2018 Thunder in the City by 2015 Thunder in the City

www .thunderinthecity.com

12 th Anniversary Edition

Letter from the Publisher New Outboards & Tunnels Taking Over If you’ve spent any time looking at the new boat market in the last 5 years, you would realize the outboard market has exploded in popularity. For Performance and Poker Run Boaters, the big eye opener is the proliferation of outboard tunnels of all sizes, with the 28' to 36' size being extremely popular. Why is that? Well, for one, new outboards are more efficient, extremely reliable, less costly, and now 300 to 400 HP engines with full warranties are normal. Mercury Racing’s 400R was indeed a game changer for this category. Twin 400 HP outboards on a mid size cat will outperform twin big blocks around 500 HP in every way. On top of that, it makes business sense for the manufacturer and the consumer. Consider the process of making a boat and I am sure any builder will tell you, the increase in cost of building a slightly larger boat is trivial. Materials and labor costs going from a 22' hull to a 25' is minimal compared to the market price. And there is a sweet spot. Specialty builders like MTI, DCB and Skater recognize that even though many of their boats can cost well into the $600k or $700k plus range, the market gets considerably bigger for boats in the $250k to $400k range. I know, it’s still a considerable amount of money for anyone, but it is probably triple the market size or more, especially considering the low running costs of today’s ultra efficient outboards; which could be a third or less compared to big block sterndrives. Total cost of ownership becomes far more attractive. Both the builder and the consumer win. But all would be for not if they didn’t perform, and they do. This is the other benefit. All of the hulls in the 28' to 36' range run in the 110 to 120 MPH range, no problem. That is turnkey, warranty and quiet enough that you and your wife can carry on a normal conversation about your gambling problem at 80 MPH. With a significantly greater beam than a V hull, you can fit 4 adults across the rear bench and everyone is behind a full windscreen. And that is another thing about these cats, they drive easily. Once setup, it doesn’t take a lot of seat time to drive these. That is not to say one should take them lightly, but you don’t need to do too much adjusting once it is set up, they like a specific engine height and run stable, nice and flat. Running V hulls of any size over 100 MPH, takes some experience. Some builders, like DCB, Eliminator and Skater already had vast experience with this size range and merely had to reconfigure existing hulls to accommodate the big outboards, or already had them. Others, like MTI and Wright Performance went with new designs of their own, while some like Fountain acquired a design to be built and branded by them; the first factory built cat for the reborn Fountain brand. Although these hulls are still outside the scope of many boaters, the encouraging thing is there are some smaller single engine cats on the market that can run a 300 or 400 and mimic the performance and ease of driving that the bigger twin cats provide. Liberator, Nordic and Eliminator, among others have been in the small cat game for a while. Nordic’s 240 is probably the most modern example in this range. With some new high performance outboard engines potentially coming to market soon in the 300 HP range, these practical hot rods will only come down in price. I am a Cat hull guy, although driving Vee Hulls and crushing big chop is a rush, tunnels and cats can change even the most die hard V hull drivers. The stability, relaxed sitting position, speed and ease of use are compelling. Cat guys are usually dedicated to that design, and the future looks like there will be more and more cats for quite some time to come.

Victor V. DiMarco, Publisher 2 T H U N D E R I N T H E C I T Y / july 2018

PUBLISHER

Victor DiMarco ART DIRECTOR

Gail Hada-Insley PHOTOGRAPHER

Randy Nuzzo GRAPHIC DESIGN

Victor DiMarco CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Victor DiMarco Randy Nuzzo ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR

Gail Hada-Insley Victor DiMarco ADVERTISING SALES

Victor DiMarco COVER ART BY

Mike Babtistelle PRINTING

Publication Printers Corp.

