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Yearly Archives: 2015
Florida Moving to Raise Boating Minimum Age
In most states the legal driving age is a minimum of 16 years old, and even then it is only provisional. But what about in the world of powerboating? At what age do we deem boating to be too dangerous and irresponsible? Through no fault of their own, and more of the system in which they operated, the recent deaths of two 14 year-olds, Austin Stephanos and Perry Cohen of Tequesta have brought the issue to the forefront in Florida where boating is as common as driving.
After finding the boys’ capsized boat days later in Daytona Beach, Sen. Jeremy Ring, proposed a measure (SB 644) that would raise the minimum legal age to pilot a personal craft from 14 to 16. But in the grander scheme of things, the hope is to set the age requirement to 16 years old across the board for all boats and watercraft in an effort to avoid the tragedies of late. Since Florida currently has no age minimum set for piloting a boat, this bill will undoubtedly meet some opposition from people of all ages who’s lives are centered around the water and have the tradition of raising new generations with their feet already practically in the water from birth.
Austin Stephanos and Perry Cohen tragically died in boating accident, but are more regulations really necessary?
The Personal Watercraft Industry Association supports the age increase, but the PWIA and NMMA are seeking clarification of the child operation provision in order to better establish the guidelines by which this bill will pass.
Hopefully, as Florida undergoes this process, they will find a conclusion that allows people their freedom on the water while still preventing tragedy from rearing its ugly head. Boating and the freedom it brings should not be governed by age or needless regulations.
VIDEO: Thousands Flood Duval St. for the Annual Powerboating Parade
This year’s Duval Street Parade was off the hook! Just as in years past the streets were flooded with thousands of boaters and partiers mingling among the race boats and raucous bars lining the streets. With all the teams showing off their boats and setups you couldn’t walk ten feet without running into the next racing team hyping up the crowd and talking to their fans about the races past and those to come. It was great to see The Performance Boat Center Team all set up to go with the brand new 388 SKATER and many others posing for pictures and having a great time with the other crews the day before the big finals.
The PBN crew made there way through the crowds with the usual cannon toting entourage including the jaw dropping Powerboat Nation Girls. It was like Mardi Gras in the fall with people pouring our of bars and hanging out on balconies high above the awesome chaos below. Brad Schoenwald and the girls made sure to launch more that just a few T-Shirts and PBN beach balls into the crowd, even firing some at the fans up on the balconies. Even the guys over at STIHL Racing were great sports and let the PBN Girls climb up onto their 388 SKATER Race Boat to launch beach balls at partiers down below. Brad’s long time friend, STIHL throttleman, Mark Kowalski was as generous as ever allowing the girls on the deck of his race boat.
The Powerboat Nation Crew ended the night at the iconic Durty Harry’s where a great crowd was rocking to classics all night long. The band broke out the cult classic American Girl as the PBN Girls Brittany and Heather walked on stage for a few songs to get the crowd really involved. With the dance floor filled and all of the tables occupied it made for a great venue to usher in the true American past time of powerboat racing’s finals the next day.
Just another outstanding Powerboating night and Powerboat Nation was again leading the charge to ignite the life of Performance Powerboating!
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Key West 2015 – Duvall Street Party Photos
The Holidays are Here!
We’re entering into the holiday season and that means it’s time to start thinking about what’s coming in the next few months leading into the start of the new year. With winter creeping upon us, powerboaters are either beginning to or already have winterized their boats in preparation for the freezing temperatures and harsh storms. Those that have the luxury of being in a fairly warm climate are still feeling the impact as there are fewer boating events happening around the country and with less people in attendance in general. However, those that are still out there come rain or shine, or snow and a lot worse have a few annual events to look forward to like the Boating Toys for Tots Tour hosted by the U.S. Marines in Florida. This tour is a great way for the powerboating community to give back and help children in need have the holiday season they deserve.
We also have the annual New Years Day adventure to Sarasota for the Joey Gratton Memorial fun run that is a must attend for Powerboat Nation and our loyal followers.
As with any holiday we also have the introduction of new products by various companies, and if not an actual product release then the preview for what to expect in the coming months to build anticipation. In particular, the team at Hardin Marine has alluded to more than just one game changing product release expected to debut in spring at the Miami International Boat Show. So grab your stocking stuffers today but keep an eye out for what’s coming.
We’re always happy to see boaters brave the weather, or if you’re in say Miami, enjoy the great weather as usual; and we wish everyone a great holiday season and can’t wait to see you out on the water the next chance we get!
XCAT World Series Recap Footage.. XTREME!
