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Shane Westerfield is a versatile and accomplished racer with a rich history in both drag boat and car racing. Along with his father, Steve, he owns Westerfield Motorsports, a shop specializing in supercharged engines, components, and high-performance flat bottom boats.
Westerfield’s 15-year drag racing career began by helping his father with his Top Alcohol flatbottom and reached a peak in 2017 when he won the NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car World Championship. Westerfield has amassed 14 NHRA national event wins and continues to drive alcohol cars. He spent the last five seasons with Rick Jackson Motorsports and recently began driving Bucky Austin’s AA Nostalgia Funny Car where he won their first two events.
Despite his success in car racing, Westerfield is most passionate about competing with his Blown Gas flat bottom in the National Jet Boat Association (NJBA) and Columbia Drag Boat Association (CDBA) and working to keep the class healthy and competitive as one of the few remaining "heads-up" drag boat racing classes. He has streamlined class rules and secured sponsors to increase prize money, ensuring its continued growth.
In this episode, Westerfield shares the challenges of closing the family’s trade show exhibit company due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he explains how the setback led him and his father to pivot to their side project—working on boats and engines. They eventually transitioned to the business full-time, building a reputation for one-off custom work that has made them a go-to destination in the fast-boat community.
This episode is brought to you by: SoCal Jet Boats the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest River Attire, hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The SoCal Jet Boat SpeedShop.
Visit SoCal Jet Boats at www.socaljetboats.com on Instagram at @SoCalJetBoats and Facebook @SoCal Jet Boats Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 [email protected]
You can follow Shane Westerfield on Instagram @shanewesterfieldracing and on Facebook @Shane Westerfield and @Westerfield Motorsports
Visit Westerfield Motorsports' website www.westerfieldmotorsports.com
Learn more about Blown Gas Flatbottoms on Facebook @Blown Gas Flats
Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com
View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk
Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk
Contact me: [email protected]
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Ron Gordon, General Manager and Vice President, founded American Turbine with his boyhood friend, Bruce Simmons, in 1989, bringing decades of experience in the jet drive industry. Ron’s first encounter with a jet pump dates back to 1968, when he began working on his family’s Glastron V174 jet boat.
Gordon’s career in the industry officially began in 1976 when he and Simmons founded Dominator Jet in Lubbock, Texas. After running the business for 12 years, they sold Dominator. Gordon stayed on as manager for a few years before he and Simmons left to start American Turbine.
Gordon developed American Turbine jets from a “clean sheet of paper,” incorporating innovative designs and proven ideas from his years at Dominator. He was the original designer of key industry innovations such as the shouldered wear ring, Energizer kits, and larger impeller sizes ranging from AA to 9½ inches. American Turbine was also the first to offer high-performance intakes, high-flow bowls, and high-quality investment cast impellers.
In 1993, Gordon sold American Turbine to Travis Garske, owner of Travis Pattern & Foundry (TP&F), ensuring top-quality production through TP&F's aluminum foundry and CNC machine shop. Gordon personally oversees the machining and hand-finishing of every impeller, emphasizing the importance of precision and craftsmanship that machines alone cannot replicate.
Under Gordon’s leadership, American Turbine has continued to innovate, acquiring Dominator Jet in 1998 and Legend Jet in 2007. With over 48 years of experience, Gordon and his highly skilled team remain at the forefront of jet drive technology, delivering unmatched quality and expertise.
This episode is brought to you by: SoCal Jet Boats the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest River Attire, hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The SoCal Jet Boat SpeedShop.
Visit SoCal Jet Boats at www.socaljetboats.com on Instagram at @SoCalJetBoats and Facebook @SoCal Jet Boats Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 [email protected]
Visit American Turbine online at www.americanturbine.com
Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com
View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk
Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk
Contact me: [email protected]
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Tres Martin is the owner of Tres Martin Performance and Tres Martin Performance Boat School, where he offers advanced, hands-on, skill-based training for performance boat owners. Martin grew up working with his father, Ralph Martin, at Everglades Marina in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Ralph Martin is credited with organizing the first poker run for boats in 1985.
