Powerboating In Paradise Vol23#1

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• Thursday Run A fun boating weekend for KEY WEST POKER RUN 2022 30ThAnniversary TOYS
2022 WWW.FLPOWERBOAT.COM
TOUR
F EB 1 5 -1 9, 2 023 miamib o ats h ow.c o m
OUT YOU SEE

A Magazine Showcasing The Florida Powerboat Club Lifestyle

WINTER 2023#1

EDITOR/PUBLISHER

Stu Jones stu@flpowerboat.com

OFFICE MANAGER

Jackie Jones jackie@flpowerboat.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Lina Montes fpclina@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

Pete Boden

Jerry Wyszatycki Stu Jones

EVENT MANAGEMENT

Jackie Jones jackie@flpowerboat.com

Megan Smith admin@flpowerboat.com

OFFICE ASSISTANT

Sue Dachille fpcevents@gmail.com

VIDEO PRODUCTION

Stu Jones

Ryan McCoy

Joe Kotrady

DIRECT ALL INQUIRIES TO Florida Powerboat Club

1214 SW 6th St. Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Tel: 954.545-1414

Fax: 954.782-2452

www.FLPOWERBOAT.com

POMPANO OFFICE HOURS

Monday - Thursday 10 AM - 5 PM

CONTENTS

4. LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Celebrating 30 years with FPC is high on Stu Jones' agenda for 2023, but the club's founder reminds us that safety remains paramount to the club's success, and it's My Way or Highway for those repeat offenders who just don't see the big picture when it comes to making safety a priority.

6. KEY WEST POKER RUN 2022

On the Florida powerboating scene, there's one destination that makes it into every conversation, Key West. But for this 30th celebration of FPC's signature poker run event, getting from Miami to Key West, required a Plan B to overcome some challenges from Mother Nature.

8. KEY WEST: THURSDAY RUN

With the scheduled Wednesday departure cancelled due to stormy weather, the Thursday run gave boaters a chance to make a break for Key West.

36. SATURDAY RUN & WOMAN KEY RAFTUP

After arriving in Key West, the weather kept improving and the Saturday Fun Run to Woman Key provided the perfect backdrop for a rendezvous in paradise.

84. MONDAY FUN DAY

No trailer queens here...The Monday run back to Miami enjoyed great weather and little bonus, as the FPC chopper crew took chase from Key West Harbor.

94. TOYS TOUR : DEC 2022

With no FPC runs on the December calendar, the TOYS TOUR provided the perfect escape for Stu & Jackie Jones to take part in this fun weekend with other boaters on the less-travelled St. Johns River in North Florida.

ON THE COVER: Key West Poker Run Raft-up at Woman Key. Fpc girls Gloria & Sage

All copyright laws apply. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the expressed written permission of the publisher SEE THE COMPLETE DIGITAL EDITION OF POWERBOATING IN PARADISE MAGAZINE AT WWW.FLPOWERBOAT.COM FPC POMPANO BEACH HEADQUARTERS
MIAMI BOAT SHOW EDITION
Traveling? Need to lighten the load? Enjoy the digital version of this issue of Powerboating in Paradise Magazine on... YouTube: Florida Powerboat Club www.youtube.com/user/FLpowerboatClub
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POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 3

Thankfully I set my own editorial rules almost twenty-five years ago, stipulating that I would never exceed one page of text for my traditional “Letter from the President”. The reason I stated that is that I have so many topics that need addressing, this edition has far exceeded the normal word-count, and we must steal a page to get it all in. The good news is, if I really let loose this LFP could easily be a multi-page essay. So please allow my departure from tradition after twenty four years of publishing, to dive in and punctuate a few very important topics!

The first and top priority as we move into a busy 2023, is boating safety. On the national boating scene, there are countless offenses daily across all spectrums; cruising, sailing, yachting, fishing, powerboating…just stupid stuff happening every weekend, on every lake, river, bay or ocean, and at boat ramps, marinas and public docks everywhere. If anyone follows the major boating channels on social media, you would know about some of these insane incidents that are happening out there on the water. Careless mistake due to un-skilled drivers, idiot-factor and often drunken fools that we must avoid at all costs. But as president of FPC, nothing I can say or do will change any of these incidents “out there”. Where I need to focus 100% of my attention, is on our very own FPC poker runs.

February 2023

multiple paid-duty first responders run with the poker run in fast boats, with professional fire-rescue staff ready to engage. Unfortunately, despite this tireless effort, our safety messaging still falls on deaf ears. Over the last twelve months, on many of our events, it was frustrating to see this even after issuing safety guidelines and waivers, hosting hour-long captains meetings before events, producing Youtube safety videos and talking about safety until I am blue in face! We still see marginal and often zero compliance from some of our registered poker run teams!

An accident at the Tampa Poker Run last year reminded us of the importance of these safety guidelines, when four young crew members were pitched into the bay waters at a high rate of speed when their 30’ Spectre hit a wave and almost rolled over. Luckily, they were all wearing life jackets, were un-injured, and rescued immediately by a fellow club member! However, the driver’s kill lanyard was not properly attached, so the boat continued under full power and drove un-manned for several miles across Tampa Bay, passing near a congested area of kite surfers, then crashing onto an isolated shoreline - with no further incidents. Moral of the story: You can’t just check off one or two boxes on the safety guidelines….You have to CHECK THEM ALL! So, my message to any members and crews who just don’t seem to care, is simply, Enough is Enough! In addition to being a threat to their own safety and the safety of their crew, these irresponsible drivers are a liability to FPC and to the boating public who share the same waterways. We just don’t need them around anymore…and it’s not worth any amount of money to have them on the FPC roster! Specifically, my three biggest concerns that need to be addressed are:

1) Excessive Speed in unsafe conditions

2) Non-compliance on wearing PFD’s & kill switch lanyards while travelling at speed

Anyone who has been around FPC over the years, whether attending our events, watching our videos, or reading my stories in the Powerboating in Paradise Magazine, would know that I have always made a strong commitment to safety and have initiated continuous safety messaging. In 2013, FPC was the first organization to tackle the challenge of having

3) Use of alcohol or drugs while operating on poker run

These are my targets for 2023, so my message to the blatant offender is, “Please don’t get me on a bad day, because it will be your last poker run with FPC.”

