Jim Nichols the man, the face, and the energy behind the famous Desert Storm Poker Run was hospitalized today with a bleeding ulcer and in the hospital under treatment. For 16 years Jim has led the way to create the most recognized performance boating event on the west coast. Tireless, relentless and as nice as they come, we sincerely wish Jim a speedy recovery.

In true form Jim wont give up and even from his hospital bed he is connected and in touch with all that is happening with his event. The army of dedicated volunteers and sponsors for this great event have stood up to make sure all goes off without a hitch. Jim and his staff are to be commended because the true measure of leadership is when you can leave the helm to those around you.

Again from all of us at PowerBoatNation, Jim we wish you a speedy and healthy recovery and thanks for bringing all of us enthusiasts this wonderful event. Jim’s wife Claudia is at his side and expected to have a good outcome. He have heard he plans to be boating on Friday and can believe this because he always seems to put others in front of his needs. Please offer your thoughts and please keep Jim in your prayers.

The Desert Storm Poker Run is underway and to kick off the event local boaters and poker run participants from afar turn up to support the 2nd Annual “Krusin’ for Kids” event. Under-privileged and special needs children and adults were given boat rides around Lake Havasu. 18 volunteer boaters took their special guests out for a ‘Kruse’ around the lake, starting at the Nautical Beachfront Resort/Turtle Bar boat docks, and back again to the Nautical’s pool area where they enjoyed a fun-filled day created just for them. The DCB presence was strong with 9 boats in the 18 boat fleet This wonderful ‘Krusin’ for Kids’ event was coordinated by Cherilyn Teague, Lake Racer, and New Horizons.

Great job to all involved with this wonderful event.

New Horizons is a organization for developmentally disabled children and adults. They offers in-home visits to assist parents of infants ages 0-3 and in-home services for adults. They also provides day program activities and transportation in the community for people with developmental disabilities. Sheltered living units for clients age 18 and older who have developmental disabilities. Clients are trained to live as independent adults in their own living quarters as they operate and apartment program for adults with disabilities. Semi-independent apartment setting in the community and train adults with disabilities in employment skills to support them with employment in local business.

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I think for about the last year I have had numerous phone calls from Devin Wozencraft of Wozencraft Insuranceabout which new boat would be the best for him to buy. After going from here to there, in the end he came back around to where he started and I am very happy for him. When someone in the business actually participates as their customers do it brings a whole different level of value and relevance.

Devin Wozencraft is a boater, and not a new one, he has owned boats for years. He has gone through a 1990 Eliminator 234 Edge as well as a 2005 Force Offshore 26′ Cat. Now with his brand new Ilmore 710 powered 29 E-Ticket, he is prepared to show up at events around the country. He will tell you he is going to run the boat in the Texas Outlaw Challenge, the Lake Powell Poker Run, the S.C.O.P.E Poker Run, the Big Cat Poker Run, the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout and The Monster Bash. What he hasn’t fully accepted is how I am forcing him to do the Key West Poker Run. Contrary to what some may say this 29 from E-Ticket is more than capable of doing the 160 Nautical Mile run from Miami to Key West and I just double dog dared you Devin.

If you are fortunate enough to be a Havasu next week you will be able to see this new ride at Thursdays Street Party at the Wozencraft booth in front of Dog Days. Beyond that look back to Powerboat Nation for updates on Devins progress and a direct report out from when we take his new ride, for a RIDE!

Congratulations to the whole Wozencraft Crew!

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2014 Drag Boat Racing’s Season Opener “Run for the Ring”

The 2014 Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series has once again rocketed through Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, Arizona last weekend April 11-13, 2014. With qualifying on Friday and Saturday, Top Fuel Hydro, Top Alcohol Hydro, Top Alcohol Flat, Pro Mod and more blasted across the lake for position on Sunday’s final elimination.

During qualifying, the Top Fuel Hydro teams consisting of Toxic Rocket owner Joe Cassidy of South San Francisco,Problem Child owner Eddie Knox, Spirit of Texas owner David Kirkland, and others thrilled the fans with flame blowing exploding engines as they competed for the number one qualifying spot. Eddie Knox racing’s Problem Child, piloted by 2013 Champion Daryl Ehrlich, secured the top spot. EKR ran hard at a pace like they never left last years.