In 1986, Martin began racing offshore powerboats, achieving great success in the Superboat class, where he throttled various Apache and Fountain race boats. He concluded his career with an impressive 66 wins, including four National Championships and four World Championships.
In 1993, Martin founded Tres Martin Performance, focusing on high-performance boats. In 2003, he launched his driving school after several customers halted work on their boats due to difficulties securing insurance. Today, Martin’s school is often a requirement by insurance companies for boat owners seeking coverage.
Martin emphasizes the importance of proper education and training to prevent accidents and ensure boater safety, regardless of insurance requirements.
In this episode, Martin discusses the unique characteristics of today’s high-performance boats and shares valuable tips on becoming a safer and more skilled boat operator.
This episode is brought to you by: SoCal Jet Boats the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest River Attire, hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The SoCal Jet Boat SpeedShop.
Visit SoCal Jet Boats at www.socaljetboats.com on Instagram at @SoCalJetBoats and Facebook @SoCal Jet Boats Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 [email protected]
Visit Tres Martin's websites at www.performanceboatschool.com and www.tresmartinperformance.com
Follow Tres Martin on Instagram @tres_martin_performance and @tresmartinperformanceboatschool
Follow Tres Martin on Facebook @Tres Martin’s Performance Boat School Inc and @Tres Martin Motorsports
Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com
View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk
Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk
Contact me: [email protected]
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Gordy Jennings is one of the most decorated circle boat racers in history, particularly noted for his excellence in driving blown boats in the K-boat division.
While his boat racing career is remarkable, Jennings is perhaps best known for his expertise in performance engine building, a skill he honed while working for his stepfather, Paul Pfaff, at Paul Pfaff Racing Engines. During his time at Pfaff, the company excelled at creating power plants for boats and found success in various forms of motorsports, including sprint cars and off-road racing.
Today, Jennings works as a dyno operator for Toyota Racing Development (TRD) and continues to build engines for Tom Buckles' Bucks Up Racing K-boat, driven by Cory Ferguson. Jennings hints at a secret plan to attempt a K-boat kilo run with one of his best friends and K-boat owner, Mike Stock.
In this episode of Power Boat Talk, Jennings discusses his background in racing, which began alongside his boyhood friend, Greg Foster. He also talks about his rivalry with racer Duff Daily, his experiences driving in the Parker Enduro, Australian B.A.D. boat racing, Offshore Racing, his horrific racing crash in 1995, and the lengthy recovery process that followed.
This episode is brought to you by: BoatLoanGuy.com your trusted source for Marine and RV Financing. BoatLoanGuy provides quick and easy stress-free financing for most types of boats including performance boats, pontoons, and center consoles. BoatLoanGuy offers loans from $20,000 to $5M with up to 20 year terms.
Visit BoatLoanGuy at www.boatloanguy.com On Instagram @rvboatloans and on Facebook @RV and Boat Loans Contact BoatLoanGuy.com (619) 699-9900 [email protected]
This episode is also brought to you by: SoCal Jet Boats the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest River Attire, hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The SoCal Jet Boat SpeedShop.
Visit SoCal Jet Boats at www.socaljetboats.com on Instagram at @SoCalJetBoats and Facebook @SoCal Jet Boats Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 [email protected]
You can follow Gordy Jennings on Instagram @kingofkboats and on Facebook @Jennings Motorsports
Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com
View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk
Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk
Contact me: [email protected]
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Chuck Stearns and Mike Avila are two of Water Ski Racing's most successul competitors. Stearns, who is often regarded as the greatest water skier in history having won National and World Championships in tournament skiing, won his first Catalina Ski Race in 1955 at the age of 16. Stearns went on to dominate the international race winning an unprecendented (at the time) 11th title in 1982 at the age of 44. Stearns also set a multiple world speed records culminating with is run of 122.11 m.p.h. in 1969 at Long Beach Marine Stadium.
Avila one the first ski race he entered in 1968 at the age of 10. He went on to become one of the most dominate skiers in the 80's. Avila claims to have the most wins in ski racing history with 149 which included 27 national championships. Avila was a member of six US world teams. Avila still competes today as a boat driver and finished 1st overall in the 2023 Catalina Ski Race.
