne Mettler is now outfitted with a 581 ci APD all aluminum Chevy.

speedboat.com

93990_SpeedboatSept18_052-54,56,58-59.indd 53

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

53

8/14/18 2:45 AM

Boogie Fever A view from the lagoon at Club Royal Oak. All campsites were sold out on the water, making for a busy weekend at the venue.

Below left: Garrett Hallenberg of Clovis, CA, makes a lap on the 600-foot track with his father Jason’s 1973 Sanger Runner Bottom.

Below right: Darren Hicks’ 1976 Brendella 2” Runner Bottom, Night Stalker.

Above: Martin Wooley’s 1978 Hondo T-Deck Runner Bottom.

54

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_052-54,56,58-59.indd 54

speedboat.com

8/14/18 2:45 AM

93366_SpeedboatAug18_02,03,17,49,55,83.indd 49

7/25/18 9:07 PM

Boogie Fever Far left: Event organizer Alan Degenhardt presents Mason with the Best Runner Bottom trophy for Darren Hicks.

Left: The Best Blown Boat trophy is given to Steve Faist for his Spooky flat.

Below left: Alan and wife Tyna hang out with Jeremy “ Elvis� Pearce.

Below: Courtney and Alan present the Best in Show trophy to Shawn Howard.

Bottom: Tom Lagomarsino runs his 1980 Hondo, powered by a 500 ci BBC.

56

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_052-54,56,58-59.indd 56

speedboat.com

8/14/18 2:45 AM

93990_SpeedboatSept18_03,09,12,21,27,45,47,57,83,84.indd 57

8/14/18 3:18 AM

Boogie Fever GPS GP PS 100 11000 1st 1st pl 1s pplace lac ace w wi winner inn nneerr tto top: op: AAl Alan laann Asbe Asb sbe and aannd his hhiiiss PPathologicole Pa atho thoollog th log ogic icoolle fflat llaaatt ((n (near neeaar lla lane) ane ne) ggo goes oes es uupp aag against gaaiinnsst RRa Ralph alp lph Rich Ric Ri chaarrdson dson ds on’s ’s Li LLiquid Liqu iqquuiidd Addiction.

Add ddiicctition on. Th TThe he #4 #4 qualifier, qua ualiliffiieerr, Richardson’s

Top: Tony Scarlata jumped in Brien Dunn’s I-Candy flatty and laid down a couple laps before jumping into another boat.

Above: Spooky, owned and driven by Steve Faist, is a 1986 Cole powered by a Chevy—and lots of parts.

Above: Local resident Mark Ekberg pilots his 1977 Sanger family ski boat down the shortened course. He’s running a 460 BBC. Left: Mike McCarthy shoes his own 1971 Hondo complete with a 427 Chevy. The boat’s name is Righteous Anger.

58

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_052-54,56,58-59.indd 58

speedboat.com

8/14/18 2:45 AM

Grandstands were set up about half track to accommodate spectators and the overflow of people that did not have a reserved waterfront campsite.....

Justin Perkins makes some laps, getting in some practice before the next official scheduled race. Justin’s Thrill Ride is a 1976 Cole with a 460 Chevy and runs in the Lucas Oil and NJBA series races.

Jason and son Garrett Hallenberg own this 1973 Sanger Runner Bottom flatty. This classic big-block-powered Chevy Sanger was one of the first three original boats out of the Sanger operation.

NJBA and Lucas Oil drag boat owner/driver Kelly Asbe brought his White Sheep down from Redding to have some fun at the Flat Bottom Boogie. Kelly’s ’77 Cole has been seen with a full-sized chicken strapped in the passenger seat at times. The motor is a 565 Chevy.

Left: This 2015 Canyon, built

by Kevin Felkins, is owned and operated by Chris Braun, who runs this machine with a 512-c.i.

Chevy. You can find him on the river at any time.

speedboat.com

93990_SpeedboatSept18_052-54,56,58-59.indd 59

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

59

8/14/18 2:45 AM

Subscribe & Save!

It’s the fastest way to get your go-fast fix! 1 year, 9 issues for $34 delivered to your door.

Best Bargain add a T-shirt for $44.95.