Table of Contents

24 is Thunder in the City, as seen from 28 What the back side of my camera. The Thunder Behind the Thunder 2017 by Randy Nuzzo and Victor DiMarco

by Randy Nuzzo

For the eleventh consecutive year, Victor DiMarco, President of DiMarco Marine & Performance, hosted its 2017 Thunder in the City poker run. Mike Cassidy..................... 4 Rob Smulski...................... 4 Don Kolbe.......................... 6 Mike Bellini........................ 6 Tom Gourzis....................... 8 John Pentz......................... 8 George Besack.................. 9 Ray Schmalzigan............... 9 Dave Acker...................... 14

Darrell Kirban................... 14 Don McLellen.................. 16 Joseph McGrane............. 16 Bob Butler....................... 18 Fran Vellutato................... 18 David Landsman.............. 20 Richard Thomas............... 22 Johnny Naz...................... 22 Robert Murray................. 26

46 2017 Best Air of the Day 2017 Award Winners 56

Dave Govatos.................. 26 Frank Acierno.................. 37 Chris Jones...................... 37 Mark Kramer.................... 38 Richard Martin................. 38 Jason Russo.................... 40 John Wittenberger.......... 42 Brian McMullen............... 44 Jimmy Jernigan............... 44

John Diakoulas................ 48 Charlie Stapf.................... 48 Gary Wimmer.................. 50 David Kramer................... 50 Bryan Neary..................... 54 Don Pinak........................ 54

T H U N D E R I N T H E C I T Y / july 2018

Thunder in the City 2017

Mike Cassidy Newport, DE 52' Nor-Tech V, Twin Turbine Marine 1450 HP

Rob Smulski New Castle, DE 38' Nor-Tech, Twin 570 HP

4 T H U N D E R I N T H E C I T Y / july 2018

Thunder in the City 2017

Don Kolbe Pittsgrove, NJ 382 Formula, Twin 550 HP

Mike Bellini Bensalem, PA 31' Sonic SS, Twin 385 HP

6 T H U N D E R I N T H E C I T Y / july 2018

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8 T H U N D E R I N T H E C I T Y / july 2018

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Thunder in the City 2017

George Besack Doylestown, PA 38' Fountain Lightning, Twin Mercury 525 HP

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T H U N D E R I N T H E C I T Y / july 2018

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Joseph McGrane Delrane, NJ 50' Sea Ray

16 T H U N D E R I N T H E C I T Y / july 2018

Don McLellan Gloucester, VA 26' Donzi ZX, 775 HP

Fran Vellutato Clarksboro, NJ 357 Formula, Twin 495 HP

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Thunder in the City 2017

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Thunder in the City 2017

David Landsman Pikesville, MD 44' Midnight Express, Five 400 HP Mercury Racing O/B

David Landsman Pikesville, MD 50' Outerlimits Cat, Twin 1200 HP 1075 Mercurys

20 T H U N D E R I N T H E C I T Y / july 2018

Richard Thomas Edgewood, MD 39' Cigarette Top Gun, Twin 700 HP

Thunder in the City 2017

Johnny Naz Medford, NJ 35' Donzi, Twin 425 HP

22 T H U N D E R I N T H E C I T Y / july 2018

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Thunder in the City 2017

Robert Murray Annapolis, MD 36' Deep Impact, Triple Mercury 275 HP O/B

Dave Govatos Annapolis, MD 36' Cigarette, Twin 500 HP Mercurys

26 T H U N D E R I N T H E C I T Y / july 2018

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T H U N D E R I N T H E C I T Y / july 2018

Its the boats, right? There's more to it. Playing poker? Not really, but a win is a win. The people then? Of course, but that's not all. The atmosphere...the camaraderie...the horsepower on display...check, check, and check. So what is it about a performance boat poker run that draws people to it? The Thunder in the City poker run makes its 12th annual visit to Chesapeake City in 2018. Twelve years and still going strong. This poker run continues to hold high standards in people, event facilities, food, and the quality of the boats that participate. There are always boats rotating in and out--new owners coming in, other own-

30 T H U N D E R I N T H E C I T Y / july 2018

ers taking a break from the run or even boating. Its always nice to get great shot of a new boat or paint job, some people even attend just to get a picture from the helicopter. The run is a good mix of boats from the latest and greatest to the ones that have been owned for many years. The speeds are certainly increasing over the years, and the style of boats is also changing. Originally dominated by go-fast V-bottoms and cats, center consoles have established a presence in Thunder runs and always draw a crowd in the water and on the docks. And of course there are the cruisers that become party central at the docks, provide a card stop location, and are sur-

rounded at the raft-ups in the afternoon. But go-fast still provide the engine bling on the docks--what would a poker run be without the engine hatches open and the superchargers and carbs and waterjacketed headers on display? Distance doesn't seem to be an issue for some boaters. There are guys who come from more landlocked areas like Western Pennsylvania since the Chesapeake Bay is a great place to open it up and enjoy the thrill and power and performance that they bought the boat for in the first place. Boaters from surrounding states plus Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, New York, etc. have all made the trip to Thunder in the City.

