Powerboat Talk
On the Powerboat Talk podcast, we talk everything performance boats including offshore powerboats, lake racers, jet boats, v-drive boats, race boats. Featuring interviews with leaders and influencers in the performance boat industry.
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Episode 54 - Billy Moore Class 1 Offshore Racer
11/05/2024
Episode 54 - Billy Moore Class 1 Offshore Racer
Billy Moore stands as one of the most successful offshore powerboat racers competing today. Following in the footsteps of his father, —widely considered the first throttle man in offshore racing—Billy “works the sticks” in both and Super Cat. I spoke with Moore recently, just as his Class 1 team celebrated back-to-back wins at in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. In addition to racing for Defalco, Moore throttles the in the Super Cat class. Not only did Moore gain invaluable racing insight from his legendary father, but he also learned the finer points of boat rigging and race boat setup, beginning his tenure at his father’s shop at 15. In this episode,Moore shares how the Defalco team made the strategic choice to switch from an hull to a Victory in the offseason and the challenges and rewards that followed. Based near Moore’s home in Washington, North Carolina, the Defalco team benefits from his close involvement. Moore is also a key figure at , which is owned by Pete Caldwell of . He shares updates on Checkmate’s current direction and exciting future plans, including a possible trip out west to compete in the . Follow Billy Moore on Instagram and Facebook Learn more about Class 1 Offshore Powerboat Racing @ Visit Checkmate Powerboats online @ This episode is brought to you by clothing brand made for people who love big horsepower, fuel burning engines. It doesn’t matter if you’re into hot rods, off-road, side-by-sides, or, of course, fast boats, Freedom and Fuel has the gear to match your passion for power and performance. You can find freedom and fuel clothing at all and drag boat races at the trailer, on Instagram on Facebook , or online at . Visit our website at View the video for this episode: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook Contact me:
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Episode 53 - Warren Kosikov Vice President of Sales at SEMA
10/24/2024
Episode 53 - Warren Kosikov Vice President of Sales at SEMA
Warren Kosikov is the Vice President of Sales for the , an organization that represents the automotive and marine aftermarket industries while advocating for the interests of both manufacturers and consumers. Before joining SEMA, Kosikov held executive sales management roles at Source Interlink Media, Buckaroo Communications, Petersen Publishing, and Nordskog Publishing. His extensive background in the performance boating industry includes work with Powerboat Magazine, Hot Boat Magazine, and Family and Performance Boating Magazine. Kosikov emphasizes SEMA’s critical role in the automotive and marine aftermarket sectors, particularly their advocacy efforts on key issues, such as defending the industry against threats like potential bans on internal combustion engines (ICE). He also provides insights into the SEMA show as well as the company's sister event, the shows, offering ways for consumers to get involved in both the events and the organizations behind them. This episode is brought to you by: the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest , hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The . Visit SoCal Jet Boats at on Instagram at and Facebook Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 Visit SEMA online at Visit PRI online at https://www.performanceracing.com/ Visit our website at View the video for this episode: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook Contact me:
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Episode 52 - Shane Westerfield Drag Boat Racer, Engine Builder and Tuner
09/17/2024
Episode 52 - Shane Westerfield Drag Boat Racer, Engine Builder and Tuner
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 , 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 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 and recently began driving 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 in the (NJBA) and (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: the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest , hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The . Visit SoCal Jet Boats at on Instagram at and Facebook Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 You can follow Shane Westerfield on Instagram and on Facebook and Visit Westerfield Motorsports' website Learn more about Blown Gas Flatbottoms on Facebook Visit our website at View the video for this episode: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook Contact me:
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Episode 51 - Ron Gordon Founder of American Turbine and Dominator Jet Pumps
09/03/2024
Episode 51 - Ron Gordon Founder of American Turbine and Dominator Jet Pumps
Ron Gordon, General Manager and Vice President, founded 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 , 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: the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest , hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The . Visit SoCal Jet Boats at on Instagram at and Facebook Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 Visit American Turbine online at Visit our website at View the video for this episode: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook Contact me:
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Episode 50 - Tres Martin Owner of Tres Martin Performance Boat School
08/20/2024
Episode 50 - Tres Martin Owner of Tres Martin Performance Boat School