Slight extra charge for 2XL and bigger t-shirt sizes.

o t o spe speedboat.com

G

*Current subscribers please call (702) 313-1400 to renew. *Curr

FRONT

Use Credit Card security through

MEN’S

www.speedboat.com

For orders by mail, send check or money order to: 5840 W. Craig Rd Suite 120, #386, Las Vegas, NV 89130-2730

QTY

Attn: Subscriptions

L

Call us direct at: (702) 313-1400

XL

Med-XL $14.95

2XL

XXL $16.95

3XL

3XL-4XL $17.95 Shipping and handling to be calculated at time of purchase.

4XL

BACK

and subscribe today!

NAME

AGE

ADDRESS

CITY/STATE/ZIP

PHONE NUMBER

EMAIL

1-year $34.00 – 9 issues Canadian rate: $66.00, International rate $77.00 (U.S. Funds)

92255_SpeedboatJul18_039.indd 39

6/24/18 9:07 PM

OFFSHORE RACING Super Boat International Michigan City, IN [continued from page 48]

torious in Production 3, holding off SimmonsMarine.com and Thee Dollhouse. In Production 4, JRJ nearly ran uncontested until Yabba Dabba

Doo arrived into town late the previous evening, having missed testing.

Unfortunately, their boat blew a gasket during racing.

sive damage to the hull. (Wake Effects won the previous SBI race in Cocoa Beach, while Miss Geico was third.)

“We had a great start with Wake Effects 50 meters behind us,” said Miss Geico driver James Sheppard. “It was nice to race in fresh water—the cooling effect of fresh water running through the engines helps clean out the engines.”

Miss Geico throttleman Steve Curtis added: “On the front stretch down to turn 1, we were running into a 10 mph headwind that equates to a 20 mph difference, and we had to trim the boat down. We hit a top speed of 175 mph on the back stretch. I guess our average speed for the race was 140 mph.”

WHM Motorsports earned its second straight SBI win in Superboat class after a fierce battle with M-CON and AMH Motorsports. Performance Boat Center/ Jimmy John’s suffered a 180-degree spin that broke both skegs off its drives.

“We did not enter the turn any differently from year’s past,” said Performance Boat Center/Jimmy John’s throttleman John Tomlinson. “Upon entering turn 2, we caught a wave, popped it and the back end went up. It hooked and grabbed, then went sideways. The skegs came off.

She went all the way around and slid in, transom first. We were very fortunate that the boat landed right side up. It felt like slow motion. The starboard engine got wet down. We could not get it restarted.”

Added driver Myrick Coil: “We were coming into the turn hot and turned fast and hard. Then all of a sudden, we were going in the opposite direction, backwards. It happened very quickly. It hurts worst when you’re up front.”

The father-son team of Steve and Stephen Kildahl in Boatfloater.com took home the win in Superboat Vee, while Superboat Stock driver Gary Ballough (with new throttleman Bryant Hopkins) were victorious in FJ Propeller.

Meanwhile, in the Production classes, The Developer/Wix Filters was vicspeedboat.com

93990_SpeedboatSept18_038-44,46,48-51,61-62.indd 61

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

61

8/14/18 3:34 AM

OFFSHORE RACING Offshore Powerboat Association St. Clair, MI [continued from page 42] Xtreme competitors in the first two races.

Still, there are puh-lenty of boats and plenty of action to enjoy in OPA. Racing in Super Cat class, AMH Motorsports is campaigning a new boat for the team this year, namely the canopied hull used by the Stihl team last year.

Owner/driver Aaron Hope and throttleman Anthony Smith ran uncontested to grab the win; also running uncontested in St. Clair were Bat Boat in Class 2 and BoatFloater.com in Super Vee Xtreme.

(The father-son team of Steve and Stephen Kildahl would rack up another win for Boatfloater.com in the following SBI race in Michigan City; see Page 49.)

As usual, Class 7 proved to be the most-attended, with seven boats vying for victory in St. Clair. Victory was claimed

by Hangin’ N Bangin’ besting both The Punisher/Dawson Custom Marine (second place) and Wicked Racing (third place) at the podium. Hangin’ N Bangin’, an outboard-powered Redline, features John Hughes as driver/throttleman and Justin Rose as navigator.