While were always happy to report no accidents. The Whiskey river top fuel hydro boat suffered an explosion during a Saturday qualifying and the blower fell off and cartwheeled down the track as is visible from our reporter video. (See video Black boat)

During elimination rounds on Sunday, Problem Child faced off against the Spirit of Texas in the final rounds of eliminations. Knox with a hotter tune up put some power to the boat for the final run. The extra power might have been a bit much as Ehrlich had to pedal off the the start giving the Scotty Lumbert and the Spirit of Texas an early lead, but once the boat took a set, Problem Child made a hard charge, to run down Scotty Lumbert. Scotty and the Spirit of Texas would make it to the 1,000 foot mark just before Ehrlich, taking the first Top Fuel Hydro win of the 2014 season. Lumbert ran a 3.60 at 239.23 mph against Ehrlich’s 3.80 at 248.83 mph. Glen Wilson and the Toxic Rocket team finished in 4th place due to a few broke parts. Some early teething through a new engine program we are told. .

The next event will be held on May 2, 3, 4 in Lake Havasu AZ. Special thanks to our on location race reporter Don Heldoorn.

PowerBoatNation is all about giving back to you, the boater, as much as we can. So when a member suggested a return of the wonderful boat cleaning product SWIPES we went to work to get a deal done.

With great support from Cleanitsupply.com we have brought you the PowerBoatNation Swipes… At over a 25% discount, only $19.95 each. But wait there’s more! FREE SHIPPING! Yes free shipping. Order a case of 6, 90 count containers for less than $120.00 These are great gifts for your boating friends.

Order Here: PowerBoatNation Swipes

Thanks again for all the support!

Swipes All Purpose Cleaning Wipes & Hand Cleaning Wipes

Swipes are an all-purpose cleaning wet wipes unlike any other cleaning wipe. They are designed to eliminate the need for soap, cleaners, water and towels; therefore, replacing leaky spray bottles and dirty rags. As a surface cleaner, Swipes remove grease, tar, ink, oil, hydraulic fluids, grime, spills, stains and much more. Despite its cleaning strength, Swipes condition hands with glycerin, aloe vera, jojoba, vitamin E, and wheat germ extract. Swipes contain an antimicrobial agent and have a fresh, clean scent. These wipes are made from a solvent-free environmentally-safe formula. With gentle cleaning action, Swipes remove drips and smears from many non-porous surfaces like tools, equipment, furniture, leather, and much more. These extra-large, heavy-duty wipes thoroughly suspend and absorb soils from your hands and other surfaces for easy removal.

90 -X-Large 10″ x 12″ cleaning wipes
Provide quick, easy clean up for spills and stains
Quickly removes dirt, grease, oil, hydraulic fluids and much more
Clean and condition vinyl upholstery. Removes scum lines on boats
Clean hands with antibacterial agents
Must have for auto mechanics and racers. Great gift idea for boaters and car enthusiasts.

Florida Powerboat Club Member Spotlight

The big winners at last weekend’s Florida Powerboat Clubs Tampa Bay Poker Run were Bob & Elle Berg of
Key Largo, FL running their big 50 Nor-Tech powered with Triple Potter 850’s –“Team Artemis”

Bob and Elle are very active members in the club and attend over four events every year. Currently they also hold the record for most consecutive Sexiest Crew awards…Bob has a “Program” where he and his wife recruit new talent for all the runs. “Bob likes being in the company of pretty ladies and Elle is very cool with it”. They also strongly suggest and support other PFC members to do the same. The girls are always dressed to the nines and wear swimwear to match “Artemis” colors and support the team theme.

Both are also very strong supporters of the clubs safety programs. They always attend captains meetings and bring the crew members…Newcomers are giving extra attention about PFD’s and general safety in and around the boat.

This year they won the big Poker Run Prize with aces and queens which brought some great visibility to the stage at the events final night’s party.

Bob is a fast food restaurant owner with .multiple stores and Elle is a transplanted Canadian nurse from Windsor, Ontario.

Beyond powerboating they are also into yachting and Sailing. Bob and his daughter sail a racing schooner and will be competing in the prestigious Chicago Mackinac Race this summer on Lake Michigan.

Congratulations to Bob and Elle on their big win and for the continued support of the Florida Powerboat Club.

