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On The Water News
by Published on 06-26-2020 10:42 PMCategories:
If you've ever wondered what it's like on a hot Saturday in southern Florida late in June, let me tell you it's no fun. Boden has done it over and over, for me, this was a first. 100 degrees, humidity off the sweat scale, cars and trucks zipping by, (at least they made a breeze), all for the pleasure of watching offshore performance boats participate to raise money for charity and to take their pictures. It was worth it. (I may have to give Pete even more respect for what he accomplishes. Don't tell him that though.).
Based on the way they run, great name!!!
One thing that is certainly frustrating while standing out there is when there is some boats ...by Published on 06-21-2020 01:07 PMCategories:
It's been awhile. With the Covid19 pandemic, and what we say is a crazy over-reaction to it by the Governor of Michigan, a gathering of powerboats was able to at least have a great little fun run and the weather cooperated fully.
SaddleUp is now an awesome West Michigan addition, making its home in Benton Harbor.
The turnout was really good, had to be a lot of pent-up demand. Actual RSVP's were 82 according to club President Roger Zuidema. As Roger said,"We loved seeing so many boaters on the water. The most important outcome of the day is thesafety of all, along ...by Published on 01-23-2020 11:34 PM Number of Views: 21023
Having the opportunity to spend time at Douglas Marine, the home of Skater Performance Boats, gives one the fortune to watch special projects from beginning to end. One of the latest just arrived in New Zealand, after a long ocean voyage, this New Years. Just like every Skater Race Boat to leave the factory, once again this one is special.
This boat is a special build to meet the latest rules and requirements of the premier offshore race class in New Zealand. 8000 pounds with 565 Mercury's and #6 drives. As the rules change, so must the boat.
Current ...by Published on 07-11-2019 08:49 AM
Having just left Skater yesterday, the latest 46' Skater arrived in Boyne yesterday for its initial shake down and dial-in. An 8 passenger stunner, with beautiful paint by the in-house Skater paint team and a custom designed interior by Appearance Products, we are sure it will be a show-stopper at Boyne Thunder. Its big Sterling blower power, and an old-school gauge dash makes it even more interesting.
Watch for an in-depth article ...by Published on 06-23-2019 04:57 PMCategories:
When it comes to performance boats, the Skater 28 is one that is always spoke of with reverence. When Douglas Marine released the 28 Skater, it was an instant hit. It's ability to outperform larger Cats, and larger Vee's, in rough water conditions made it an instant legend. To this day, many 28 Skaters sell for more than they sold for when new. The latest, a 28 with many custom features, could be considered a work of art.
As almost everyone knows, Skaters are almost always one of a kind. Just about every boat has some custom feature, many more than one. The two Skater models which actually have ...by Published on 06-16-2019 10:17 AM
As seems to be the issue with every pre-planned boating weekend in West Michigan, the weather forecast was making the planning interesting. Depending on what weather person you listened to, or what forecast you looked up on the internet, the weather could be anything from 6 to 8 foot waves on the lake with gale and small-craft warnings with a 90% chance of rain. To partially sunny and 2 to 3 footers with a 20% chance of rain or less.
Heading out the Muskegon Channel
Although there was a bit of rain during the street show on Thursday evening, the overall weather was fine. The boats on display stayed almost completely dry, and ...by Published on 06-03-2019 10:53 PM
West Michigan Offshore is inviting you to be in the middle of the high-performance powerboat action aboard the Aquastar on Saturday, June 15 at 11:00 am.
The Aquastar, Muskegon Lake’s sightseeing fun ship, will take a Make-A-Wish Cruise on Saturday, as riders donate for a ride on Muskegon Lake and out to Lake Michigan. Be a part of the Parade of Power high-performance boat parade.
Watch as the powerboats take off on the Poker Run.
Join the Grand ...by Published on 06-02-2019 11:40 PM
Chief Powerboats will be making a showing at West Michigan Offshore's Muskegon Powerboat Weekend Event.
The Crew at Chief Powerboats is excited to be a part of West Michigan Offshore’s Muskegon Powerboat Weekend. They will be bringing one of their flagship pleasure models with them to participate in the 4:00-9:30 Powerboat Street Party in Downtown Muskegon in collaboration with the Taste of Muskegon.
