“BIG” Johns 95 MPH Skater Boat
Boy Howdee, did we have fun on our recent R and R trip to upstate NY. We accepted an invite from our good friend Jimbo and journeyed up to Swinging Bridge Lake in Sullivan County NY for a weekend of fun and frolic.
While we were there baking ourselves into oblivion in the forth of July sun, we heard a sound that sounded like a herd of bees heading for us at 100 miles per hour. Looking up we saw the coolest sight of the weekend, a tunnel hull rapidly approaching at close to 95 MPH. Boy, were we surprised when the boat slowed and started to anchor right next to us.
As it turns out, the gentleman driving the boat, a beautiful 21 foot Skater tunnel hull, was a friend of our host and a powerboat enthusiast like none we have met lately. “Big” John was smiling ear to ear, and who could blame him driving a boat like the one he owns. Not to mention, he owns the fastest boat on Swinging Bridge Lake.
As we got to know him and chatted him up he told us the history of the boat. We had him send it to us in an email and here is what he wrote:
The boat is a 1990 Skater built by Douglas Marine.
Peter Hledin is the owner/designer and always makes himself available to Skater owners for help and advice.
We bought the boat in August of 2009 with a Mercury 2.5 offshore, 260 hp motor.
Skaters, being a true tunnel, are very hard on outboard midsections, and gearcases.
In July of 2010, running up the lake about 80 mph, the midsection broke sending my sportmaster and Mazco prop to the bottom of the lake.
I found a real low hour 2005 offshore 2.5, 280 hp merc in Islemorada Florida, bought it and had it shipped up to NY. I don’t have an engine hoist so Bill at Swinging Bridge Marina made the swap for me. I have known them from the mid 1970’s They are great guys up there.
The boat has Autometer carbon fiber gauges, an “In-Control” foot throttle and shifter. The front seats are stock from Skater, and I’m currently looking for an original skater back seat.
The engine is a 2005, Mercury 2.5 liter Offshore (152 cubic inches) built by Mercury Racing and prop shaft hp rated at 280 hp. It uses direct crank case fuel injection and runs @ 7500 rpm’s.
The props I use are a “Drag 4” by Performance Propeller, and a Mercury Chopper II. I have Rich @ Leading Edge Propeller in Bradenton Fla. Custom tune all of my props.
John invited us to go for a high speed run up the lake which is close to nine miles long. Check out the video for a birds eye look at high speed the way it was meant to be.
The Skater Interior
“BIG” Johns BIG Merc Motor
When you lost the lower unit didnt you lose control of the boat? My friend did and it rolled over and chucked him out. Thanks Carl
Carl..that’s a damn good question…When we travel up to the lake in a few weeks we will be sure to ask him and get back to you…Thanks for visiting the site!
How much r u sellin the boat for I’m real interested
we will be seeing Big John this summer….we will ask him for you….
Hi Charles….the boat is for sale….here is the Craigs List ad…http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/boa/5063024447.html
Nice …. Fast too!
Back in the sixties there was another cat on Swinging bridge! Not as fast but a real eye catcher!
It was pink and had twin Merc 65 hp’s hung on the back. Fast for it’s time. If I remember it was hand built by the family I think it burned in a garage fire!
We had a Sidewinder with a 135 Evinrude on it – I worked for Bill and Pat when I was young! They are good people!
Thanks for those nice words!…I am sure John will see your comments and smile. To be honest, it was quite the thrilling ride. I was holding onto that camera phone for dear life…esp since I was not wearing a seat belt and was bouncing around like an 1/8 scale buggy on an outdoor course.
IS BOAT FOR SALE
Hi Bob….It is…http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/boa/5063024447.html
Saw your boat it looks very nice. I have a 21′ skater as well with a 300X it will do over 100, it’s for sale in Lake Havasu City AZ. Fallon Marine is selling it.
Ok everyone..Check this guys boat out if you re in havasu!