4 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

Depending on the severity, a letter may be written by me personally, to the offender’s insurance agent and to every other poker run organizer in the country, because we all need to be aware of dangerous drivers that are a threat to our safety, our sport and the performance marine industry that is a livelihood for so many of us. The second important message concerns the high levels of tourism in the Sunshine State and the continuous demand for lodging and docking inventory at the premium boating destinations around the state of Florida. In many boating hotspots like the Florida Keys, South Florida and the Tampa Bay area, recreational boating is at an all-time high, and as poker run organizers we must compete for the most desirable venues. We are up against wedding planners, corporate events, fishing tournaments and sometimes just the general high season boating population. It has become increasingly difficult to lock-down the best venues and hotels, and when we do, it comes at a premium. The simple laws of supply and demand are dictating where we can go, and what we will pay, so it is important to keep a close watch on our event calendar and the registration deadlines that we publish. In 2023 and beyond, it will become a regular occurrence for FPC to close registration for many of our events, often several weeks before the actual event is being staged. Remember that membership with FPC in no way guarantees event participation. Each event requires an advance registration, so please monitor the FPC event calendar closely and get your online forms completed, sooner than later, if you and your crew are very intent on joining us.

Thankfully, my final message ends on a truly positive note. Looking back, I organized my first poker run thirty-two years ago in the Summer of 1991 in Miami, and it was two years later in June 1993 when Powerboat Club was incorporated. This year officially marks 30 years of Powerboating in Paradise with FPC, and in my wildest dreams, I could never have imagined bringing the club this far, much less be a member of a performance boating community that now has a stand-alone industry, and a worldwide circuit of poker runs that numbers in the hundreds. We have an A-list roster of FPC members who support us loyally, and an extended family of industry peers who design and manufacture the most incredible performance boats, engines and accessories, that make up what is essentially a 99% American-Built industry. Indeed, there have been trials and tribulations along the way, and for me personally, it has often been a difficult sea to navigate. However, at 63 years of age, I’m certain that I do not have any other careers in mind. That said, I would like to slow down my own pace to a more comfortable cruise-control, focus on my health and well-bring, so I can enjoy the next phase of my life. That’s not an admission of formal retirement, however I am ready to welcome to FPC a team player from a younger generation, someone as passionate as myself, who is willing to steer this amazing ship into the future. Our two sons Tyler (19) and Max(17) will continue to help out the family business when they can, but they still have several years of school ahead, and that is a top priority for Jackie and I as parents. This is a “command position” that needs to be filled. I would say it is not a job, but a career, and possibly a dream career for the right person! Among the requirements… Persistence, Professionalism., and above all an unwavering PassionforPowerboating . That’s the key ingredient that got FPC this far. If you or someone you know might be interested in this challenging but rewarding lifestyle career with FPC, please see our announcement on page 93 with more details on how to proceed.

Meanwhile, let us continue to share the passion that we all have for this great sport and lifestyle, by doing our part to ensure a safe 2023, both on the water and off!

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 5

Stormy Waters! Stormy Waters!

Celebrating thirty years of the Key West Poker Run was certainly the buzz as FPC organizers and 275 powerboat teams from around the world prepared for the club's signature poker run. Mother Nature had something else in mind, as she dealt an unwelcome visitor named Hurricane Nicole to Miami's doorstep on the poker run departure days, forcing Plan B on all fronts!

The 30th Annual Key West Poker Run was presented by Cigarette Racing Team for the second consecutive year, and enjoyed a stellar 275-boat roster of high-performance hardware from the United States, Canada and Europe. But Tropical Storm Nicole, later named a category one hurricane, forced cancellation by a significant number of these teams, many experiencing travel delays, cancelled flights, boat transporting issues and windstormexclusion clauses on their boat insurance policies.

While FPC management had high hopes of a successful outcome to ring in the 30th anniversary of this signature poker run event, the storm put the FPC team on high alert, as they monitored the Miami-

bound storm track, and modified the poker run agenda to ensure safe passage of over two hundred powerboat teams, departing from three different staging points in Fort Lauderdale, North Miami Beach, and Coconut Grove.  After receiving a bulletin from Miami Dade Fire Rescue and phone calls from the United States Coast Guard sector commanders, FPC president Stu Jones made the prudent decision to cancel the Wednesday run, keeping Thursday on the schedule and adding a new Friday departure from Miami. This provided a great outcome, as more than 125 teams made the run Thursday, and another thirty-plus teams departed for a smooth ride to Key West on Friday.

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The Thursday run featured a variety of lunch destinations in the Upper Keys, including always popular Gilberts which hosted many of the teams, while manufacturer-sponsored lunches including NorTech Hi Performance hosting its owners at Sundowners in Key Largo, while Cigarette Racing Team returned to Sole by the Sea, at Playa Largo Resort. Mystic Powerboats returned to its favored stopover, Lazydays South in Marathon, where Mystic owners gathered for a great lunch, before taking the final 50 mile trek to Key West. For the teams requiring high-octane ethanol free fuel, Chief Marine Group in Islamorada provided the ideal stopover, where FPC fuel partner had two fuel trucks on hand to support the event.