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PowerBoatNation and Xtreme Powerboats of Miami worked behind the scenes today with a crew from CNBC’s show “Secret Lives of the Super Rich”

It’s an exclusive world filled with enormous fortunes, unimaginable extravagance and a cast of super rich characters with one thing in common — a voracious appetite for success, status, and the best of the best. CNBC unlocks the mansion gates and scores you the ultimate VIP access to a world inhabited by the wealthiest people on the planet. “Secret Lives of the Super Rich,” only on CNBC … you can’t afford to miss it.

Today’s work was to coordinate the marine parts of the production that features Gino Gargiulo, his Lamborghini “Aventador”, and his matching “Aventador Themed” 48 MTI, powered by Mercury Racing 1350 QV4c Turbo Motors.

The crew worked hard to set up a staged race of the boat and car along MacArthur Causeway which leads from downtown Miami to South Beach. Working with a crew of eight from CNBC which included, sound techs, cameramen, producers, helicopters, and of course boats. They rigged Gino’s boat with four Go-Pros and his car with three. I ran the chase boat with two cameramen, the producer, and a audio guy.

Everything went off almost without a incident. The only little hang up was from some misguided local police who I think wanted to be part of the action.

The Miami Parks department decided to enlist the support of the Miami Police depart to try to shut us down for not having permits. Unable to establish cause or need for permits, which weren’t required for what we were doing. Miami’s finest just joined in taking pictures of the whole show.

Then later while Gino was driving the car and Larry Goldman driving the boat, which of course won each race, because Gino seemed to have the luck of getting behind a Miami Beach Patrol Car every time he went to accelerate down the causeway.

Look to PowerBoatNation to bring you updates and airtime for the upcoming episode. We will also continue to email CNN clips and outtakes of the latest powerboating coverage.

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Spring has sprung, following a long, hard Winter for most of us, and while winter still clings in some parts, it’s grip is loosening. Time to start thinking about getting the boat in the water, or, if you’ve done your shakedown cruise, to get after those nagging little things that will grow bigger if left unattended.

Now is the right time for a little Spring cleaning to squeeze more performance out of your vessel before the season begins in earnest.

BBLADES has programs in place that let you test and tweak your boats performance affordably. The right props and boat set-up can save you money in fuel, not to mention the embarrassment of being at the back of the pack. Keep reading here or visit the BBLADES website to learn more about our Test Programs. And, don’t forget to join us at the BBLADES Facebook Page for useful information about a better day on the water, and some fun, funny and informative useless information as well!

“Try Before you Buy” Prop Test Eliminates the Guess Work

No matter what type of boating you do, what type of horsepower you run, or what type of propeller you spin, BBLADES has the right prop to help you achieve your performance goals. Better hole shot? No problem. Faster top-end? We can help squeeze out a few more rpm and mph. Improved fuel economy? There’s a prop for that.

But even after consulting with your BBLADES prop pro about which wheel is best for your application, the true proof is how it performs on your boat, and BBLADES Prop Test Program lets you try before you buy. BBLADES offers test props from our own line of quality propellers, as well as those from Mercury, Turbo, Hydromotive and more; BBLADES even offers testing of Hering Offshore propellers , and is the only prop shop to make such an offer available.

It’s really pretty easy to take advantage of BBLADES Prop Test Program: After discussing your best options with BBLADES, order the prop(s) through the test program. A test fee of $45 per prop for traditional wheels and $200 per prop for Hering Offshore (along with a security deposit on Hering’s) will be charged to your credit card. You then have 15-days to test and record data, and we even give you a handy test form to make sure you’re collecting the right data. If the propeller works, just charge the purchase to your credit card (the security deposit will be applied toward the purchase of Hering Offshore). If you choose to test a different formula, we’ll ship additional demos under the terms of the program upon return of the original propeller(s). The customer pays all shipping charges. The details are available here, for traditional props and here for Hering Offshore.

BBLADES Propeller Test programs give boaters the confidence to buy a new prop knowing how it will work and knowing it’s the right choice before shelling out the purchase price.

So before you make your next propeller purchase, see if anyone else out there is offering this unique opportunity. But be forewarned, you might be looking for a while.

“X” Marks the Spot with Spacer Plate Test Program

So now that you have the perfect prop for your boat and motor combination, what’s the best way of improving performance without spending a fortune to upgrade horsepower? The answer is simple: engine set-up. The solution is not so simple, but easier if you avail yourself of BBLADES’ Spacer Plate Test Program; and you won’t find another program like it anywhere. Go ahead and look, we’ll wait.