Lifelong friends, Stearns and Avila are both members of the Water Skiing Hall of Fame. Stearns was inducted in 1982 as a member of the first class of inductees. Avila was inducted in 2002 as the first speed skiing only member.
Stearns will also be a passenger in Avila's boat as they compete in this year's Catalina Ski Race on July 13.
This episode is brought to you by: SoCal Jet Boats the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest River Attire, hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The SoCal Jet Boat SpeedShop.
Visit SoCal Jet Boats at www.socaljetboats.com on Instagram at @SoCalJetBoats and Facebook @SoCal Jet Boats Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 [email protected]
This episode is also brought to you by: BoatLoanGuy.com your trusted source for Marine and RV Financing. BoatLoanGuy provides quick and easy stress-free financing for most types of boats including performance boats, pontoons, and center consoles. BoatLoanGuy offers loans from $20,000 to $5M with up to 20 year terms.
Visit BoatLoanGuy at www.boatloanguy.com On Instagram @rvboatloans and on Facebook @RV and Boat Loans Contact BoatLoanGuy.com (619) 699-9900 [email protected]
Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com
View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk
Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk
Contact me: [email protected]
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Keith Eickert is one of the most recognized and successful high-performance engine builders in offshore racing history. With a career that began at Mercury Racing in 1972, Eickert went on to create power for 37 World, International, and National Champions.
Eickert was recruited to Mercury by his childhood friend Gary Garbrecht, who was the head of Mercury Racing. Eickert graduated from working on cylinder heads at Mercury to becoming one of their best engine builders.
In 1976, Eickert was lured away from Mercury to build engines exclusively for racers Rocky Aoki (Benihana) and Preston Hen (Natural Light), the owner of the infamous Thunderbird Swap Shop.
As the race team's participation fizzled and Eickert’s popularity increased, he went into business in 1981 with Jerry Jacoby and Bob Saccenti and opened Hawk Marine Power. Eickert went on to start KS&W Engines where he worked from 1982 to 1984, then worked for Ben Kramer at Apache Boats where he designed parts to marinize and race V12 Lamborghinis for the first time. Eickert later founded Lightning Performance Products and Keith Eickert Power Products, where he added a complete line of high-performance parts to his engine-building business.
After two failed business partnerships, Eickert relaunched his original Lightning Performance line as part of the Don Onken group of companies. Under the Onken banner, Eickert developed and launched his V-16 engine concept, where he coupled two 540 cu. in. Big Block Chevy engines. Eickert programmed the electronically fuel-injected assembly to fire as one 16-cylinder engine. The power plant helped push Onken’s Mystic American Ethanol to multiple Lake of the Ozarks Top Gun victories.
Eickert, now in his 80s, is retired and still resides in Florida. He occasionally still builds engines to stay busy.
This episode is brought to you by: BoatLoanGuy.com your trusted source for Marine and RV Financing. BoatLoanGuy provides quick and easy stress-free financing for most types of boats including performance boats, pontoons, and center consoles. BoatLoanGuy offers loans from $20,000 to $5M with up to 20 year terms.
Visit BoatLoanGuy at www.boatloanguy.com On Instagram @rvboatloans and on Facebook @RV and Boat Loans Contact BoatLoanGuy.com (619) 699-9900 [email protected]
This episode is also brought to you by: SoCal Jet Boats the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest River Attire, hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The SoCal Jet Boat SpeedShop.
Visit SoCal Jet Boats at www.socaljetboats.com on Instagram at @SoCalJetBoats and Facebook @SoCal Jet Boats Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 [email protected]
Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com
View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk
Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk
Contact me: [email protected]
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Jerry Gilbreath has made a career out of designing, building, and racing some of the most exotic and well-known boats in the world. His journey began in the 1960s, driving flat-bottom endurance boats in races like the Salton Sea 500 and the Parker Enduro. Gilbreath’s father, Jake, founded Gil Marine, which started as a gas tank manufacturer and grew into one of the largest aftermarket performance marine companies in the world, producing iconic Gil Exhaust Manifolds and the first outboard set-back bracket, the Gil Bracket.