Tres Martin is the owner of and , 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 class, where he throttled various and 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: the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest , hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The . Visit SoCal Jet Boats at on Instagram at and Facebook Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 Visit Tres Martin's websites at and Follow Tres Martin on Instagram and Follow Tres Martin on Facebook and Visit our website at View the video for this episode: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook Contact me:
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Episode 49 - Gordy Jennings Circle Boat Racer and Engine Builder
07/23/2024
Episode 49 - Gordy Jennings Circle Boat Racer and Engine Builder
Gordy Jennings is one of the most decorated circle boat racers in history, particularly noted for his excellence in driving blown boats in the . 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 . 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 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 , his experiences driving in the , , Offshore Racing, his horrific racing crash in 1995, and the lengthy recovery process that followed. This episode is brought to you by: 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 On Instagram and on Facebook Contact BoatLoanGuy.com (619) 699-9900 This episode is also brought to you by: the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest , hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The . Visit SoCal Jet Boats at on Instagram at and Facebook Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 You can follow Gordy Jennings on Instagram and on Facebook Visit our website at View the video for this episode: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook Contact me: [email protected]
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Episode 48 - Chuck Stearns and Mike Avila Water Ski Racing Legends
07/08/2024
Episode 48 - Chuck Stearns and Mike Avila Water Ski Racing Legends
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: the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest , hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The . Visit SoCal Jet Boats at on Instagram at and Facebook Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 This episode is also brought to you by: 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 On Instagram and on Facebook Contact BoatLoanGuy.com (619) 699-9900 Visit our website at View the video for this episode: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook Contact me: [email protected]
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Episode 47 - Keith Eickert Offshore Race Engine Builder
06/19/2024
Episode 47 - Keith Eickert Offshore Race Engine Builder
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: 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 On Instagram and on Facebook Contact BoatLoanGuy.com (619) 699-9900 This episode is also brought to you by: the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest , hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The . Visit SoCal Jet Boats at on Instagram at and Facebook Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 Visit our website at View the video for this episode: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook Contact me: [email protected]
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Episode 46 - Jerry Gilbreath Boat Builder and Offshore Powerboat Racer
06/05/2024
Episode 46 - Jerry Gilbreath Boat Builder and Offshore Powerboat Racer
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 . 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 This episode is brought to you by: the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest , hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The . Visit SoCal Jet Boats at on Instagram at and Facebook Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 This episode is also brought to you by: 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 On Instagram and on Facebook Contact BoatLoanGuy.com (619) 699-9900 [email protected] Visit our website at View the video for this episode: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook Contact me: [email protected]
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Episode 45 - Bob Brown Performance Boating Writer
05/30/2024
Episode 45 - Bob Brown Performance Boating Writer
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 in 1973 through his affiliation with fellow racer . 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, , , and . Brown has raced endurance inboards in the Salton Sea 500 and . 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 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 . This episode is brought to you by: 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 On Instagram and on Facebook Contact BoatLoanGuy.com (619) 699-9900 [email protected] This episode is also brought to you by: the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest , hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The . Visit SoCal Jet Boats at on Instagram at and Facebook Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 [email protected] Visit our website at View the video for this episode: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook Contact me: [email protected]
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Episode 44 - Nathan Eller owner of East Coast Squirt Boats and LS Swap authority
05/22/2024
Episode 44 - Nathan Eller owner of East Coast Squirt Boats and LS Swap authority
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 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 Follow Nathan Eller on Facebook @Nathan Eller and @East Coast Squirt Boats Visit East Coast Squirt Boats website Links to products and companies that sell LS Swap parts as discussed in this episode; SoCal Jet Boats CP Performance PSI ICT Billet Tick Performance Camshafts Bassett Headers Schoenfeld Headers IMCO Painless Performance AEM NJBA Lightning Headers Visit our website at Watch the video of this episode at Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk Contact me: 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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Episode 1 - Welcome to Powerboat Talk!