Two teams turned out for both Class 3 (with Wazzup beating Strictly Business) and Class 4 (with Ammo Camo getting

the best of American Outlaw). Liquid Addiction, with Tim Vanderburg (driver), Jeff Kipfmueller (throttles) and Cliff Shaw (navigator) were tops in Class 6 piloting their Carrera vee bottom.

Shadow Pirate, a Doug Wright cat, was the winner of Super Stock Class. Owner/ throttleman Nick Scafidi and driver Brit Lilly beat out both FJ Propeller and DoublEdge Motorsports.

Specialized Racing, a Superboat vee, took the lead in Class 5 with Mark Gallegher (driver/throttles) and Laura Appelhoft (navigator) beating the likes of WIA Marine Insurance, Tunnelvision and Reindl Powerboats.

Race World Offshore Mentor, OH [continued from page 38]

62

five-foot seas. However, the afternoon wrapped up with only some delays and a shortened race course. The Mentor bout pitted a dozen teams in four different groups, with Performance Boat Center/Jimmy John’s finishing first in the Race 1 class with an average speed of 68.8221 mph. Local favorite Cleveland Construction took a close second, with M-CON finishing third; at various points during the 10-lap brawl, each of these three boats could be seen out in front. MGI Digital Technology and WHM Motorsports rounded out the finishers in Race 1, but brighter times were just around the corner for WHM owner/ driver Billy Mauff and throttleman Jay Muller (See Super Boat coverage, Page 49).

In Race 2, FJ Propellers came in first, followed by Team Allen Lawn Care, AdvancedSleeve.com, CR Racing and Deep V Cats. Veteran racer Gary Ballough piloted the 32' Doug Wright FJ cat with his usual dexterity, which resulted in another win a few weeks later in Michigan City, IN. Wake Effects, meanwhile, ran uncontested in US Class 1, while Team Octane grabbed the checkered flag in Pro Stock Vee. S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_038-44,46,48-51,61-62.indd 62

speedboat.com speedboat.com

8/14/18 3:34 AM

Brett’s Jason’s

Darling Placecraft

Featuring LONG BEACH Sprint Nationals

speedboat.com

93990_SpeedboatSept18_063.indd 63

S P E E D B O A T | August 2018

63

8/14/18 2:47 AM

““II “H “H a h ha a outsi ou o uttsi tssi ing iin ng iin n “ do d down ow wn n dogs d dog do og gss few ffe ew h thou tth ho ou u to a c to

64

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_064-67.indd 64

speedboat.com

8/14/18 2:53 AM

JASON’S Brett Bayne photos by Ray Lee

story by

Darling

Mother Tucker is a Placecraft acecraft that’s that hat’ss bound to make you green envy. een with envy

““II said, sa aiid d,, ‘What ‘W Wh hat at do do you yo y ou mean?’ me m ea an n??’’ ““He “H He said, ssa aiid d, ‘There ‘Th ‘T he ere re are are re cars ca arrs parked pa p ark rked d a h half ha allff a m mile iille in in b both oth d ot di directions ire reccttio rec ions ns outside ou o uttsid tssiid de on on tthe he h em main aiin st a street, trre ee ett, t, comcco omm n ng g iin into nto to y your ou o ur place!’ pla pl acce e!!’ “ I said, ssa aid id, ‘Oh ‘Oh yeah!

‘O ye y ea ah h! Come Co C ome me on on down do d ow wn n and and nd have ha av ve sso some om me e ffree rre ee h ho hot ot dogs d dog do og gss w with ith us it u us!’ s!!’’ We’ve We e’’v ve e gone gone on o ne from ffrrrom om o ma ffew fe ew hu h hundred und ndre red hot hot dogs ho do d og gss tto o o ov over ver er a thousand, th tho ho ou ussa an and nd d, as as we we treat trea tr eat everybody ev e ve erry yb bo ody od dy to a ccheap to heap he heap ap llunch.” un u nch ch..””

J

ason Darling considers himself a true river rat, having hung out at the river in Parker, AZ, growing up with his family. He got his first

first boat at the tender age of 16: “My grandpa and I built it together.

We put a Chevy 427 in a 1974 Nordic V-drive,” he recalls.

To build his 2013 19' Placecraft tunnel, he huddled with buddy Ron Baker, who had the mold. “I wanted carbon fiber floors for added strength and looks,” he says. “My color choice of green came about a month later. I decided to use as much as black as possible to break up the all green, so I went with all black motor parts and pump.”