Gilbreath became one of the most respected and talented custom boat builders globally. With his GMT Tunnel boats and partnership with racer Greg Foster, he played a key role in advancing the Mod-VP racing class. Gilbreath also rigged water ski racing boats for Vic Edelbrock and Jerry Herbst.
Later, Gilbreath became involved in offshore racing, teaming with Al Copeland and Matt Alcone to form one of the most dominant Open class catamaran teams in the late 1990s. He is often mentioned as one of the best throttlemen to ever control an offshore race boat.
Although retired from racing, Gilbreath remains involved in high-performance boating with a collection of custom boats.
You can follow Jerry Gilbreath on Instagram @jerry_gilbreath
This episode is brought to you by: SoCal Jet Boats the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest River Attire, hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The SoCal Jet Boat SpeedShop.
Visit SoCal Jet Boats at www.socaljetboats.com on Instagram at @SoCalJetBoats and Facebook @SoCal Jet Boats Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 [email protected]
This episode is also brought to you by: BoatLoanGuy.com your trusted source for Marine and RV Financing. BoatLoanGuy provides quick and easy stress-free financing for most types of boats including performance boats, pontoons, and center consoles. BoatLoanGuy offers loans from $20,000 to $5M with up to 20 year terms.
Visit BoatLoanGuy at www.boatloanguy.com On Instagram @rvboatloans and on Facebook @RV and Boat Loans Contact BoatLoanGuy.com (619) 699-9900 [email protected]
Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com
View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk
Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk
Contact me: [email protected]
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Bob Brown is widely regarded as one of the leading authorities on performance boating, having reported on and participated in every facet of the industry over the last 50 years. Growing up as an avid boat racer, Brown became the editor of Powerboat Magazine in 1973 through his affiliation with fellow racer Bob Nordskog.
After leaving Powerboat in 1979 to start his own public relations agency, Media Direction, Brown continued to write for the magazine as well as for every major performance boat publication, including Hot Boat, Performance Boats, Sportboat, Boating, Speedboat, and Speed on the Water.
Brown has raced endurance inboards in the Salton Sea 500 and Parker Enduro. He has also driven tunnel outboards in the Parker race with legends Bill Muncey, Chip Hanauer, and Alan Stocker, been the winning driver in the Catalina Water Ski Race pulling Chuck Stearns, and raced offshore boats with Nordskog and Tom Gentry.
Instrumental in advancing the Powerboat Magazine Performance Trials, Brown has test-driven over 2,000 boats in his career. He was also key in the promotion and growth of the Southern California and Lake Havasu Boat Shows.
This episode is brought to you by: BoatLoanGuy.com your trusted source for Marine and RV Financing. BoatLoanGuy provides quick and easy stress-free financing for most types of boats including performance boats, pontoons, and center consoles. BoatLoanGuy offers loans from $20,000 to $5M with up to 20 year terms.
Visit BoatLoanGuy at www.boatloanguy.com On Instagram @rvboatloans and on Facebook @RV and Boat Loans Contact BoatLoanGuy.com (619) 699-9900 [email protected]
This episode is also brought to you by: SoCal Jet Boats the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest River Attire, hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The SoCal Jet Boat SpeedShop.
Visit SoCal Jet Boats at www.socaljetboats.com on Instagram at @SoCalJetBoats and Facebook @SoCal Jet Boats Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 [email protected]
Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com
View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk
Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk
Contact me: [email protected]
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Nathan Eller, owner of East Coast Squirt Boats, discusses his passion for jet boats and LS Chevy engine swaps. He shares how he got into jet boating and the progression of his business, which now specializes in LS swaps. Nathan talks about the challenges and rewards of starting his own company and the freedom it gives him. He also explains the appeal and benefits of LS engines and discusses the various options and accessories that need to be considered when choosing and installing an LS engine in a jet boat.
This episode is brought to you by SoCal Jet Boats the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest River Attire, hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The SoCal Jet Boat SpeedShop.
