Welcome aboard. We like hot rods whether they are on the land or water. I work at a Marina, so I have a soft spot for boats, anyways.

When we lived in Southern California in the late '70's, flat bottom ski boats were all the rage. We saw every configuration, even some with 426 Hemi's with blowers on top. Very fast way to cover the water. Funny part was on Lake Perris there was a 35 MPH speed limit, and some of these boats were doing 100, or better. Drove the cops nuts.

I also like your engine breakin stand. I started to build one a few years ago, but Hurricane Charlie hit the shop we were in at the time, so I scrapped it when I moved out. Yours is nice and compact.

I think JerseyRodder hit the reason these things swallow valves. Race boats have a throttle man who backs off when the boat is airborne to keep this from happening. It's a timing thing, and you have to hit it just right.

Again, welcome aboard.

Don