The new X Power Drive is designed to replace Bravo units in big-horsepower applications.

By Matt Trulio

There’s a reason the MerCruiser Bravo One XR drive is rated for engines up to 600 horsepower: It simply can’t handle more power. But darn if that hasn’t stopped any number of go-fast powerboat owners from trying to push more power through one. And while the Bravo One XR drive might last awhile in a horsepower application beyond its rating if handled gingerly, failure is inevitable.

Behind the leadership of Manny Roman, Motion Marine is hoping for a resurgence within the performance-boating world.

By Jason Johnson

When it came to the extraordinary fleet of boats that lined the docks of the Renaissance Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, Fla., for the first Poker Runs America event of the year, one boat in particular stood out.

The new 4000 Roadster from Nor-Tech Hi-Performance Boats demonstrated excellent handling and superb styling during Powerboat’s exclusive first look.

By Jason Johnson

Nor-Tech Hi-Performance Boats has held its own in what is a very competitive offshore-catamaran market. And as offshore catamarans have grown in popularity and made huge strides when it comes to performance, styling and creature comforts, Nor-Tech has risen to the challenge with boats from 36 to 50 feet.

With staggered turbocharged diesel engines under the hatch, Eliminator Boats' 43 Eagle XP boats some exceptional range.

By Matt Trulio

Since buying the molds for the Larry Smith-designed 43-foot V-bottom a couple of years ago, Eliminator Boats has built a handful of the vaunted, stepped-hull boats. One of those models equipped with twin staggered Mercury Racing HP1075SCi engines reportedly reached 123 mph. Another with a pair of milder Mercury Racing HP700SCi engines topped 100 mph.

There are fewer players in the game thanks to the current economy, but poker runs remain one of the best bets for performance-boating pleasure.

By Matt Trulio

At around 11:30 p.m., Stu Jones, founder and president of the Florida Powerboat Club, surveyed the small crowd in the Marriott Biscayne Bay lounge the night before the Miami Boat Show Poker Run in February. A year earlier during the same event, the place had been packed till midnight and beyond with poker-run participants. But Jones remained optimistic about the coming poker run weekend at Islamorada in the Florida Keys.

With its Indy stern drive, Ilmor High-Performance Marine is looking to make a big splash in the high-performance boat market.

By Matt Trulio

You have to hand it to the folks at Ilmor High-Performance Marine in Plymouth, Mich. Just five years ago, few high-performance powerboat enthusiasts—save for those who happened to be in-the-know about Formula One automobile racing—knew who the heck they were. Three MV-10 marine engine models later, Ilmor has become something of a household name, at least in the homes of the go-fast crowd.

In-line engine installations, counter-rotating surface drives—it’s all in a life’s work for Pat and Chris Weismann at Weismann Marine.

By Matt Trulio

So well-branded is the super-tough No. 6 dry-sump drive from Mercury Racing that people tend to forget it began its life as an innovative creation from Weismann Marine.

History is made as the Salton Sea Speedweek brings boat racing back to the legendary waterway that is considered to be the fastest on Earth.

By Jason Johnson • Photos by Robert Brown

As the sun set on the Salton Sea, ending a warm, early December day on Southern California’s massive, middle-of-the-desert lake, you couldn’t help but feel the significance of what was happening.

New high-profile Platinum Powerboat Club set to offer exclusive events for a cause.

A State of Readiness: For longer life and greater reliability, marine batteries need care and maintenance all year long.

With a dominant performance by Miss GEICO and a fierce battle between Team AMSOIL and Popeyes at the 2008 Super Boat International Key West World Championships, catamarans proved why they remain the world’s most exhilarating race boats.

By Matt Trulio