Visit SoCal Jet Boats at www.socaljetboats.com on Instagram at @SoCalJetBoats and Facebook @SoCal Jet Boats Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 [email protected]
This episode is also brought to you by BoatLoanGuy.com your trusted source for Marine and RV Financing. BoatLoanGuy provides quick and easy stress-free financing for most types of boats including performance boats, pontoons, and center consoles. BoatLoanGuy offers loans from $20,000 to $5M with up to 20 year terms.
Visit BoatLoanGuy at www.boatloanguy.com On Instagram @rvboatloans and on Facebook @RV and Boat Loans Contact BoatLoanGuy.com (619) 699-9900 [email protected]
Follow Nathan Eller on Facebook @Nathan Eller and @East Coast Squirt Boats Visit East Coast Squirt Boats website www.eastcoastsquirtboats.com
Links to products and companies that sell LS Swap parts as discussed in this episode;
SoCal Jet Boats www.socaljetboats.com
CP Performance www.cpperformance.com
PSI https://www.psiconversion.com/
ICT Billet https://www.ictbillet.com/
Tick Performance Camshafts https://www.tickperformance.com/camshafts/
Bassett Headers https://bassettracing.net/
Schoenfeld Headers https://www.schoenfeldheaders.com/
IMCO www.imcomarine.com
Painless Performance https://www.painlessperformance.com/
AEM https://www.aemelectronics.com/
NJBA https://njbaracing.com/
Lightning Headers www.lightningheaders.com
Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com
Watch the video of this episode at https://www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk
Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk
Contact me: [email protected]
You can find links to listen on my website at www.powerboattalk.com or listen on YouTube or most podcast players like Apple Podcasts, Spotify Podcasts, Pandora, Amazon Podcasts, Audible, iHeart Radio, Podtail, Audacy, Google Podcasts, Tune In Radio
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Welcome to my new podcast where we talk everything, performance boats! I have been boating my entire life and have spent over 30 years in the performance marine aftermarket. But, I still have a lot to learn and many people in the fast boat world that I want to get to know. I created this podcast so that I can share my experiences and knowledge with others who enjoy performance powerboats.
Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com
View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk
Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk
Contact me: [email protected]
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This episode features a talk with Ron Lund. Lund is not a household name in the boating industry, he’s a cabinet maker by trade, but Lund recently bought two of the old Rogers jet boat molds so now he is a boat builder. I thought it was an interesting story when I stumbled onto it on Facebook so I decided to to talk to Lund to get the full story on what it took to get the molds and how he plans to bring the boats to market. Lund and his son also campaign a Rogers in the Comp Jet circle boat racing class and we had some discussion about that as well.
Thank you for listening!
Joe Rode
Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com
View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk
Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk
Contact me: [email protected]
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Lorne Leibel is a three-time US and three-time world champion offshore racer who has driven boats with Bob Latham, John Tomlinson, Richie Powers, Ryan Beckley, Bob Idoni, and Bob Morgan, among others.
After a decades-long retirement, Leibel, a homebuilder from Canada, is back in the saddle again with old mate Latham, conquering the open seas in the Ocean Cup series competition in his vintage triple-engine 47-ft Apache, boat #001 of the 47-ft model, Leibel spent years trying to find the boat and purchase it, only to sell it and then purchase it again.
In the podcast, Leibel talks about some of his boating exploits, including driving with Tomlinson in his very first race, competing against actor Don Johnson, and dealing with Ben Kramer when buying his first offshore race boat.
This episode is brought to you by: BoatLoanGuy.com your trusted source for Marine and RV Financing. BoatLoanGuy provides quick and easy stress-free financing for most types of boats including performance boats, pontoons, and center consoles. BoatLoanGuy offers loans from $20,000 to $5M with up to 20 year terms.
Visit BoatLoanGuy at www.boatloanguy.com On Instagram @rvboatloans and on Facebook @RV and Boat Loans Contact BoatLoanGuy.com (619) 699-9900 [email protected]
This episode is also brought to you by: SoCal Jet Boats the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest River Attire, hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The SoCal Jet Boat SpeedShop.