05/11/2024
Episode 1 - Welcome to Powerboat Talk!
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 View the video for this episode: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook Contact me: [email protected]
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Episode 5 - Ron Lund owner of Rogers Jet Boats
05/11/2024
Episode 5 - Ron Lund owner of Rogers Jet Boats
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 View the video for this episode: @powerboat_talk Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk and Facebook @Powerboat Talk Contact me:
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Episode 43- Offshore racer Lorne Leibel
05/09/2024
Episode 43- Offshore racer Lorne Leibel
is a three-time US and three-time world champion offshore racer who has driven boats with , , Richie Powers, , 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 competition in his vintage triple-engine 47-ft , 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 , and dealing with Ben Kramer when buying his first offshore race boat. This episode is brought to you by: 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 On Instagram and on Facebook Contact BoatLoanGuy.com (619) 699-9900 [email protected] This episode is also brought to you by: the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest , hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The . Visit SoCal Jet Boats at on Instagram at and Facebook Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 Follow Lorne Leibel on Instagram Follow Apache Power Boats on Instagram and on Facebook Visit Apache Powerboats online at Learn more about the Ocean Cup Series at Visit our website at View the video for this episode: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook Contact me: [email protected]
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Episode 42 - Joe Shelfo Drag Boat Racer and V-drive Expert
04/18/2024
Episode 42 - Joe Shelfo Drag Boat Racer and V-drive Expert
In this episode, I welcome back Joe Shelfo, who serves as the secretary and treasurer at the . 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 alongside NJBA President Mike DeClark and 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 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 , 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: the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest , hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The . Visit SoCal Jet Boats at on Instagram at and Facebook Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 This episode is also brought to you by: 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 On Instagram and on Facebook Contact BoatLoanGuy.com (619) 699-9900 You can follow Joe Shelfo on Instagram and on Facebook You can visit the NJBA at You can follow NJBA on Instagram and on Facebook Visit our website at View the video for this episode: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook Contact me:
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Episode 41 - AutoMeter Product's Director of Instrumentation Sales Mike Lovro
04/03/2024
Episode 41 - AutoMeter Product's Director of Instrumentation Sales Mike Lovro
Mike Lovro is the Director of Instrumentation Sales for , 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 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 , instrumentation and drag racing products You can visit AutoMeter online @ You can follow AutoMeter Products on Instagram and on Facebook Visit our website at View the video for this episode: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook Contact me: [email protected]
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Episode 40 - Speed on the Water's Matt Trulio and Jason Johnson
03/27/2024
Episode 40 - Speed on the Water's Matt Trulio and Jason Johnson
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 and on Facebook Visit the Speed on the Water website at Visit our website at View the video for this episode: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook Contact me: [email protected]
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Episode 39 - F1H20 Driver Rusty Wyatt
03/21/2024
Episode 39 - F1H20 Driver Rusty Wyatt
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 race on 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 ’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 . Last year, he clinched fourth place in the with his lone win coming at the on the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. You can follow Rusty Wyatt on Instagram and on Facebook Learn more about F1 Powerboat Racing @ Visit our website at View the video for this episode: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook Contact me: [email protected]
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Episode 38 - Offshore racers Nick Imprescia and Ian Morgan
03/12/2024
Episode 38 - Offshore racers Nick Imprescia and Ian Morgan
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 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 , who Imprescia and Morgan work for, , and, of course, Imprescia’s dad. The boys also share stories about attending Mercury service school, re-powering with the new , the importance of data analysis, collaborating with , and their fascination with and TV shows. You can follow Nick Imprescia on Instagram and on Facebook You can follow Ian Morgan on Instagram and on Facebook Visit our website at View the video for this episode: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook Contact me: [email protected]