In addition to the boaters travelling on Thursday and Friday runs,  dozens of other teams took the initiative to get a jump on the storm, by boating down on Tuesday, prior to the storm's arrival, while a significant number of others decided to trailer their boats all the way from Miami to Key West, avoiding any chance of an unpleasant ride in turbulent waters. Surprisingly, the Key West agenda of events remained on schedule for the most part, with the Key West Poker Run Village opening as planned on Thursday afternoon, with land displays that included over a dozen marine trade sponsors displaying their latest powerboat models, high-performance engines, marine accessories and a wide variety of souvenir retail merchandise.

Photos by: Jerry Wyszatycki, Jeff Helmkamp & Stu Jones
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Thursday Run

Hans Othar & Kristen Blix | FL | Team 2TWENTY5 | 39' Nor-Tech Gary Karwowski | FL | Team LOADED DECK | 42' Mystic William Koufas | FL | Team CHEAP SKATER | 32' Skater FPC Girl Sage
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FJ PROPELLER Crew HAMMERTIME 2.0 Jimmie Harrison | FL | Team FJ PROPELLER | 39' Nor-Tech
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Ray Aquit | FL | Team HAMMERTIME 2.0 | 39' Deep Impact
THANK YOU to our Team, Nor-Tech Family, Partners, and the Marine Industry as a whole for your care and support during Hurricane Ian Relief Efforts.
Mark & Eileen Fischer | FL | Team DEEP IMPACT | 39' Deep Impact Shad Vera | FL | Team BIG THUNDER MARINE | 41' Donzi Dennis Delatorre | FL | Team PLANTATION BOAT MART | 39' Deep Impact
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FPC Gloria Roger Larochelle l NH | Team FLOOR IT V | 36' Sunsation Stephen & Maria Madaffari l FL | Team MINDSET | 33' Renegade FLOOR IT V Crew
BE FIRST Crew 14 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
Tory Robson | MN | Team BE FIRST | 42' Cigarette EVIL WOMAN Crew Curtis Watkins l FL | Team EVIL WOMAN | 39' Nor-Tech Bret Laso & Allison Ricard l SC | Team NAUTI BEAST | 36' Nor-Tech
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Mike & Susan Pascoe l GA | Team COIN OPERATED | 41' Cigarette Stephen Barker l NY | Team X-FACTOR | 42' Cigarette X-FACTOR Crew Brett & Trisha Patterson l FL | Team DEEP IMPACT 36 | 36' Deep Impact DEEP IMPACT 36 Crew
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Mat & Ann Marie Raymond | NC | Team MISS GRACE | 48' Fountain

Lunch stop at Gilbert's

Gilbert's in Key Largo has become a landmark stopover for the vast majority of boaters transiting to and from the Florida Keys. By virtue of its geographic location along a narrow mangrove waterway named Jewfish Creek, which connects Barnes Sound to the north with Blackwater Sound, Gilberts is a natural stopover that has an inviting alure with its massive tiki bar and daily live music from the vocals of local entertainer Bobby Brown. With its long face-dock of over five hundred feet in length, it’s quite easy to hang the fenders, cast a few lines, and quickly be seated under the shade of the rustic tiki, enjoying a cold beverage and diving into the well-stocked buffet featuring an extensive offering of freshly prepared Mojo chicken, blackened mahi, BBQ pulled pork, and hearty Cuban-inspired sides that include black beans & rice, sweet plantains followed by a tasty brownie! But this is a poker run and we’re not here for the long haul! The Gilberts format ensures a friendly relaxing vibe for a great meal, and a quick turn so poker run teams can soon be on their way.

FPC Girls Kendall, Gloria & Sage
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Jewfish Creek Ryan Harris l FL | Team DISPATCHED | 35' Donzi Gregg & Courtney Seaman l CA | Team TRIPLE PLAY | 39' Nor-Tech James & Tammy Johnson l NJ | Team THE BACKUP | 34' Fountain Zach & Lynn Martin l GA | Team POKER FACE | 32' Sunsation
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FPC Girl Sage Dan DeSantis l MA | Team MCLAREN OF CHARLOTTE | 43' Skater Eric & Ashley Matzen l NY | Team PIPE DREAMS | 32' Doug Wright FPC Gloria
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Craig & Paula Ackerman l GA | Team LEVEL UP | 39' MTI Steven Woitkun l NH | Team HOLY SMOKES III | 46' Outerlimits MEDIUM PIMPIN Crew Bill Melchione l NJ | Team SUPREME | 42' MTI
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Bryan Houtchens l CA | Team MEDIUM PIMPIN | 50' MTI

Steven Fernandez 954-655-6498

Braden Verkaik 954-651-8535

Official rigging shop for the TOP GUN FLIGHT 1130
Lance Rader l FL | Team FAST CAT | 39' Deep Impact John & Dawn Clarke | NC | Team JAGUAR 37 OS | 37' Jaguar
FPC
Mike Riggs l NC | Team SANDERS FORD | 34' Fountain
Girl Sage
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Andrew Rocco l NH | Team TIME CONSCIOUS | 34' Victory

