Eustis Drag Races

April 17, 2004

Story by Claire Ferry

Photos by Mike Howick

Newsflash!  Eustis, Florida - Drag Boat Races spotlight Jersey Speed Skiffs!

There are a number of active Jersey Speed Skiff owners in Florida who travel up and down the eastern seaboard to attend various shows and events.  This is a unique group of individuals who have somehow revitalized an interest in Jersey Speed Skiffs.  The most recent event they were invited to participate in was the annual Eustis Drag Boat Races.

At this event the Skiffers were invited to participate in the races by performing fly-bys for the spectators.  Of the drivers and boats that attended, many are previous racers, record holders, and skiff enthusiasts who are somehow creating a revitalization in skiff interest.  Some of the well known drivers included Roger Harris of south Florida who not only raced skiffs, but currently builds them; and Skip Gillam who raced skiffs back in the '70's, and builds custom Seaman / Gillam skiffs.

The boats are as unique as the people who ride them with names such as Flyin Pony, Sir Alter Ego, Rerun, Sun Dog, Heartbeat, Jo Carol Too,  Jersey Girl, Rerun and Just Flyin to name a few.  Talk to any one of the drivers and you will quickly see the enthusiasm they have not only for their boats but also for the camaraderie that has developed amongst this group individuals.  It is amazing how they welcome people into their group, organize and participate in numerous outings, and the develop friendships, not to mention how they are creating a renewed spark of interest with skiffs.  If you ever want a ride....just ask.  Never have I seen such a group of people.

As the opening ceremonies took place, the Jersey Speed Skiffs led a parade lap around the course just as the National Anthem finishing.  To say the crowd went wild is an understatement.  Many people indicated they saw the Skiffs on display a week earlier at the monthly First Friday Night Festival in downtown Eustis. 

The group usually gets together about once a month for an outing somewhere on the East coast..  It has included such things as a Turkey Run after Thanksgiving, a Frostbite after Christmas, Mt. Dora Boat Show, and a Sweat and Spray event held in August.  They travel the various lakes and rivers in Central Florida and usually surprise a local establishment as they pull up with the boats for a lunch break. They do take care of their own - if someone breaks down there is always someone willing to help out with parts or even a tow back to the ramp.

 Even when they are sitting idle at the pits, they are always exchanging ideas on how to make things better or offer solutions on problems  When the skiffs were not needed on the race course they all took off for a ride - they don't like to sit still very long.  Shortly before lunch about 8 skiffs took off from the pits and headed west.  Upon their return, they said they went to lunch - like they usually do at these events. 

Marty's Seaman / Gillam skiff is still being completed so Paul (Heartbeat) asked Marty to ride with him. Marty not being such a good rider agreed, but only if Paul kept it under 60. Well, that lasted until the gang came alongside. The race was on across Lake Eustis. Marty said he was so comfortable in Heartbeat, he did his classic stand on Paul's foot on the gas pedal  The gps & speedo were climbing 60, 70, 75, 80, 83 MPH before Marty lifted his foot off Pauls! The boat handled great, I looked back and told Paul to turn, he hit a button on his steering wheel and we were gone into the turn, not much speed was scrubbed, and the skiff kept digging for more lake. (I was wondering if Paul would ever ask me to go for a ride again!) I had to try this. Paul knowing I haven't ever driven before instructed me on the HYDRAULIC buttons on the steering wheel. Once on plane I adjusted the skiff to where I thought it should be. The trim was so sensitive just a touch was all that was needed. I didn't drive Paul's boat like mine, (and I'm glad he didn't push MY foot), but tapping a button on the wheel is sure easier than taking one hand from the wheel and adjusting a tab with a "T" handle. I guess talking to the Formula guys, offshore and the unlimited drivers who use hydraulics, this could be the way to go. It sure works for Paul.

Young and old alike enjoy watching the skiffs - even Timmy, Skip Gillam's grandson who takes the wheel every chance he gets...even if its just sitting at the dock!

Rumor has it the next event they are appearing at is the Offshore Boat Races in Marathon, Florida.