Visit SoCal Jet Boats at www.socaljetboats.com on Instagram at @SoCalJetBoats and Facebook @SoCal Jet Boats Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 [email protected]
Follow Lorne Leibel on Instagram @lorneleibel
Follow Apache Power Boats on Instagram @apachepowerboats and on Facebook @Apache Powerboats
Visit Apache Powerboats online at www.apachepowerboats.com
Learn more about the Ocean Cup Series at www.oceancup.com
Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com
View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk
Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk
Contact me: [email protected]
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In this episode, I welcome back Joe Shelfo, who serves as the secretary and treasurer at the National Jet Boat Association (NJBA). Shelfo is not only an accomplished drag boat racer but also one of the foremost authorities on V-drive repair, setup, and rigging globally.
Previously featured on Episode 32 of Powerboat Talk alongside NJBA President Mike DeClark and Southern Drag Boat Association (SDBA) Owner and Series Director David Carroll, Shelfo discussed the formidable task of uniting the sport’s leading organizations to orchestrate The Drag Boat Nationals at Firebird Lake in Chandler, Arizona.
Throughout the episode, Shelfo delves into the distinctive attributes of owning a V-Drive boat. "They offer a raw, hot-rod-like experience on the water," he notes. "V-drive boats evoke a sense of thrill and nostalgia with their distinctive sound, scent, vibrations, and handling. They're somewhat primitive—simple, mechanical, and cost-effective compared to other boat types."
Shelfo further elaborates on key considerations when purchasing a V-drive boat, the advantages of using a Casale V-drive, the correct way to install a propeller, the advantages of incorporating a Whirl-a-way unit into your boat’s V-drive, and insights into maintaining your boat’s underwater gear effectively, among other topics.
Moreover, Shelfo provides insights into entering the world of Drag Boat racing and identifies the qualities that distinguish exceptional racers.
This episode is brought to you by: SoCal Jet Boats the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest River Attire, hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The SoCal Jet Boat SpeedShop.
Visit SoCal Jet Boats at www.socaljetboats.com on Instagram at @SoCalJetBoats and Facebook @SoCal Jet Boats
Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 [email protected]
This episode is also brought to you by: BoatLoanGuy.com your trusted source for Marine and RV Financing. BoatLoanGuy provides quick and easy stress-free financing for most types of boats including performance boats, pontoons, and center consoles. BoatLoanGuy offers loans from $20,000 to $5M with up to 20 year terms.
Visit BoatLoanGuy at www.boatloanguy.com On Instagram @rvboatloans and on Facebook @RV and Boat Loans
Contact BoatLoanGuy.com (619) 699-9900 [email protected]
You can follow Joe Shelfo on Instagram @joeshelfo and on Facebook @Joe Shelfo
You can visit the NJBA at www.njbaracing.com
You can follow NJBA on Instagram @njba_racing and on Facebook @National Jet Boat Association
Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com
View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk
Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk
Contact me: [email protected]
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Mike Lovro is the Director of Instrumentation Sales for AutoMeter Products, one of the few companies that manufactures performance marine instrumentation. Lovro has been with Autometer for 21 years and is in line to become the company's longest standing employee when he reaches the end of his tenure.
In our conversation, we talk about some of the things that make marine gauges unique. We also discuss the history behind some of AutoMeter’s marine gauges including GPS speedos and stepper motor instruments.
Founded by Vern Westberg in 1957 and based in Sycamore, IL, AutoMeter has developed many industry-leading products during their 60+ year history. In 2002, AutoMeter was acquired by a private equity firm, the Harbour Group and has changed hands since. Lovro talks about the adjustments and changes with corporate ownership but the company continues to embrace the family feel that its founders established.
In addition to the more commonly known AutoMeter High Performance division focused on performance and racing automotive instrumentation and electronics, AutoMeter also includes divisions in OEM, motorcycle, test equipment, and of course, marine. Autometer also owns Spek-Pro gauges, Stack, Ltd. instrumentation and Dedenbear drag racing products
You can visit AutoMeter online @ www.autometer.com
You can follow AutoMeter Products on Instagram @autometerproducts and on Facebook @Autometer Products, Inc.
Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com
View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk
Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk
Contact me: [email protected]
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Speed on the Water is an online magazine/website owned and edited by co-publishers Matt Trulio and Jason Johnson. The pair have nearly 50 years of combined experience reporting on high-performance boating and its community. Both writers began their boating careers as employees of Powerboat Magazine and have been important figures in that magazine’s legacy.
Founded in 2009 by Trulio, Speed on the Water publishes daily news features, a weekly newsletter, and an annual print magazine called "Speed on the Water’s Year in Review." The publication focuses on the “Big Boat” community of manufacturers and the Offshore Racing and Poker Run events they frequent.
In recent years, Trulio and Johnson have steered Speed on the Water into the arena of video creation. Their first two series, "In the Lead" and "Water Street Confidential," were co-produced by their video partner, Scrapyard Media, and sponsored by Mercury Racing. The series have been great successes and have set a high bar.
The team’s newest productions document Jim Schultz and his record-breaking Factory Billet race boat, as well as the construction of the Class 1 Monster Energy/M CON Skater race boat. These videos coincide with Speed on the Water’s distinctive storytelling. Trulio and Johnson promise many more of these videos in the future.
You can follow Matt Trulio and Jason Johnson on Instagram @speedonthewater and on Facebook @Speedonthewater.com
Visit the Speed on the Water website at www.speedonthewater.com
Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com
View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk
Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk
Contact me: [email protected]
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Rusty Wyatt, a Canadian F1 racer, recently signed with the new Sharjah Team for the 2024 UIM F1H2O World Championship season. The team, previously owned by four-time F1 Champion Scott Gillman, now has Gillman as its acting Team Manager.
Wyatt boldly announced his arrival to the foreign grid with a rare rookie win in his very first F1H2O race on Lake Toba in Indonesia. Wyatt grabbed the checkered flag with a calculated and timely move from the outside lane on the finishing stretch of the race.
Wyatt, a 28-year-old elevator technician from Innisfil, Ontario, Canada was named the 2012 Canadian Boating Federation’s Rookie of the Year in the T-850 category. He secured High Point titles in both 2013 and 2015.
Wyatt’s journey didn’t stop there. In 2016, he emerged as the top rookie in the Superleague Tour. Last year, he clinched fourth place in the US F1 Powerboat Championship Series with his lone win coming at the Loto Powerfest on the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri.
You can follow Rusty Wyatt on Instagram @rustywyattracing and on Facebook @Rusty Wyatt Racing
Learn more about F1 Powerboat Racing @ www.f1h20.com
Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com
View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk
Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk
Contact me: [email protected]
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In this conversation, I talk with Nick Imprescia, the son of renowned throttle man Joey Imprescia, and Ian Morgan, Nick’s longtime friend and driver of the 151 Express 450R Factory Stock class MTI offshore boat. We discuss what it’s like being the “new kids” in the sport.
We also talk about the pair’s journey in the marine industry and the influence of their families on their racing careers, and their transition from racing a garage-built, low budget bracket class boat to competing in the ultra-competitive Mod-V and 450R Factory Stock classes with a fully funded and supposed race team.
The conversation touches on their opportunities to learn from some of the best racers in the world like Shaun Torrente, who Imprescia and Morgan work for, John Tomlinson, and, of course, Imprescia’s dad.
The boys also share stories about attending Mercury service school, re-powering with the new 500 hp Mercury outboards, the importance of data analysis, collaborating with Patrick Weismann, and their fascination with How It's Made and MythBusters TV shows.
You can follow Nick Imprescia on Instagram @nick_imprescia and on Facebook @Nick Imprescia
You can follow Ian Morgan on Instagram @ian_morgan and on Facebook @Ian Morgan
Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com
View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk
Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk
Contact me: [email protected]
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Corey Ferguson is the driver of Tom Buckles’s Bucks Up K-Boat. Ferguson is a veteran circle boat driver, starting in the ranks driving for Jim Mobley’s OutaPlace racing team. Ferguson has also been a successful participant in the Parker Enduro and also competed in the US and internationally as a water ski race driver.