Friday Run - Grove Harbour Poker Card

TEAM PERFORMANCE BOAT CENTER
Special thanks to Jim Lee and the girls of Team BOSS LADY! Oysten Tenold shipped his 36 Nor-Tech Supercat all the way from Norway to attend! Girls of Team Midnight Express Jim Lee | KS | Team BOSS LADY | 46' Skater Bruno & Rebecca Peree | FL | Team MEGAWATTS | 39' Outerlimits
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Kevin Catron | MD | Team SHOWROOM SHINE | 38' Statement Team CHIEF MARINE GROUP | 53' HCB FPC Girl Gloria
l NV | Team DIRTY MONEY MTI | 43' MTI 26 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
Hugo & Tamara Prigue l FL | Team X PRINT X | 36' Doug Wright
Chris Sticha
Kenneth MacNichol l NH | Team LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE | 32' Renegade David Rudiger l OH | Team OHIO | 42' Mystic
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Ryan & Amber Zivitski | FL | Team MYSTIC C4005 | 40' Mystic
PBBOATSHOW.COM MARCH 23-26
FPC Girl Gloria Bill Yates l FL | Team NOR-TECH | 39' Nor-Tech Jeb & Stephanie Bradshaw l NH | Team SCARAB | 38' Scarab Chadwick Sneed l MO | Team TOPGUN | 39' Cigarette
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Tony Decker l FL | Team TRIPPLE DECKER | 38' Renegade Michel Lacasse l NH | Team HANG N' BANG | 37' Midnight Express Brad Hancock l FL | Team ALL HAIL | 43' Midnight Express
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Mark & Laura Fitzgerald l MD | Team EXEMPTION | 36' Statement

Saturday Run

Frank & Claudia Scheelen l FL | Team SCHEELEN MOTORSPORTS | 36' Nor-Tech SEARAY Crew Zebastian Fohlin l Sweden | Team SEARAY | 65' Searay
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Eric Avila l FL | Team CONCEPT BOATS | 44' Concept Joshua & Kyly Ballon l MA | Team ALWAYS SOMETHIN' | 38' Hustler ALWAYS SOMETHIN' Crew
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Stu & Jackie Jones l FL | Team FLIGHT 1130 | 38' Cigarette Christopher Radley l TX | Team REEL RAD | 35' Statement REEL RAD Crew John Stella l NY | Team PERFECT RX | 39' Nor-Tech PERFECT RX Crew Bruno & Rebecca Perree l FL | Team MEGAWATTS | 39' Outerlimits
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MEGAWATTS Crew
30' 39' Eric@conceptboats.com www conceptboats com (305) 635-8712 @ C O N C E P T B O A T S L I N E U P 32' 36' 44' CABIN 44' OPEN
Kevin & Jenica Eisenbach l MO | Team SUPER SOAKER | 38' Cigarette Mike Boyle l FL | Team XCAT | 39' MTI (PG)Panagiotis & Sarah Georgiou l KY | Team MEGA FLEXIN | 50' MTI John Wittenberger Jr & Sr l NJ | Team ON THE ROCKS | 36' Spectre
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SUPER SOAKER Crew Matt Berman l CA | Team SHE GONE | 32' Sunsation FPC Girl Gloria Team Performance Boat Center | 32' Sunsation CCX
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Christopher Snow l CT | Team NINJA | 34' Scarab Gaby Pacheco l FL | Team SD MARINE-CIGARETTE RACING | Cigarette 515
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Tom Gourzis l PA | Team OPA II | 42' Cigarette Rick Riggle l OH | Team NOR-TECH | 45' Nor- Tech Aaron & Belen Salstrom l ID | Team TRUCKS PLUS IDAHO | 34' MTI TRUCKS PLUS IDAHO Crew
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NOR TECH Crew Buddy Thomas l MA | Team ALL SET | 39' Outerlimits Kyle Fowler l GA | Team A-SALT WEAPON | 38' Fountain Gregory Moppert l DE | Team GATED | 41' Cigarette
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FPC Girl Sage Craig & Franca LaScola l MA | Team ROLLING THE DICE | 46' Outerlimits ROLLING THE DICE Crew
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Justin Wagner l FL | Team RAIDEN | 50' Skater Dawn & Donald Hadden l SC | Team DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS | 44' Concept Greg & Jennifer Connell l TX | Team LEGEND MARINE GROUP | 39' Nor-Tech LEGEND MARINE GROUP Crew Bryan Tapocik/ Mike Pizzelanti l FL | Team WASABI | 42' Mystic
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FPC Girl Gloria Sam & Matt Gabriel l NJ | Team RAGING BULL | 48' MTI Michael & Neveda McClallen l IL | Team WILD TRIPS | 37' Active Thunder Deris Ceresa l FL | Team PHANTOM BLACK | 43' Midnight Express WILD TRIPS Crew
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PHANTOM BLACK Crew Justin Digiovanni l TX | Team GINGER | 34' Pilini Marine Curtis Morris l TX | Team YAHOO | 36' Skater
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Larry Hill l MA | Team BAD LARRY | 44' Outerlimits Jeb & Stephanie Bradshaw l NC | Team STACKIN RACKS | 42' Outerlimits Brian & Danni Forehand l NC | Team BE FORE U | 50' Outerlimits Kris & Dawn Randlett l FL | Team CHILLIN’ THE MOST | 37' Midnight Express CHILLIN’ THE MOST Crew
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FPC Girl Gloria Robert Smulski l DE | Team NOR TECH 39 | 39' Nor-Tech NOR TECH 39 Crew Taylor Peterson l NH | Team BAYRIPPERS | 29' Nitra
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Delvis Flores l NJ | Team SPARTAN POWERBOAT CLUB | 36' Statement Peter & Carolyn Fink l NE | Team 42 MTI | 42' MTI Mark Stoddart l Canada | Team HUNTRESS | 42' Cigarette
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Donnie Cariati l CT | Team DISASTER RELIEF | 42' Mystic Steven Woitkun l NH | Team HOLY SMOKES III | 46' Outerlimits James & Sonia Redding l Mexico | Team LA MEXICANA | 39' Deep Impact
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Brock Vernon l TX | Team FBMG OF TEXAS | 32' Doug Wright Charlie & Michelle Mattingly l MD | 48' MTI Christopher Richards l NY | Team ANGLE OF ATTACK | 44' Mystic Christopher Richards l NY | Team ANGLE OF ATTACK | 44' Mystic John Tumino l NJ | Team MYSTIC 42 | 42' Mystic Scott Harnois l MA | Team HER OFFSHORE ACCOUNT | 30' Superboat
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HER OFFSHORE ACCOUNT Crew Nick & Christi Evans l IN | Team RECOVERED MONEY | 50' Nor-Tech Ray & Kristine Gremaux l NY | Team BIG SHOT! | 42' Mystic Gil & Lena Anuez Jr l FL | Team NOR-LAXIN | 39' Nor-Tech
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RECOVERED MONEY Crew Shane & Vicki Franks l MI | Team SADDLE UP | 42' Statement Ray & Jill Kowalik l MO | Team BIKINI BOTTOM II | 42' MTI Byron Storms l CA | Team STORMS | 39' Deep Impact
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FPC Girl Gloria Rick Spade l OH | Team SPADEMADE | 33' ARTH COLLINSON Crew Greg Collinson l Canada | Team COLLINSON | 34' Statement
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Chad Rudesill l LA | Team UGHH IT'S NASTY | 48' MTI Jack Villars l Switzerland | Team JACK | 43' MTI Robb & Tara Rill l FL | Team DARKCYDE | 38' Axopar
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Greg Harris & Yvonne Aleman l FL | Team MAD PROPS | 37' DCB Roger & Pam Anderson l TX | Team WILD HORSES | 39' Nor-Tech Thomas Mindee Borzilleri l FL | Team OAR'N AROUND | 39' Nor-Tech
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Ken Goldberg l FL | Team TEAM ACP | 41' Cigarette Ron Szolack l MI | Team FLIGHT CLUB | 42' Cigarette Mark & Nancy Tuck l VA | Team TIMBERCAT | 36' Wright Performance
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Dennis Phillips l FL | Team CLEAN MONEY | 39' MTI Sonny Martorana l Canada | Team DEVENZO | 39' MTI DEVENZO Crew Robert & Alessandra Conti l NJ | Team CONTI | 38' Cigarette
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Grant Bernardy l MN | Team WAVEMAKER X3 | 37' DCB Chad Havens l TX | Team SAVAGE | 40' Skater Kevin Catron l MD | Team SHOWROOM SHINE | 38' Statement David Kramer l NJ | Team NAUTI TENDENSEAS | 39' Nor-Tech
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FPC Girl Sage Chris Boyett l LA | Team 36 STATEMENT | 36' Statement
POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 65
Deep Impact 399 owners drove like pros, setting up this amazing group Money Shot on Saturday morning in Key West!

