Just got a new toy but it's not a car

[Jeff H]

After going to the somewhat local boat races most of the summer and since I was looking for a boat to play with, instead of getting some big block jet boat, I decided to get one of the Jersey Speed Skiffs. I went for a test ride the other day out on the bay and all I can say is what a different feeling of speed when it's on the water! It's a 16' Jersey Speed Skiff with a 350 Chevy putting out 450 hp. When the 4 barrel carb opens up the boat is pretty much out of the water. You can feel when it hits the water again and the prop grabs and shoots you forward. I took my first drive today and kept it to 5000 rpm's. You need to get the feel for what it's doing. The turns are interesting as it gets up on it's side at 60-90 degrees to the water and you can put your hand down in the water as you take the turn. That is if you decide to take a hand off the steering wheel! Oh, and I would recommend ear plugs as the open exhaust can get to you after 15+ minutes.