What is Thunder in the City, as seen from the back side of my camera

PHOTO CREDIT: ÂŠ 2018 RANDY NUZZO

New Jersey boaters appreciate the lack of salt water that requires extra cleanup at the end. The opportunity to run with the big dogs, to party with the professionals, to catch the sights along the Bay, to see the best of Baltimore if the run goes that way or the beautiful Chesapeake Bay Bridge and maybe get that once-in-a-lifetime shot of the boat out of the water with the bridge in the background on the way to Hemingways. One other thing that is a Thunder in the City attraction is the food at the host Chesapeake Inn and pretty much every restaurant that we stop at for lunch. Thunder in the City goes above and beyond with the food. Sunset Cove off Middle River was the lunch stop this year. No hamburger and hot dogs at lunch, but a cut above with shrimp and fish tacos instead. The dinner ban-

T H U N D E R I N T H E C I T Y / july 2018

32 T H U N D E R I N T H E C I T Y / july 2018

service, full service restaurant and bar upstairs, inside bar with a band at the dock level, and outside tiki bar that is always packed. The party continues on the docks all night long, a certain sadness envelopes this photographer as the hours progress and participants fade away to their hotels. Lets not forget that this is the Chesapeake Bay, which is an attraction in itself. No speed limits, wide open spaces, miles and miles of water and

shorelines and coves. And the Maryland blue crab. Before or after the poker run, a trip to the Chesapeake Bay is incomplete without eating Maryland crab cakes, and it just isn't done well anywhere outside of the Bay. Its one of the things I look forward to when I come to shoot these events, the regulars know it and the outof-towners are wise to try them. And then there is the actual event. The boats start arriving Friday morning and the party begins on the docks

PHOTO CREDIT: ÂŠ 2018 RANDY NUZZO

quet is first class with wait staff serving bacon-wrapped scallops, shrimp cocktail, crab-stuffed mushroom caps and light hors d'oeuvres. The banquet dinner at the Chesapeake Inn is second to none with a first class assortment of filet mignon, seafood alfredo, etc. Desserts await but usually dancing and drinking have a higher priority with this crowd. The Chesapeake Inn includes plenty of opportunities for socializing with the banquet room with DJ and bar

at the Chesapeake Inn. Old and new friends meet and the drinks begin to pour. A Sponsor Party is held to thank the sponsors for their contribution, for without them the run wouldn't exist. The food is excellent as usual, served on the upper deck at the Chesapeake Inn. Saturday morning included the arrival of the Robinson R-44 helicopter, piloted by Jonathan Guibas, for the aerial photography. Breakfast and the Captain's Meeting preceded the 10:30

departure. As usual, the boats motored out of the basin to the canal, and once past the no-wake zone, the thunder rang out in the canal. In short order the first card stop at Gary Wimmer's Maxum was upon us, providing a brief pause for the riders. Shortly after that Joseph McGrane's Sea Ray was the second stop. The group streamed into Middle River to Sunset Cove for lunch. The facilities there are excellent--great lunch, plenty of tables and shade and

beverages were appreciated by all. After lunch, a short trip across the bay to the Shanty Beach Bar at Tolchester Marina in Chestertown. The helicopter is able to set down and a nice time at the bar, this being the official end of the on-the-water part of the run. After an extended stay at Tolchester, back up the bay to the Chesapeake Inn for some relaxation, showers, getting dressed, and ready for pulling poker hands, dinner, and dancing. Selected shots of the T H U N D E R I N T H E C I T Y / july 2018