Woman Key Raft Up: Woman Key Raft Up:

Saturday Fun Run

By Saturday, the weather effects from Hurricane Nicole had all but disappeared, and with a beautiful day for boating, hundreds of poker run teams headed to the annual Woman Key rendezvous, where calm seas provided the ideal raft up conditions for a great party. The FPC photo and video team made up for lost flying time from the earlier days of the event, flying two helicopters on a schedule of four separate flights for most of the day, gathering spectacular money shots to share on FPC media platforms and with media partners including Speedonthewater and Speedboat Magazine. With Boca Grande key remaining closed to boating visitors by National Wildlife Refuge authorities, the FPC powerboat teams were able to settle in for a calm and comfortable anchorage at Woman Key, located less than ten miles from Key West Harbor. By mid-afternoon, hundreds of powerboats and yachts of all sizes, provided the perfect platform for thousands of participants, many of whom had escaped the clutches of early winter in colder climates to the north. Indeed, this was a day for all to remember.

Chris
l OK | Team NEVER ENOUGH | 30' Spectre
& Lindsey Miller
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Robert Provalenko l SC | Team RAMBLE ON | 38' Fountain FPC Girl Gloria
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Trey & Michele Ganem l TX | Team TANTRIC | 30' Skater
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David & Jenny Landsman l MD | Team GAME CHANGER | 43' Midnight Express
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Eric & Hagen Glaser lFL | Team MIDNIGHT EXPRESS | 52' Midnight Express Derek Wachob l OK | Team BLACK DIAMOND | 52' MTI Win Farnsworth l FL | Team 007 | 80' Sunseeker
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Jorge Gonzalez l FL | Team RENEGADE POWERBOATS | 38' Renegade

The sponsor dock at Conch Republic Seafood Company came alive by Thursday as over two dozen sponsor teams displayed colorful new center consoles, performance cats and monohulls, giving thousands of daily visitors a different level of entertainment that would not be seen at your average boat show. After all, this is Key West, where the spirits run high, the energy is at maximum level, along with the audio systems, and the ladies are more than happy to show off their matching team bikinis!

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The Conch Republic Sponsor Dock accommodates up to 30 boats, providing a colorful display of high-performance hardware . Cars & Bars: Common sightings around the Key West. FPC girls Sage, Gloria, Justine and Kendall ready to give out the prize cups!
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The girls of Team HAMMERTIME - winners of Sexiest Crew Award!
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POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 75

Friday Body Paint Party

Friday activities at the Poker Run village included Sponsor Appreciation day, where the major sponsors are invited to the FPC stage for special awards and photos. For this particular year the format was somewhat altered, due to the always popular Key West Body Paint Exhibition, which had been postponed from its normal Thursday scheduling. With great attendance for the event, more than ten lovely contestants took part in the fun, and for the second year in a row, it was a spirited FPC poker run participant winning top honors, this year with a patriotic Veterans Day theme. The prize came with a bragging rights and a nice bonus, a $500 cash prize!