XCAT Powerboats gives us a great look at what happened!
UIM XCAT World Series Ends 2015 with Flare
As we’re wrapping up and preparing for another winter, the UIM XCAT Finals on the opposite side of the world ended with flare and fanfare, signaling the end to another fantastic year of powerboating worldwide. This year’s title was again claimed by defending champions AL-Zafeen and Nadir bin Hendi of Team XDubai, marking their fourth consecutive title at the world renowned race.
Team XDubai jumped out in front at the very beginning of the race and held to their tried and true long-lap strategy to maintain their lead for the duration of the race, beating out Team Abu Dhabi who decided to play it safe in the increasingly rough waters and thus taking second place in their first season of XCAT racing. Al Mansouri of Team Abu Dhabi said: “It was dangerous with big waves a lot of air and side by side racing but we enjoyed it and well done to XDubai for winning the title again. It was our first season in XCATs so second in the championship is a very good result for us.”
Unfortunately, the podium this year was left to other nations as the American team of Jay Price and Shaun Torrente finished fifth. Not to be discouraged, they are already preparing for next year in hopes to take home first place.
The race itself was intimidating enough if you were piloting a lone craft. But to attempt the 11 lap total race in competition with other racers is nothing short of beyond impressive. Starting with the first lap in extremely rough waters then leading to calmer, more protected areas led to an interesting start and made it apparent which team’s strategies were going to allow them to succeed. XCAT’s long lap strategy clearly paid off in the long run and gave them yet another championship title of which they are more than worthy.
Although this year is coming to an end, we look forward to starting again and seeing which team will come out on top next year. When passion and teamwork come together seamlessly, there is nothing to far out of reach.
Bikinis and T-Shirt Cannons Make for a Good Day on the Water
Join us as the PBN Girls launch T-Shirts into the crowd at Key West!
VIDEO: Overwhelming Flotilla of Performance Boats Slam Gilbert’s Docks!
The Florida Powerboat Clubs 2015 Key West Poker Run Thursday departure lunch stop was one for the record books. Lunch at Gilbert’ was a huge success this year as we have over 185 registered boats attending the Key West 2015 Poker Run. Skaters, Cigarettes, Sunsation, DCB and every other type of performance water craft imaginable crowded the docks as you could hear the roar of unlimited power make its way over the water to the people having lunch under the canopies. Extended out into the channel by 7 or 8 boats the docks were lined to capacity with spectators trying to glimpse of their favorite craft or simply show up their own new badass boat.
After a little over an hour traveling from Miami we finally reached the channel leading to GIlbert’s resort where the rest of the boats had already tied up and lunch festivities were in full swing. As we made our way to the end of the docks to tie up the sound of live music, engines, and lively boaters made the short few minutes it took to tie up feel like an eternity. We all jumped off the boat and made a quick dash to the shade of the resort canopy to find water and food as the day was really starting to heat up in full contact with the tropical sun. It was great to see many of the usual boaters we’ve had the privilege of making this trip with in previous years, but it was also amazing to see the amount of new boaters and guests, alluding to the beginning of a resurgence for powerboating and poker runs in general. All this made for a truly one of a kind experience which we are already looking forward to next year.
The weather was absolutely perfect as lunch was served, and water was consumed by the gallons, making for an extremely fun and relaxed atmosphere. Live music was also blasting great cover songs and really made it a one of a kind day that will surely be looked forward to greatly when next year’s Poker Run rolls around.
Once lunch was over and people were starting to slip into food comas, many began heading back to their boats to shove off and make the last, longer leg of the journey to Key West. Again, as back in the harbor, the docks came to life with the unmistakable roar of high performance powerboats, from dual outboards to quad inboards, drowning out any other sounds. It was music to the hears of any performance junkie. Boat after boat took off towards Key West, settling in for the journey with reasonable cruising speeds, making sure to skirt the ominous rain clouds floating over the keys. After a couple hours of weaving in and out of islands and heading under bridges here and there we finally made it to Key West. When pulling into Key West Bight Marina it was easy to see the presence of performance boats sprinkled here and there in berths alongside various yachts and fishing boats. Getting off the boat one could see the Conch Republic Seafood Company already teeming with people, foreshadowing the weekend’s festivities to come.
It’s hard to imagine a better place to find such great boaters and amazing boats all in one place, and we can’t wait to see everyone again next year!
For More Photos, Check out The Gallery Page.
Key West 2015 – Thursday Gilbert’s Lunch Stop Photos
Key West 2015 – Thursday Departure Photos
Key West 2015 – Wednesday Departure Photos
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