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Episode 37 - Corey Ferguson K-boat Driver
03/06/2024
Episode 37 - Corey Ferguson K-boat Driver
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 . 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 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 and Facebook Visit our website at View the video for this episode: Follow Powerboat Talk on Instagram and Facebook Contact me: [email protected] You can listen to Powerboat Talk on most podcast players like , , , , , , , , , ,
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Episode 36 - Michael Reagan the eldest son of former President Ronald Reagan and Boat Racer
02/13/2024
Episode 36 - Michael Reagan the eldest son of former President Ronald Reagan and Boat Racer
Michael Reagan is the eldest son of the former President of the United States, . 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 , , , and , the run raised $500,000 for the . 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 , 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 and Facebook Visit the Reagan Legacy Foundation at Visit our website at View the video for this episode: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook Contact me: [email protected]
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Episode 35 - Andrew Tate Unlimited and GP Hydro and F1 Driver
02/07/2024
Episode 35 - Andrew Tate Unlimited and GP Hydro and F1 Driver
Boat racing doesn’t have a decathlete division, but if it did, 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, . 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 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 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 Follow Andrew Tate on Instagram and Facebook Visit our website at View the video for this episode: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook Contact me: [email protected]
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Episode 34 - Fred Kiekhaefer, former president of Mercury Racing
01/31/2024
Episode 34 - Fred Kiekhaefer, former president of Mercury Racing
Fred Kiekhaefer, former president of and son of Mercury Marine founder Carl Kiekhaefer, shares stories of his journey in the marine industry. He now owns K.Lab Design Works, a design and consulting firm, and discusses his latest project: a surfacing drive with a cockpit-controlled variable-pitch propeller. The drive, known as Project Dolphin, was designed for performance diesels in the recreational and military markets. Kiekhaefer received a patent for the drive in 2022 but canceled the project due to low demand for diesel-powered boats. After his father's death in 1983, Kiekhaefer took over the family business, Kiekhaefer Aeromarine Motors, which was famous for its successful racing engines. He decided to shift the business from engine building to performance products, drive systems, and propellers. He also developed products such as and , which are still industry standards today. In 1988, Aeromarine launched their Sterndrive by Kiekhaefer, a drive that could handle extreme horsepower. Kiekhaefer recounts how the drive dominated offshore racing for years. In 1990, Mercury Marine bought Aeromarine and named Kiekhaefer president of Mercury Performance. The Aeromarine drive was rebranded as the . Mercury Performance later became Mercury Racing, where Kiekhaefer led the division to great success. He oversaw the development of the , a 9.0-liter quad-cam, four-valve engine that is arguably the best performance marine engine ever. Kiekhaefer retired from Mercury in 2012 and lives in Colorado, where he enjoys his exotic car and does work for various charity organizations including and the . Follow Fred Kiekhaefer on Facebook Visit our website at View the video for this episode: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook Contact me: [email protected]
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Episode 33- Chris Palmer, Australian Champion Circle Boat Racer and promoter of the Australian BAD Boat Championship
01/15/2024
Episode 33- Chris Palmer, Australian Champion Circle Boat Racer and promoter of the Australian BAD Boat Championship
In this episode, I welcome Australian Champion Circle Boat Racer Chris Palmer who is also the promoter of the . The Australian Blown Alcohol Displacement (BAD) boats are some of the most exciting pieces of equipment in boat racing. The V-bottomed V-drives are powered by up to 600 cu. in., 2000 plus horsepower engines and race on tight courses on rough narrow rivers throughout Australia. In researching the subject matter, I discovered that in Australia, flatbottoms and v-bottoms are considered displacement hulls because they displace water (pushing it out of the way) when they run as opposed to tunnel boats and hydros which run over the top of the water. This year’s championship is a continuation of Palmer’s USA vs. Australia B.A.D. Boat Challenge that he started in 2007. Unfortunately, none of the US based K-boat teams were able to make the trek Down Under for the 2024 event. Round one of the event will be run January 20-21 in Windsor, New South Wales while the final round will culminate the following weekend, January 27-28 in Berri, South Australia. You can watch a livestream of the event on the event’s Facebook page In the episode, we discuss the many differences between Australian and American sprint boats and racing. Palmer talks about Australia’s recent tragic years of loosing many racing legends and their new found commitment to safety that included legislating mandatory safety cells in the upper classes of displacement hulls. In the episode, Palmer talks about his family’s history in racing and his journey from driving hydros to BAD boats where he has won Australia’s coveted Marj Watson Trophy five times. It was interesting to learn of the time that Palmer spent competing in Judo. Palmer told stories about training all around the world. He has won multiple International, Continental and National championships and is currently a coath at the Ulverstone Judo Club. You can follow Chris Palmer on Facebook You can follow the event on Facebook and on Instagram Visit our website at View the video for this episode: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook Contact me:
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Episode 32 - The Drag Boat Nationals with NJBA's Mike Declark and Joe Shelfo and SDBA's David Carroll
12/28/2023
Episode 32 - The Drag Boat Nationals with NJBA's Mike Declark and Joe Shelfo and SDBA's David Carroll
In November, the and the came together to co-produce the biggest drag boat race in recent history, The Drag Boat Nationals at in Chandler, Arizona. I am joined on this episode of Powerboat Talk by NJBA President, Mike Declark, and Financial Secretary/Race Director, Joe Shelfo, and SDBA Owner and Series Director, David Carroll, to discuss the challenges in bringing the sport’s two most prominent organizations together to organize the event. The Drag Boat Nationals saw 156 drag boats travel to Arizona where they competed for almost $83,000 in prize money. The event was highlighted by the weekend’s final twilight pass by the two Top Fuel Hydros in attendance, , driven by Mike Robbins, and , piloted by Kebin Kinsley. The elite group of drag boat racing’s leaders shared their experience of joining two sanctioning bodies with their separate rule books and varying classes in producing the event. My guests also shared their vision of growth for the sport which includes continued and expanding unification of the various sanctioning bodies and the creation of a Pro Series for racers. Follow NJBA on Instagram and on Facebook Visit their website at Follow SDBA on Instagram and on Facebook Visit their website at Visit our website at View the video for this episode: Follow us on Instagram and on Facebook Contact me: [email protected]
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Episode 31 - Greg Shoemaker Jet Pump and Drag Boat racing expert returns
11/28/2023
Episode 31 - Greg Shoemaker Jet Pump and Drag Boat racing expert returns
In today’s episode of Powerboat Talk, we welcome back Jet Pump and Drag Boat Racing expert Greg Shoemaker, owner of G.S. Marine. Shoemaker spent his most formidable years in the performance boating industry working for Eliminator Boats where he helped develop and popularize their 19 ft, Daytona through his very successful drag racing exploits. In the episode, Shoemaker answers some questions about basic jet pump operation and provides input on some simple “do’s and don’ts” that are often misunderstood by today’s jet boaters. Shoemaker shares the story behind the 130 mph flip of his and partner Norm Grimes’s “Dash for Cash” Daytona as well as the first time he “got wet” driving “Underdog,” his original record setting Daytona. Shoemaker also shared some stories about his many years of writing Jet Tech columns and testing boats for Hot Boat, Performance Boats, and Speedboat magazines. You can follow Greg Shoemaker on Instagram and on Facebook at Visit GS Marine online at Visit our website at View the video for this episode: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook Contact me: [email protected]
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Episode 30 - Princeton University Speedboating Electric Powered World Record Holders
11/21/2023
Episode 30 - Princeton University Speedboating Electric Powered World Record Holders
I was recently joined by Nathan Yates, founder and Head Graduate Adviser of the Princeton University Electric Speedboating (PES) Team and Andrew Robbins, CEO of PES to discuss their recent world record speed run and how it came to fruition. On October 26, 2023, veteran tunnel boat racer John Peeters piloted an electric powered, 14 ft. Pro-Outboard hydro to a new world Kilo record of 114.20 mph. The boat and engine were designed, built, and prepped by the 44 graduate and undergraduate members of the Princeton University Electric Speedboating (PES) Team. Beginning life as a project to compete in the American Society of Naval Engineer’s Promote Electric Propulsion (PEP) Competition, PES saw their entry progress from a 27 mph top speed in the 2021 contest to a 120 mph in two years. The official APBA/UIM approved kilo record consisted of a 111.08 mph first pass followed by a 117.50 mph return pass for an average of 117.50. The team’s boat, nicknamed Big Bird, broke the previous official electric kilo record of 88.61 mph set in 2018 by Jaguar Vector Racing. The run also broke the unofficial single run pass record made by Shaun Torrente in his Vision Marine Technologies' powered S2 catamaran of 116 mph, at this year’s Lake of the Ozarks Shootout. Yates and Robbins attribute much of the team’s success to Peeters and JW Myers, owner of Black Sheep Racing, for lending the team a wealth of knowledge and racing experience. Much credit can also be given for the support from John Ruiz and Cigarette Racing and Ben Sorkin and Jonathan Lord, owners of Flux Marine Electric Outboards.