Ferguson drove in the Southern California POPRA offshore series with his dad in their Skater Ferguson is also a seasoned boat rigger and engine builder after having spent time working for Bob Teague and Mobley.
Join us in this episode of Powerboat Talk where Ferguson tells us how it all started and where it’s going.
You can follow Cory Ferguson on Instagram @c_ferguson38 and Facebook @Cory Ferguson
Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com
View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk
Follow Powerboat Talk on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk
Contact me: [email protected]
You can listen to Powerboat Talk on most podcast players like Youtube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify Podcasts, Pandora, Amazon Podcasts, Audible, iHeart Radio, Podtail, Audacy, Google Podcasts, Tune In Radio
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Michael Reagan is the eldest son of the former President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. Reagan is also a boat racer with a history dating back to the mid-sixties when he made his mark competing in famous marathon races such as the Colorado River Nine Hour Enduro and the Salton Sea 500. In this episode, Reagan discusses his renowned father and the path that led him to powerboats.
Reagan informed us that his original marathon race boat was the first glass boat constructed by Bob Patterson of Patterson Boats. The flatbottom was equipped with a V-drive and a single overhead cam Ford engine built by Holman and Moody.
In the early '80s, Reagan collaborated with Larry Smith, the owner of Scarab boats, and initiated a series of endurance runs as fundraisers for charitable organizations. Reagan's most notable achievement was his "Assault on the Mississippi" where he broke the record for the 1,027-mile run from New Orleans to St. Louis, making the trip in 25 hours. With financial backing from sponsors Bud Light, W.R. Grace, Descente Clothing, and Justice Brothers, the run raised $500,000 for the US Olympic Committee. Reagan's 38 ft. Scarab was powered by three of the newly released 430hp V-8 Evinrudes.
Following an illustrious career as a conservative radio talk show host, bestselling author, and political speaker, Reagan now serves as the president of the Reagan Legacy Foundation, which he established to commemorate his father's achievements and to educate and inspire people worldwide to cherish freedom and liberty.
Follow Michael Reagan on Twitter @ReaganWorld and Facebook @Michael Reagan
Visit the Reagan Legacy Foundation at www.reaganlegacyfoundation.org
Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com
View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk
Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk
Contact me: [email protected]
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Boat racing doesn’t have a decathlete division, but if it did, Andrew Tate would undoubtedly lead the pack. During the 2023 race season, Tate piloted boats in a number of classes, including Stock Outboard, 350 Hydro, Grand Prix Hydro, Formula 1, and, of course, Unlimited Hydroplane. In this episode, Tate delves into the details of his experiences racing the different types of boats.
Tate, a fourth-generation boat racer, began his driving career at the age of 11 in the APBA Stock and Modified Outboard classes. His talent quickly emerged, leading him to multiple National Championships. In 2023, Tate clinched the Hydroplane Racing League (HRL) Grand Prix Season Championship for the second consecutive year. As the driver of the Miss Madison Racing U-91 Miss Goodman Real Estate Unlimited Hydroplane, he stepped into the shoes of the retiring champion, Jimmy Shane, after the 2022 season.
Following in his father Mark’s footsteps, who boasts four driving championships and two gold cup victories during his Unlimited career, the younger Tate has made his mark. Since his debut in the Unlimited category in 2016, Andrew has garnished an impressive nine wins, including a coveted driver’s championship and a Gold Cup victory.
Tate’s passion extends beyond the inboard hydroplanes. In 2023, he began competing on the F1 Championship Powerboat circuit, where he drives a tunnel boat owned by his close friend and fellow racer, Dylan Runne.
In the offseason, at his Michigan home, you’ll find Tate swapping the water for ice. He continues to enjoy competitive ice hockey, a sport he has pursued since childhood and into his college years. Alongside his racing endeavors, Tate contributes to the family business, Sun Coating Company, working in Sales and Marketing.
Visit Andrew Tate's website at www.andrewtateracing.com
Follow Andrew Tate on Instagram @andrewtate101 and Facebook @Andrew Tate
Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com
View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk
Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk
Contact me: [email protected]
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