34 T H U N D E R I N T H E C I T Y / july 2018

T H U N D E R I N T H E C I T Y / july 2018

36 T H U N D E R I N T H E C I T Y / july 2018

best dressed crew — 42' Outerlimits, Schools in session. Darrell Kirban — Best Rigging — 35' Cigarette, Gettin Custom. 2018 marks my sixth consecutive year as the event photographer for Thunder in the City and sixteenth year photographing poker runs. I've had the privilege to photograph some of the best and most beautiful boats on the Chesapeake Bay, from 300 HP outboards to 3100 HP Skater's to 2900 twin turbine Nor-Tech's, to everything in between. Boats with no graphics to stunning works of art. And the people and parties on the docks and banquet room are as much fun as the amazing boats. Shooting from the helicopter is a large part of why I do this, it certainly isn't for the money. There is no substitute for the thrill of flying when you have a great pilot like Jonathan Guibas who is a cut above the rest. So this is why I do it, the boats, the people, the atmosphere, and the flying. — Randy Nuzzo

aerial photography was also shown on the banquet room TV's during the evening. Its too many to show them all, but many of them are shown so those that aren't great at dancing have something to enjoy too. Its a poker run, so there is poker and of course a couple of winning hands. Full houses across the board were the story of the night. Francis Vellutato drew three 9's and a pair of Aces, good enough for first place. John Naz showed three 3’s and a pair of 4’s, good for second place, and in third place Mike Cassidy has three 2’s and a pair of 3’s. Thunder in the City also hands out awards for the boats and the crews. The winners were Mike Cassidy — Most Horsepower — 52' twin turbine Nor-Tech (1450 HP each engine). Dave Landsman — Best Paint And Graphics — 50' Outerlimits, Golddigger. Don McLellan — Furthest Traveled — 26' Donzi ZX, Gloucester Virginia. John Diakoulas —

Frank Acierno Centerville, DE 38' Donzi ZR, 525 EFI

Chris Jones Elkton, MD 29' Warlock, Supercharged 875 HP

T H U N D E R I N T H E C I T Y / july 2018

Thunder in the City 2017

Mark Kramer Secaucus, NJ 39' Sutphen, Twin 1000 HP

Richard Martin Chesapeake City, MD 353 Formula, Twin 540 EFI

38 T H U N D E R I N T H E C I T Y / july 2018

Thunder in the City 2017

North East, Maryland Located at the top of the North East River, on the Chesapeake Bay

Jason Russo Levittown, PA 31' Formula, Twin 425 HP

40 T H U N D E R I N T H E C I T Y / july 2018

Thunder in the City 2017

John Wittenberger Sweetwater, NJ 36' Sonic Roadster, Twin Mercury Verado 300 HP

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Thunder in the City 2017

Brian McMullen Warwick, MD 29' Fountain, 525 HP

Jimmy Jernigan Pasadena, MD 35' Fountain Executioner, Twin 496 HP Mercurys

44 T H U N D E R I N T H E C I T Y / july 2018

Thunder in the City 2017

Best Air of the Day

Randy Nuzzo 46 T H U N D E R I N T H E C I T Y / july 2018

George and Fran Besack Doylestown, PA

T H U N D E R I N T H E C I T Y / july 2018

Thunder in the City 2017

Charlie Stapf Jarrettsville MD 36' Spectre Cat, Twin Supercharged 840 HP

48 T H U N D E R I N T H E C I T Y / july 2018

John Diakoulas Hunt Valley, MD 42' Outerlimits Legacy, Twin 1200 HP Sterlings

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Thunder in the City 2017

Gary Wimmer Center Valley, PA 38' Maxum Card Stop Boat

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50 T H U N D E R I N T H E C I T Y / july 2018

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52 T H U N D E R I N T H E C I T Y / july 2018

2017

Don Pinak Wexford, PA 42' Cigarette Tiger, Twin 525 HP

54 T H U N D E R I N T H E C I T Y / july 2018

Bryan Neary Havre de Grace, MD 353 Formula, Twin 500 HP

Thunder in the City 2017

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL OUR 2018 THUNDER IN THE CITY SPONSORS PLATINUM SPONSORS