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Episode 29 - Eddie McPheeters, owner of Eddie's Inboard Marine, Mandella Boats Expert and Parker Enduro Winner
11/15/2023
Episode 29 - Eddie McPheeters, owner of Eddie's Inboard Marine, Mandella Boats Expert and Parker Enduro Winner
Eddie McPheeters is the owner of Eddie’s Inboard Marine in Tucson, Arizona. McPheeters took over management of the business from his father in 2001. A self proclaimed “V-drive guy at heart,” McPheeters specializes in restorations and gel coat refinishing and repair. McPheeters has also become the “go-to” expert for repair, restoration, and performance upgrades for vintage Mandella Boats. McPheeters and his team proved their metal at the recent Parker Enduro where they ran McPheeters's 1972 Mandella, Brown Sugar, and brought home the 1st place trophy in Division IV/GN Class and finished 5th overall. It was the second Enduro win for McPheeters and co-driver/friend Tyler Stevenson who won the Parker 300 Enduro in 2006 with a 1968 Mandella powered by a 427 Ford engine. McPheeters is a 2nd generation Mandella guru. His father, Eddie, started the family’s obsession when he bought his first Mandella in 1964 from then company owner and legendary endurance racer Lou Brummet. The senior McPheeters's purchase turned into a lifelong friendship with Brummet that saw him become a crew member of Brummet’s at a marathon race in Miami’s historic Marine Stadium. McPheeter also became the Tucson area rep and dealer for Mandella Boats. The Brummet/McPheeters partnership still thrives today with the team’s next generation as Brummet’s son Carson, owner of Brummett Marine Engines in Pasadena, California, was instrumental in the success of the Eddie’s Inboard Enduro entry. Brummet consulted on many aspects of the race set up and build which included, of course, the 427 Chevy engine and its exotic/vintage Lucas mechanical fuel injection. I hope you enjoy this episode of PowerBoat Talk where we here how Eddie McPheeters transforms iconic Mandella Boats into period correct modern performers.
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Episode 28 - Brad Martin from SoCalJetBoats.com
11/08/2023
Episode 28 - Brad Martin from SoCalJetBoats.com
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Episode 27 - Circle Boat Racer Duff Daily Returns!
10/24/2023
Episode 27 - Circle Boat Racer Duff Daily Returns!
For the first time on Powerboat Talk, we're excited to have back with us the renowned circle boat racing icon, Duff Daily. I first had the privilege of interviewing Daily last November for an article in Speedboat Magazine. At that time, he had just clinched a win in his class at the Parker Enduro, with his son Dustin by his side as co-driver. Since that initial interaction, Daily and I have maintained contact, frequently discussing his illustrious racing history and the ongoing racing season. After witnessing the recent race by the Southern California Speedboat Club at Lake Ming in Bakersfield, and with the Enduro approaching, I felt it was the perfect time to reconnect with Daily for an in-depth conversation. In addition to discussing Daily's adventures in K-boat racing this year, we touched upon his recent nomination to the Motorsports Hall of Fame, the innovative engine he acquired for his son's Biesemeyer circle boat, and updates on the restoration of a reproduction of his father's iconic F-Service vintage racer. Now at 70, the retired Miami fireman, Daily, boasts an impressive racing career spanning over half a century.
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