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FPC WELCOMES DOUG WRIGHT POWERBOATS

2023 SERIES SPONSOR

Saturday Night Awards Party

With poker cards being played out by teams over two consecutive nights, it was Saturday night that was reserved for FPC as a dinner buyout at the Conch Republic Seafood Company, and teams began arriving shortly after 6pm to begin the festivities. As always, the jumbo FPC video screen lit up the night, as extensive aerial coverage from the Friday and Saturday boating activities gave many of the teams a chance to see their boats and crew members enjoying the tropical waters in the Florida Keys. The poker cards were played out by the FPC Girls and by late Saturday evening, prizes were awarded to the teams with the top five poker hands. This included a total payout of over $30,000 in prizes: $ 17,500 in cash, with $ 10,000 of this amount sponsored by Deep Impact, Blackwater Boats and their exclusive dealer, Plantation Boat Mart. Congratulations to the Grand Prize winning team of Aaron Salstrom from Idaho who attended for his very first time in his new 34’ MTI cat.

1st Place - Aaron & Belen Salstrom-Team TRUCKS PLUS IDAHO 4 th Place - Zach & Lynne Martin-Team POKER FACE 5th Place -Bill Melchione-Team SUPREME 3rd Place - Manny Oses-Team RENEGADE POWERBOATS
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2ND Place - Robert & Aubrey McAtee -Team ROBALDO

Sexiest Female Crew - Team HAMMERTIME II - 39 Deep Impact

Best Performance V-Bottom - Team ROLLING THE DICE46' Outerlimits

Best Sound System - Team GAME CHANGER43' Midnight Express

Best Poker Run Boat - Team BIG THUNDER MARINE41' Donzi

Best Paint & Graphics Center Console - Team GATED - 41' Cigarette

Best Classic Boat - Team NINJA - 1988 34' Scarab

Best Quint Center Console - Team MIDNIGHT EXPRESS 52' Midnight Express

Sponsor Award - Plantation Boat Mart - Dennis Delatorre & Brianna Murray

Farthest Traveled - Team SEARAY | SWEEDEN | 65' Searay

Best Triple Center Console - SMOKE'EM - 39' Nor-Tech

Good Samaritan Award - Team BE FORE U - 50' Outerlimits Best Team Name - Team WALL NUTS - 36' Doug Wright
80 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

JOIN THE CLUB. JOIN THE FUN .

Five levels of membership to suit your boating lifestyle.

PLATINUM MEMBERSHIP

• Access to all FPC events and parties.

• Powerboating Video. (Dozens of titles to choose.)

• Powerboating in Paradise Magazine subscription.

• Embroidered Club T-shirt in your choice of colors.

• Access to all Membership discount programs.

PLUS:

• Premium mens OGIO club polo shirt.

• Premium Concierge Services

• Priority booking status for rooms and dockage on all FPC Events.

• Marina and marine service referrals for your powerboat.

• Nautical assistance to a variety of marine resorts and boating destinations.

• Planning and hotel/slip reservations for your Florida boating weekends.

$499.00/year*

GOLD MEMBERSHIP

Membership suggested for married couples Includes all of the Standard Membership benefits

COMMERCIAL MEMBERSHIP

Membership Includes:

• Discounted rates on FPC Magazine advertising

• Discounted rates on all web advertising/banner programs.

• Access to all FPC events and parties.

• Second membership for spouse/partner included

• Premium mens OGIO Club Polo Shirt.

• Premium womens OGIO Ladies Tank Top

PLUS: $399.00/year*

STANDARD MEMBERSHIP

Membership Includes:

• Access to all FPC events and parties.

• Powerboating Video. (Dozens of titles to choose.)

• Powerboating in Paradise Magazine subscription.

• Embroidered Club T-shirt in your choice of colors.

• Access to all Membership discount programs.

$299.00/year*

• Business listing on our website affiliate section.

• Business card introduction Ad in FPC magazine. Commercial Members also have the opportunity to run promotions and discounts through FPC events.

$399.00/year*

Membership Includes:

• Club T-shirt in your choice of colors.

• Powerboating in Paradise Magazine subscription.

• Access to FPC parties

• Discounted Boat Show tickets.

$99.00/year*

and international memberships will have a slightly higher rate to compensate for mailing/shipping costs. 954-545-1414 | FLPOWERBOAT.COM | ADMIN@FLPOWERBOAT.COM
SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP *Overseas
Best Dressed Crew - Team OUT OF CONTROL - 40' Skater Best Sterndrive Cat - Team UGHH IT'S NASTY Best Paint & Graphics Cat - Team BLU GATTI - 48' MTI Stu & Jackie Jones with FPC Girls Sexiest Male Crew - Team DEVENZO - 39' MTI
82 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
Jackie Jones & FPC Girls
FLEXIBLY RUGGED, SERIOUSLY FUN, HONESTLY REAL WWW.AOCOOLERS.COM #AOANDGO #AOANDGO #AOANDGO #AOANDGO #AOANDGO #AOANDGO #AOANDGO #AOANDGO #AOANDGO #AOANDGO #AOANDGO #AOANDGO #AOANDGO #AOANDGO #AOANDGO #AOANDGO #AOANDGO #AOANDGO #AOANDGO #AOANDGO #AOANDGO #AOANDGO #AOANDGO #AOANDGO BUILT FOR EVERY DAY ADVENTURE

Heading home after a fun weekend in Key West can mean different strokes for different folks. For those who partied a little too hard, it might be some well-needed oxygen to cure the hangover. For others, it’s a bittersweet ride through paradise that reminds them, it will all be over when the boat is back on the trailer in Miami, and they will have to start planning the next adventure in paradise. To ease the burden of that pending road-trip home, FPC organizers made special arrangements with their helicopter pilot and photo video crew, to accompany the Monday group for the departure from Key West Harbor. Shortly after 10am and with ideal conditions on this beautiful Monday morning, it was hammer down

for one last blast of Powerboating in Paradise. In sharp contrast to the unpleasant boating conditions experienced a few days earlier as Hurricane Nicole disrupted the waterways for the Miami departure, the Monday weather conditions were superb, with light winds and moderate temperatures that made for a great 160-mile trek back to Miami. With optional checkpoints that included a lunch stop at Postcard Inn in Islamorada, a fueling pit stop at SD Marine group for 93 octane fuel and the always popular Gilberts in Key Largo, it was a fantastic way for these poker run teams to squeeze that one last rally of high-performance fun, from a day that is commonly known to many as the most unpleasant day of the week.