Darling loves the way the Placecraft feels so straight and feels safe, he says. “The weakness has been fuel injection.” He plans to install Holley 1150s and add fuel injection. Top speed is still unknown, “but it seems pretty fast, and with seat time and hardware changes, it can go faster.” speedboat.com

93990_SpeedboatSept18_064-67.indd 65

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

65

8/14/18 2:54 AM

Jason’s Darling

The Placecraft’s jet is Berkeley with a low-profile intake, BC stainless impeller (with HCM inducer), all with full detail with jetaway and pop-off courtesy of Marine Performance Designs.

66

S P E E D B O A T | April 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_064-67.indd 66

speedboat.com

8/14/18 2:54 AM

The boat is called Mother Tucker as a tribute to his late mother, whose surname was Tucker. “She shaped me to who I am today, so it was easy choice for boat name,” Darling says.

He thanks the following people for their help: Roland Prodzinski of Final Touch for paint and pinstriping; Ron Baker for invaluable assistance; Eddie Zimmerman from PSD for custom fabrication work and help; Monte Davenport for blower service; Spike Gorr for fuel injection tuning; Tim Demaret for wiring and additional support; Swift Powdercoat (El Cajon) for great service; Gary Brestling for starter custom fabrication work; Brian Thompson of Perfection Boat Covers; and Brad Martin of SoCalJetBoats “for creating such a great forum for help and support.” He also thanks wife Mary for understanding his speed disease.

The boat’s motor is a Chevy Brodix 548 with Callies Magnum 4.25 forged crank, JE 4.530 forged blower pistons, Callies ultra 6.385 connecting rods. Howard’s roller cam, K-Motion valve springs, Howard Maxium Effort stud girdles, Comp Cams Ultra Pro Magnum XD roller rockers arms, Howard roller lifters, 871 BDS race stripped blower, Enderle fuel injection and Rewarder upswept headers.

speedboat.com

93990_SpeedboatSept18_064-67.indd 67

S P E E D B O A T | April 2018

67

8/14/18 2:54 AM

BLAST e h t from

PAST

Fire on the Mountain Productions brings a classic boat show back to Bakersfield for another dose of ’70s nostalgia.

Photos by Mark

McLaughlin

Right: This Classic Century wooden special, owned and operated by Cody Taylor out of Bass Lake, made an appearance, and Taylor took home the Best Classic Boat prize trophy.

68

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_068-73.indd 68

speedboat.com

8/14/18 3:00 AM

I

t might have been the escalating temperatures (it got up to 106 degrees, no less) that caused the attendance to be a wee bit lighter than usual at this year’s

installment of Blast from the Past, produced by Fire on the Mountain Productions.

Even so, the third year of the boat, car and hot rod show was arguably more fun than anything else going on in Bakersfield, CA on July 21. The boat turnout was light as well, but the RC boat factor was off the hook, and put on a terrific show for the crowd. The event offered live music, food and enough nostalgia to keep everybody happy.

Left: Steve Blevens, one of the promoter’s brothers, brought out his unblown injected Chevy by Kens Racing Engines and made some laps with Kurt Walker behind the wheel.

Below: Ted and Ted Dall Jr. tuned up their Kurtis hydro in the pits and put on a show for the crowd, with Ted Jr. shown here driving the Elder Abuse machine down the course on Lake Ming.

speedboat.com

93990_SpeedboatSept18_068-73.indd 69

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

69

8/14/18 3:01 AM

Blast from the Past

Top: Justin Perkins wasn’t quite done yet with the Flat Bottom Boogie Regatta a few weeks earlier (see Page 52). He and family showed up at his home track and proceeded to lay some laps down the track with his ‘76 Cole flatty. By the end of the day, Perkins got the Fastest Boat trophy for his efforts. Congratulations to him!

Above: This 1978 Hondo T-Deck, with Mike Chadwick at the helm, also put some laps down the course. Mike races at Lake Ming along with Justin Perkins at the National Jet Boat Association-sanctioned events.

Right: This 1974 Sanger Bubble Deck, with a big-block Chevy for power, was one of many machines that Wayne Cox hauled down to the Blast from the Past Regatta.