The 42’ Chief Platinum Warrior is a modern ...by Published on 05-19-2019 09:30 PMCategories:
Well, some things just never seem to get settled. This is the third iteration of one of the sweetest boats built. This Skater 3312 started out as a beast nicknamed the "Silver Bullet" with its speeds of over 160 mph due to its Sterling power and Arneson drives.
Part 1[/B] http://seriousoffshore.com/forums/co...akedown-Cruise
Photo Courtesy Pete Boden
But, the boat was so crazy fast for its size, nobody stepped up to the plate to buy it. So, a ...by Published on 04-17-2019 10:25 PM Number of Views: 25981
It's the time of year for the first major performance boating event of the Spring. Desert Storm, at Lake Havasu in Arizona, is one of the premier events anywhere in the nation for performance boats of all manufacturers to show off their style and speed. One of those manufacturers is Skater Powerboats by Douglas Marine. Skaters have won numerous speed titles and Best In Show awards at previous events.
A new Skater, not even rigged yet, will be on display at the street party this year. Make sure to stop by and see this new custom 28' Skater Wide-Load model.
...by Published on 02-11-2019 01:40 PM Number of Views: 19158Categories:
One of the things all custom boat builders require, and those who refurbish offshore performance boats desire, is an interior that is as special as their vision for the entire project. When you are creating a work of art with the design of a boat, and you assist with the custom paint that makes your boat special, you have your list of "Must Haves". One of those "Must Haves", make sure the interior is not the same as some other custom boat, and make sure the interior design is special and of the highest quality. As many know, this isn't always an easy thing to accomplish.
Home Base
Possibly one of the best kept secrets in the design and build of custom marine, (and vehicle), interiors is Appearance Products in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Craig and his team create some of ...by Published on 08-27-2018 10:49 PM Number of Views: 32059Categories:
Detroit's Hydrofest was quite the event. From bad weather, to worse weather, to the busiest and most exciting race day possible. All in a short three day span.
What was supposed to be a three day span of testing, qualifying, and racing did not have Mother Nature's blessing. Somebody must have forgotten to inform her to put it on her schedule. When we arrived on Friday, the wind was blowing pretty strong out of the South, straight up the Detroit River, opposite of the current flow. The waves on the water were in the neighborhood of a foot to a foot and a half.
Not good water to run an Unlimited Hydro at speeds up to 200 MPH;
...by Published on 08-20-2018 09:00 AM Number of Views: 26056
The first Traverse City Invitational Poker Run, put on by the Offshore Powerboat Association and the Offshore Classic group, was a great success for participants and beneficiaries. From the beginning on Friday where participants started showing up to the hotels, to the finale on Sunday where rides were given to both Bigs and Littles from the Big Brothers Big Sisters, everybody we spoke with had a great time and good things to say.
Getting ready for the start on Saturday morning.
Saturday started out overcast, but the water was nice for running. The drivers meeting at 10:00 went off without a hitch, it looked as if every ...by Published on 08-08-2018 09:35 AM Number of Views: 20291Categories:
Every so often something special comes along in the performance boating world. Everybody has their favorites; some are one of a kind in performance. Some are one of a kind in handling. Some are one of a kind in design. And some are one of a kind in paint.
Some become the beginning of the next great thing, an overall breakthrough. We all have our favorites.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, there are the boats that are a lot of hype and marketing. Words and dimensions are used to describe them that have nothing to do with the actual product. Somebody adds a swim platform or transom winglets, adds that extension ...by Published on 07-31-2018 08:57 AM Number of Views: 22255Categories:
The Offshore Powerboat Association's St Clair River Classic of 2018 had a few glitches this past weekend, mostly ships on the course, but the cream of the event for the spectators appeared to be Class 7.
Five of the seven Class 7 boats at the start.
Part of the reason for being most exciting, the number of boats. With seven entries, there was obviously more competition just because they had the most boats racing of any class. But, with St Clair being a, (usually), flat water race when compared to Great Lakes offshore races and offshore races in the ocean or gulf, the class 7 boats also make the most exciting action around the course.
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The Inside Articles -
Fort Myers Offshore Pivots To Junkanoo Lunch-Spot For Season-Opener
The Fort Myers Offshore show will go on next Saturday, https://www.speedonthewater.com/fort...season-opener/
Speed on the Water Today, 03:10 PM