FPC thanks all sponsors for their continued support and all poker run participants for working around the challenging agenda brought on by Hurricane Nicole. In spite of all the hurdles that had to dealt with, most would agree, the event had a fabulous outcome!

Stu & Tyler Jones l FL | Team FLIGHT 1130 | 38' Cigarette
Tyler Jones - Flight 1139 Crew
84 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
Ted & Lacey Honeycutt l SC | Team CHANGE OF PACE | 29' Baja
POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 85
John Teague l MO | Team MTI | 44' MTI Vic Nappe l FL | Team SD MARINE GROUP | 42' Cigarette
86 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
John Cosker l FL | Team MYSTIC POWERBOATS | 52' Mystic Michael Tandoi l NY | Team OUT OF CONTROL | 40' Skater
88 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
32' Wright Performance Super Stock-Class Sponsored By Performance Boat Center Thomas Freund | NY | Team 39' MTI Chad & Nicole Kohmescher l OK | Team SMOKE'EM | 39' Nor-Tech
POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 89
Blye Hofstetter l OK | Team SD MARINE GROUP | 42' Cigarette Zach Polsky l NJ | Team GAME OVER | 43' Midnight Express David Wilks / Michael Tandoi l NY | Team IN CONTROL | 52' Sunseeker
90 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
Rick Riggle l OH | Team SMOKIN CIGARETTE | 42' Cigarette Connor & Allye Toomey l MD | Team ALLYE KAT | 32' Doug Wright Brad Ekstam l MO | Team FASS MOTORSPORTS | 42' Performance Power Boats
POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 91
Chris & Lori Nazetta l IL | Team BLU GATTI | 48' MTI Howard Beindit l MI | Team CHAOS | 40' Skater
92 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
Anthony Vera l FL | Team BIG THUNDER MARINE | 38' Fountain

Are You Ready For Your DREAM JOB!

FPC DREAM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

-Must be American Citizen-Florida Resident and reside in South Florida

-Strong communication skills and good with people

-Post secondary education required - college or university degree

-USCG captains license is an asset - may substitute for above degree

-Minimum 5 years marine industry experience in any capacity

-Minimum 5 years personal powerboat ownership

-Minimum 5 years of experience boating on Florida waterways

-Clean driving record - No suspension or DUI record

-No criminal record - no convictions

-Some level of experience hauling boats and/or large trailers

-Some level of Photography and/or videography experience

-Strong Social media experience - primarily Facebook, Instagram, YouTube

-Strong computer and technical skills - Word, Excel, database programs

-Strong writing skills and general understanding of publishing techniques

-Previous self-employment or business ownership would be an asset

-This is a contract position for training period of six months

-This is a full-time employment position after six month training is completed

-This position requires extensive travel throughout Florida year-round.

-Compensation is comprised of salary plus performance bonuses

-Salary upon completion of training $ 100K plus incentives

-Business partnership incentives will be entertained after two years. SEND

RESUME TO: Stu@flpowerboat.com Your
is guaranteed!
NO PHONE
resume is
TO SEE! Florida Powerboat Club, Inc. - Established 1993 | 1214 SW 6th St. Pompano Beach, FL 33069
Privacy
ABSOLUTELY
CALLS PLEASE! Your
ALL I WANT

ROLLIN’ ON THE RIVER!

What started over two decades ago by its late founder Rus Matos, has now become a popular weekend getaway for performance boaters in North Florida who can enjoy the pleasures of boating in the less travelled St. Johns River, which holds the records as Florida’s longest river, at 310 miles. While the St. John’s River is the source of Jacksonville Florida’s nickname, the River City, it is interesting to note that while the mighty flows through the heart of this major Florida city, the Toys Tour makes its homeport the small town of Palatka, where the river winds through wilderness and is most popular with fisherman and recreational boaters for its scenic beauty, calm protected waters, and numerous rustic waterfront restaurants and quaint fish camps.

The event is now headed up by organizer Walter Braithwaite who currently works with Velocity Powerboats and is an industry-veteran-turned poker run organizer who invested tremendous time and finances in putting together a first class event that made everyone feel welcome. While close to 100 teams were reported to have registered, it was apparent that at least sixty powerboats of all sizes took part in the fun run to 3 Bananas Restaurant in Crescent City, sponsored by Cigarette Racing Team. The next day featured a toy hand off for the kids, followed by lunch at Renegades on the River, which culminated at Silver Glen Springs, a popular anchorage in crystal clear, spring fed water. With the excitement of river cruising by day, paired with great dinner parties under the event tent, this was a splendid way to enjoy a rural and often undiscovered piece of paradise in Florida, and it’s a must-do for anyone that can get there!