70

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_068-73.indd 70

speedboat.com

8/14/18 3:01 AM

GPS 100 1st place winner top: Alan Asbe and his Pathologicole flat (near lane) goes up against Ralph Richardson’s Liquid Addiction. The #4 qualifier,

Above: This is the 1964 Lebel (with 426 Hemi) that owner/driver Dave Peppmuller’s dad had back in the 1960s. Pops drove it in the 90-100 mph class before they started using category names for the classes. Since then, this beautiful machine has been restored as the second one out of the shop, and Dave kept the color the same.

Here are the twin painted-up drag boats by Mike Chadwick. Same colors, same flames, same numbers on the side. Chadwick says there’s no reason for it—nobody else was doing it, so what the heck! The near boat is the 1975 Record runner bottom, with a blown 498. The Hondo is the far lane.

Left: Here’s another Hondo! This flatty is a 1969 model with a blown big-block Chevy. It is driven by Patrick Callagy.

speedboat.com

93990_SpeedboatSept18_068-73.indd 71

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

71

8/14/18 3:01 AM

Blast from the Past

The RC boats made a great showing this regatta weekend.

Grant Kniffen’s yellow hydro, named Showtime (below), raced around the track enough times to earn a second-place trophy in the Best of Go category.

Meanwhile, Allan Howell launched his 5-foot-long deep-vee machine with twin motors. This RC boat is almost big enough to put a small child in it. Just kidding! That’s Tom Huff looking on.

72

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_068-73.indd 72

speedboat.com

8/14/18 3:01 AM

The RC Best in Show went to this tunnel hull

by Kenny Anderson. The alligator paint job was amazing, and definitely earned Ken the firstplace prize.

Rick Cozby’s The Force yellow hydro features Darth Vader in the cockpit.

BLAST

from the

PAST

Top and above: Jeffrey Fry brought two of his boats to run around the track. The first, is the yellow and purple shovel nose hydro; the other is this red capsuled hydro.

Left: This nostalgia-style hydro of Eldon Bouchie has the open cockpit design and classic airplane style tail on back. Here Bouchie shows off his thunderboat to the fans. speedboat.com

93990_SpeedboatSept18_068-73.indd 73

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

73

8/14/18 3:01 AM

Long Beach

Story and photos by Mark

McLaughlin

ARP Sprint Nationals

74

S P E E D B O A T | August 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_074-80.indd 74

speedboat.com

8/14/18 3:07 AM

W

ith an 80+ boat count, the Automotive Racing Products-sponsored Long Beach Sprint Boat

Nationals boasted full fields in nearly every class that showed up. The 10-boat field of Unblown Flats had an extremely strong showing, with the heaviest hitters in the country attending—from Washington to New York and all points in between, including New Zealand. Meanwhile, Sportsman Unlimited A had another good field of boats, including twin brothers Casey and Andy Jones. Casey was the overall winner and National Championship trophy taker; he finished first and third for the weekend.

Speaking of brothers, two pairs also performed brilliantly. CrackerBox Pro champions Scott and Matt Stump took the checkered flag in their brightorange Orangoutang machine, which dominated the final race en route to the trip around the stadium with their flag. And then there were newbies Ray and Steve Hoot, who had a real Cinderella weekend: After acquiring the #111 Crackerbox machine in the off season, they proceeded to dress it all up in the flames and Harley Davidson sponsors, and take the overall win in CrackerBox Pro; they also finished a very respectable third in the National Championships.

Greg Duff, who was profiled in the July 2016 issue of Speedboat, was involved in an accident and was critically injured during Unblown Flat racing; he crashed in the first lap of the first turn during the final heat on Sunday morning; at press time, he was fighting for his life and the entire boating community continues to pray for his recovery. Our thoughts are with Greg and his family.

Full fields in virtually every class show up for a typically lively and boisterous sprint-boat showdown. speedboat.com

93990_SpeedboatSept18_074-80.indd 75

Unblown Flat: In this heat of Unblown flatties (left) featured, from the far lane: Duff Daily (#24), Jeff McLachlan (#501), Dale Baker (#55), Don Dunster (#757) and Paul Reid (#801). In this group, Duff and Jeff would finish second and third overall for the weekend in the class.