See? Nobody else in the industry offers spacer plate testing for Bravo, Bravo Sport Master or #6 Drives.

Spacer plates allow boaters to change the depth of the propeller in the water – often called the “X” dimension. Lowering the “X” dimension can improve a boats attitude and handling while raising it will generally increase speed. Spacer plates lower a gear case without having to change the drive height on the boat, improving overall performance, decreasing prop slip percentage, reducing “time-to-plane,” and increasing bow lift.

BBLADES offers spacer plates for Bravo and Bravo Sport Master drives in 1-, 1.5-, and 2-inch varieties that can be tested for 15-days at a cost of $100 per plate. The deposit and test fee are applied to the purchase price if the spacer plate delivers the desired results. If further testing is required, test plates can be traded for an additional test fee until the correct depth is determined. Customers are responsible for the shipping costs in both directions.

For the high-end performance boater, BBLADES is the only manufacturer offering #6 Drive spacer plates in quarter-inch increments, ranging from ¼-inch to 3-inches. All other manufacturers only offer spacers in half-inch increments. A quarter-of-an-inch may not sound like much, but an experienced boat rigger knows that each boat and each set-up is different. The ‘one size fits all’ mentality of some manufacturers does not meet the needs of the serious performance boater looking for the ultimate set-up and optimum performance. The #6 Drive program works the same way as its Bravo counterpart, but with a $200 per plate testing fee.

BBLADES also offers riggers a complete line of #6-Driver Stud Spacers. This innovative product allows riggers to decrease the size of spacer plates without changing stud length. This is a more cost effective testing procedure.

Serious about maximizing the performance of your boat? BBLADES is too, and we’ll consult with you to find the best possible set-up combination and it won’t cost you more than the price of the phone call. What are you waiting for, the boating season is only getting shorter from here forward!

Slip into Something more Comfortable

“Prop slip” may be the most misunderstood term in boating. It sounds like something bad, but it’s all good, because without prop slip there would be no forward thrust and you’d be going nowhere…fast.

In simplest terms, prop slip is the difference between actual and theoretical forward travel compared to the propeller’s angle of attack or pitch. Too much prop slip could be due to cavitation or prop blow-out; it means the prop geometry is incorrect for the horsepower and load. Or it means something within the boats set up is aiding in decreasing the efficiency of the propeller. Too little slip could potentially mean too much blade area and a wasteful amount of power is used up in blade friction/drag and not forward thrust.

Confused yet? Try this: a 10-inch propeller actually advances only 8.5-inches in one revolution. 8.5” is 85% of 10”, leaving a prop slip of 15%.

You can use some trigonometry, a rotational speed equation and a theoretical speed equation to calculate prop slip (and risk having your head explode) OR you can punch in your pitch, gear ratio, engine rpm and actual speed to the BBLADES Prop Slip Calculator, and it will do the work for you.

Have other questions about Prop Slip? You can always give us a call and we’ll be happy to walk you through the process and suggest a propeller to better suit your boating style.

MRI Measuring: an Exact Science

At BBLADES Professional Propellers we go to great lengths to ensure our customers propellers are the very best they can be. Our attention to detail – and technology – separates us from those shops where propellers are just a sideline.

Just one example of our industry-leading efforts is MRI Measuring. In addition to the mechanical measuring devices used for propeller work, BBLADES employs a MRI computer aided device for the most accurate propeller measurements available.

The MRI examines the precise location of a vast number of data points in 3-D along a number of given radii across a propeller blades’ surface. These precise measurements allow our BBLADES technicians to get extremely creative when devising the proper formula to enhance prop performance.

The data is stored in the MRI for future use and also allows us to print graphs and charts – in full color – which help ensure current and future work on a given propeller is the most accurate it can be.

Just exactly what we do is a closely guarded trade secret, but your propeller‘s readouts are available for purchase if you’re looking for some unique art for the wall of your shop or man cave.

The west coast of Florida was packed full of power boating this last weekend and so right after leaving the Florida Powerboat Poker Run, Powerboat Nation made its way to Englewod Florida for the Port Charlotte Gran Prix to check in on the race action. We missed the first race but arrived just in time for the day’s final with the SuperBoats.

With over 30 boats the race pits were full and the beaches were lined with spectators. The raining weather held off throughout the day and conditions were ideal.