94 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
Stu & Jackie hanging out at Silver Glen Springs raft-up Lunch stop at Three Bananas on Crescent Lake
POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 95
Downtown Palatka - prepping for the ride home

DANNY

RICHARD GARCIA
AYALA Boat Depot | 305-587-3094
Motorsports | 954-559-7030 boatdepotonline.com | boatdepot@live.com browardmotorsports.com | danny@browardmotorsports.com 101500 Overseas HWY | Key Largo | FL 33037 2100 W Sunrise Blvd Suite 161 | Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33311 Florida Powerboat Club offers a “Commercial Member” program which is designed for individuals or companies that are engaged in some form of commerce that relates to the marine industry. In many cases these members provide special discounts and offers to FPC members, so we invite you to contact them and keep your boating-related needs within the FPC family. Join us in RECOGNIZING these FLORIDA POWERBOAT CLUB COMMERCIAL MEMBERS: FPC MEMBERSHIP MARKET PLACE
JOHNS
BELLEMARE DCB Performance Boats | 619-442-0300 Dynamic Boats | 305-518-7338 dcbperformanceboats.com | jeff@DCBracing.com dynamicboats.us | jon@dynamicboats.us 1468 N. Magnolia Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020 4238 NW 37th Ave| Miami | FL 33142
BOYLE JODY HAMILTON EZ Boat Fenders, Inc. | 908-361-5629 Hamilton Marine Finance | 470-248-2655 ezboatfenders.com | mikeboyle0819@yahoo.com hamiltonmarinefinance.com | jody@hamiltonmarinefinance.com 5225 SW 19th Ave | Cape Coral | FL 33914 3231 Lake McGinnis Dr | Suwanee | GA 30024
Broward
JEFF
JON
MIKE
Saturday lunch
stop at Fruitland Cove Renegades on the river
96 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
Big hat day for Jackie Silver Glen Springs

ED MILLER

Hi-Tech Marine | 410-375-1638

FPC MEMBERSHIP MARKET PLACE

ANDREW POKORNY

Powerstroke Performance | 239-910-4169

powerstrokeperformancespecialties.com | andrew.pokorny@gmail.com

2023 River Road | Baltimore | MD 21221

JOHN CLARKE

Jaguar Powerboats LLC | 954-673-8961

1437 Cunningham Brick Yard Rd | Thomasville | NC 27360

JORDAN LAMPKIN

Lampkin Marine Services | 242-376-3066

1323 SE 17th st | Fort Lauderdale | FL 33316

GREG & JENNIFER CONNELL

Legend Marine Group | 214-676-6885

www.hitechmarine.com | hitechmarine1@gmail.com jaguarpowerboats.com | dawn.clarke@jaguarpowerboats.com lampkinmarine.com | jordan@lampkinmarine.com legendmarinegroup.com | greg@ legendmarinegroup.com

3231 Commander Dr | Carrollton | TX 75006

JULIAN MALDONADO

Manatee Marine Unlimited | 941-405-2835

5660 Division Drive | Fort Myers | FL 33905

RICK SPADE

Spade Kreation | 513-383-6825

spademade.com | rick@spademade.com

11308 Dallas Boulevard | Cincinnatti | OH 45231

JOHN KRAY

Sportboats Marine | 239-770-2744

sportboats.com | conrad@sportboats.com

17790 San Carlos Blvd | Ft Myers | FL 33931

STEPHEN MILES

Stephen Miles Design | 270-570-4442

stephenmilesdesign.com | propainter7970@yahoo.com

3854 Griffin Ave | Owensboro | KY 42301

DAVID SHAEFFER

T&D Custom Painting | 616-841-1086

tanddcustompainting.com | david@tanddcustompainting.com

3806 US HWY 41 North | Palmetto | FL 34221

ALBERT FRANKO

Marine Connection | 646-785-0125

1410 W 24th Street | Miami Beach | FL 33140

ANDY IMHOF

Maryland Offshore Marine | 301-294-5936

9500 Henry Ct Suit 50 | Zeeland | MI 49464

FRANK SCHEELEN

Scheelen-Racing | 239-450-2931

scheelen-racing.com | topfun@me.com

Mallory Court 397 | Naples | FL341100

CHRISTOPHER GELSDORF

info@manateemarineunlimited.com | www.manateemarineunlimited.com marineconnection.com | albert@marineconnection.com mdoffshore.com | info@mdoffshore.com christopher.gelsdorf@solvingpartners.com

235-A Derwood Cir | Rockville | MD 20850 20457 Hamburg, Alter Wall 32 | Germany

MAYLA GmbH | 491-514-2506

REESE BROWN

Miramont Interests | 832-691-1581

reese@mt-tx.com

VINCENT ODDO

Office Furniture Connecti | 832-368-2066 ofconnection.com | voddo@ofconnection.com

750 Almeda Genoa Ste. A | Houston | TX 77047

LES VOUDRIE

Precision paint worx | 618-972-3513

macgyver2491@gmail.com

Total Marine | 201-741-6817

totalmarine.com | tcaruso@totalmarine.com

160 Water St | Norwalk | CT 06854

JOHN HERMAN SPRAGUE STEVE

Tuppen's Marine | 561-252-6105

tuppens.com | boatking@earthlink.net

5999 Homeland Rd | Lake Worth | FL 33449

JOSEPH LABON

Ultimate Marine | 407-276-5800

ultimatemarine.com | kevin@ultimatemarine.com

3419 WD Judge Dr #150 | Orlando | FL 32808

DAVID DELEZENNE

Unique Custom Marine | 954-980-4887

ucmarinevault.com | uniquecustommarine@gmail.com

2044 NW 25th Ave | Pompano Beach | FL 33069

Membership Info: 954-545-1414

Dr
8210
The
77380 1074 Armory Dr | Osage Beach| MO 65065
9595 Six Pines
Ste.
|
Woodlands | TX
POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 97
98 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
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