S P E E D B O A T | August 2018

75

8/14/18 3:07 AM

ARP Sprint Nationals Mod VPs came back with a field of seven this year. Mike Quindazzi, in his #555 outboard, dominated the weekend with John Soares in the 386 running a strong second (top right). They would finish up in the #1 and #2 positions, respectively.

Timmy Hoffman (center right) had a great weekend too, as he not only won the Sportsman Extreme overall, but he also took home the Nationals Championship in the class in a tough field of nine boats.

Newbies Ray and Steve Hoot (below left) had the Cinderella weekend.

After acquiring the #111 Crackerbox machine in the off season, they proceeded to dress it all up in the flames and Harley Davidson sponsors, and take the overall win in the CrackerBox Pro class. The team finished a very respectable third in the National Championships. .

CrackerBox Pro champions were the other set of brothers, Scott and Matt Stump, who took home the checkered flag in Orangoutang.

76

S P E E D B O A T | August 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_074-80.indd 76

speedboat.com

8/14/18 4:44 AM

Sportsman Unlimited A hydroplane owner/ driver Casey Jones was another overall winner and National Championship trophy taker.

Billy Mason in his #702 white Comp Jet took home the overall first place for the weekend and the National Championships in the class.

The breakage in most of the rest of the class resulted in only a three-boat final, giving the checkered flag to Mason. Harold Bruce (#222, center) broke before the finals on Sunday, and Vance Lund (far lane) finished second overall.

Unblown Flat: Wild Child wins again! Ty Newton, shoeing for Dave Rankin in a 10-boat field, just put the pedal to the metal and never looked back all weekend.

speedboat.com

93990_SpeedboatSept18_074-80.indd 77

S P E E D B O A T | August 2018

77

8/14/18 4:44 AM

ARP Sprint Nationals In Classic Endurance, Matt Jedlum (right) finished first in the National Championships, and second overall for the weekend with a sevenboat count. Great job for the #421 boat!

The K Boat turnout was light this year, but the quality of the boats was strong. The weekend belonged to Charly Hamill (below). The bright blue K55 took the overall win for the weekend and the National Championship—even though Ty Newton won the final race and took the checkered flag around. Hamill is shown above literally flying the boat down the straightaway.

Grand National king Heath Hiebert in his GN 369 (right) couldn’t muster enough to take out the field of eight GNs this weekend. He had enough points, though, to take the overall win for the weekend.

Aerial view of the crowded shoreline, with starter Pat Whitcomb ready to shoot the flare gun for the start of the GN race.

Junior Hydroplane racer Sean Davidson (near lane) took both the overall win and the National Championship, while Jeff Barrus in the X boat finished fourth overall and nationally in the Sportsman Unlimited A Hydroplane class.

78

S P E E D B O A T | August 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_074-80.indd 78

speedboat.com

8/14/18 4:44 AM

Wrecks & Rollovers GPS 100 class boats had 10 in the field...until Nicholas Nebeker rolled up and over in the #63 boat on turn 3.4, doing some serious damage to the left side of the boat and knocking him out of competition. He checked out OK, but the boat will need a lot of duct tape to fix.

captions

Paul Visser got wild on the first turn of the final heat in the Unblown Flat class Saturday night and turned his #21 boat over. He would be held overnight for observation, but will be OK.

Cracker Box racers Dwight Moody and Mark Cervenka lost the steering in their boat, Mr. Magoo (above), and drove boat right up the rocks.

Below: Unblown Flat driver Mike Wooten flipped up and over on turns 3 and 4 in Sunday’s race.

speedboat.com

93990_SpeedboatSept18_074-80.indd 79

S P E E D B O A T | August 2018

79

8/14/18 4:44 AM

ARP Sprint Nationals

In the Grand National final for the weekend, Heath Hiebert was chasing down Chuck Sousamian for the lead when he broke, leaving Chuck in the lead with Kaylee Hiebert following. Kaylee, shown here in her first official final heat race in the GN class, ran down the leader, passed him with 1½ laps left, and the crowd went beserk. She won the race, got to carry the checkered flag around the track, and took home the big National Championship trophy (and got her first win dunk in the water). Congratulations on this very impressive win!

80

S P E E D B O A T | August 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_074-80.indd 80

speedboat.com

8/14/18 4:44 AM

Island Magic [Continued from page 31] With an impressive 118 registered boats for the Poker Run, the St. Lawrence River was transformed into a churning whitewater, high speed parade of flashy fiberglass and a presentation of power.