In SUPERBOAT UNLIMITED, regrettably Miss GECIO suffered a drive failure at the start of the race which left GASSEand CMS to battle it out. CMS was flying out of the start and led most of the race until some fuel pressure issue slowed them down just a little giving GASSE the chance they had been waiting for to take the lead and the win with a 119.47 mph average speed.

INSTIGATOR ran alone in SUPERBOAT EXTREME turning in 10 laps at 92.56 MPH

SUPERBOAT looked to be a great race with five entries three from SKATER Powerboats and two from MTI.AUTONATION RACING FOR CANCER was in for 6 laps, WHM for 10, CLEVELAND CONSTRUCTION for 10 leavingSTIHL and BROADCO on the course. STIHL was running with brand new team member, throttleman Mark Kowalski who ran the boat up front for the entire race taking the win with a 103.20 MPH average for the total 18 laps.

Our great friends Dan Lawrence and Rob Nunziato won SUPERBOAT STOCK running at 90.83 MPH in theHULK/Redline Oil.

MANUFACTURER PRODUCTION 3 was again won by a Poker Run boat. Gary Jones and Billy Glueck ran the 38 fountain BLACK PEARL with 280 hour factory sealed Mercury Racing 525 Motors to another easy win.

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This past weekend Powerboat Nation with the support of Brand X High Performance Marine participated in the Florida Powerboat Club’s Tampa Bay Poker Run. Returning to downtown St Petersburg, the event was headquartered at the beautiful Vinoy Resort. This venue is fantastic with its old Florida charm, situated across from its own marina providing Poker Run Participants convenient and secure docking and amenities. The club also set up secure trailer truck parking just down from the resort at the St Petersburg Pier and arranged separate lunch stops for the group making the event logistics easy and comfortable.

With 44 Boats in attendance including Gino Gargiulo brand new 48 Lamborghini Aventador themed MTI, and Kelly Sills new 388 Platinum Edition Skater.

Perfect weather, sea conditions, and a great venue made it a fabulous weekend for everyone.

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Last November Powerboat Nation broke the news about the Platinum Edition 388 Skaters coming and this weekend at the Florida Powerboat Clubs Tampa Bay Poker Run the first boat of the three hit the water!

The Platinum series of Skater Power boats was a culmination that came to life just prior to the 2013 Key West poker run. These boats feature some subtle styling ques for both appearance and added performance benefits. The boats have more aerodynamic decks as well as reduced overall heights. All of the Platinum series boats are being fitted with custom hardware and each model will have personalized touches that individualize each boat.

Kelly Sills has owned many boats and his latest new build went to St Petersburg and participated in the Tampa Bay Poker Run. Powered by Mercury Racing 1100 QC4v Turbo Motors we expect some numbers from the proven Skater model.

Congratulations to Kelly and Skater Powerboats for bringing out this spectacular build.

Powerboat Nation attended the Tampa Bay run over the weekend and we got a even more details about this boat as well as an interview with the owner himself. Stay tuned to PBN and look for that in the coming week. Also look for us to return to the Skater factory located in Douglas Michigan soon for more build updates of the remaining 388 Skater Platinum Builds.

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Well Desert Storm that is. Back in early 2013 we got a sneak peak from Tom Orseno at possibly one of the nicest privately (Not built by the manufacturer) rigged Nordic boats we’ve ever seen. Tom’s Company, Pro Marine located in Lake Havasu Arizona had set out on a mission to showcase what the real difference was or is in professional rigging. Armed with years of experience and a shelf full of nothing but the very best components this industry has to offer, they’ve done just that.

The new 34′ Nordic has come together just in time for the West Coast’s big event: Desert Storm. We wanted to catch up with Tom and grab a few snap shots of what you won’t want to miss taking a look at if you are at the event. If you can’t make it we hope these images convey a level of workmanship that words just simply cannot provide.

Jobs like this are not a simple plug and play type project. Tom knew that the boat could benefit from some enhancements and rather than settle for numerous off the shelf components he set out to showcase some of their companies fabrication skills. The wiring and plumbing on this boat are tight and straight as an arrow with every bulkhead passage and thru bolt mount taken into consideration From the custom tunnel tab design and construction to an ultra sanitary Arneson ASD 7 install it’s evident not only that it was put together correctly but that it will last. For more information about the install you can visit Pro Marine’s website.

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