The Saturday run, which was broken up into two parts with a extravagantly hosted BBQ luncheon inbetween, satisfied even the most diehard boater.

The dedicated event organizers Nolan Ferris, Jeff Morgan, Bobby Cantwell, Ken and Renee Lalonde, Alexandra Buduson, Court Rutherford and hundreds of volunteers made the three-day event an overwhelming and undisputed success. From the Thursday evening Street Party to Saturday night’s five-star hosted feast of a banquet, awards presentation and charity auction, capped off with a fireworks display—the 1000 Islands Charity Event proved to be one of the year’s best.

Thanks to the participants and their generosity, the event raised enough money to grant three more Make-aWish “wishes” to deserving families throughout the year, which range between $12,000-$18,000 each—as well as a generous donation of $10,000 to River Hospital. (See page 31.)

The organizers have already set next year’s dates for July 18-21, 2019. Register early, because there will again be a capacity limit. Navigate your browser to: www.1000islandsrun.com.

93990_SpeedboatSept18_016-18,20,22-24,26,28-31,81.indd 81

8/14/18 12:39 AM

OBSERVER’S SEAT RAY LEE [Continued from page 8] veled at what had bestowed their tiny town on that balmy Thursday evening.

The next day brought on the charity speedboat rides for the Make-a-Wish families of Central New York. Generous speedboaters donate their vessels, fuel, time and love to this worthy cause.

Company CEO and President Diane Kuppermann explained to me that her organization and the good folks at the 1000 Islands Charity Poker Run had been working together to take these wonderful kids and their loved ones out for the rides of their lives. Putting their ailments and illnesses aside for a while in exchange for some hydrotherapy–by way of horsepower and all-out speed! The huge smiles on their little faces when they returned were enough to melt your heart. It did mine.

Saturday brought Poker Run Day. The total count was at 118 boats that morning and the ropes could not be thrown off from the cleats quickly enough for the eager crowd. With runs spanning across the St. Lawrence River, Alexandria Bay and up into the Canadian waters of Kingston, this is a true international run.

And if that weren’t enough, you encounter awe-inspiring castles, along the way!

Usually the boats are the stars of each event but the castles rivaled equally at this one.

I was graciously invited onboard Randy and Cherell Scism’s gorgeous MTI V-42 Center Console with quad Mercury Racing 400R outboard engines, providing me with an unparalleled platform to shoot photos from the water. Todd and industry veteran photographer Tim Sharkey (TimSharkey.com) were buzzing overhead in the helicopters, clicking away to bring you the images that appear within these pages.

Being fortunate enough to be a part of this publication, I have attended quite a number of events, all across the country.

They all have their special qualities and their unique flair that makes each event their own. This one has that–and much, much more.

Not to diminish any of the events organized for profit, but this one is

82

S P E E D B O A T | September 2018

93990_SpeedboatSept18_008.indd 82

straight from the heart. Principals Nolan Ferris, Jeff Morgan, Bobby Cantwell, Ken and Renee Lalonde, Court Rutherford, Alexandria Buduson and the hundreds of volunteers that worked tirelessly to pull this one off, are to be heartily commended. Their dedication to the sport and the spirit of their generosity were showcased in every detail put forth, in every moment spent and in every word spoken.

To witness the English family, with young Tyler living with congenital heart disease, being presented with their dream “wish” of owning a travel trailer as a complete surprise is a moment in time

that I will remember forever. The charities like Make-a-Wish and River Hospital make dreams come true. And young Tyler deserved it.

The 1000 Islands Charity Poker Run is a bonafide Class A event. From the time we arrived until long after we had gone–the organizers of this event made absolutely certain that we and everyone else, was well taken care of and enjoyed their stay. So, if you’re wondering if you should attend this one next year… just GO! You will not be disappointed, you will be impressed, you will return.

And it will be all for charity.

speedboat.com

8/14/18 12:24 AM

93990_SpeedboatSept18_03,09,12,21,27,45,47,57,83,84.indd 83

8/14/18 3:18 AM

93990_SpeedboatSept18_03,09,12,21,27,45,47,57,83,84.indd 84

8/14/18 3:18 AM