Looking in the rearview mirror always brings a grin to Jerry Hayden's face. He's the proud owner of this 30-foot Sleekcraft V-bottom, built to bring smiles to everyone out cruising on the water. Towing is never a chore, but more the beginning of the end: the end of the week, end of work, end of stress, and ah, the beginning of fun.
Jerry and his wife, Lynn, from Scottsdale, Arizona, have done very well for themselves with an electrical contractor career and enjoy taking a breather while blasting Lake Havasu in their boat. Getting to the boat launch is made easy thanks to Jerry's '03 Ford F-250. Lifted high on custom Valley Spring Service springs, the 6-inch lift is just what the contractor ordered to clear the 37-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain rubber mounted around 17-inch Weld Racing Typhoon wheels. Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks damp the ride and allow Jerry to easily make towing adjustments.
Pop the Super Duty's hood and reasons for smiling continue with a Whipple supercharger mounted atop the 6.8L V-10. Providing 6 psi of boost, the motor sends 430 hp to Banks headers and a Banks exhaust system. Boat in tow, the 4.30 gears make uphill excursions a piece of cake.
Inside the Super Duty, Ultimate Electronics installed two Kicker 10-inch subwoofers under the rear seat and an Alpine head unit in the stock location. Powering the subwoofers are two Rockford Fosgate Punch amplifiers.
Strapped to the Class IV hitch are 5,300 pounds of pure excitement and relaxation. White, red, yellow, and orange gel adorn the V-bottom hull and help make the boat recognizable at 72 mph. Powering the Sleekcraft to this speed is a Mercruiser 502ci V-8 with 525 hp. Keeping the noise patrol at bay are Silent Choice mufflers hooked to the stock manifold. As many as 18 of their friends and family members can occupy the boat at one time, and while aboard, they can enjoy the finest amenities. Under their feet lies 36-ounce charcoal marine carpet, while under their tanned bums are white vinyl-wrapped seats with matching fiberglass backings. For added entertainment, a 15-inch flat-panel Sharp TV is hooked up to a Blaupunkt DVD player, while XM Radio is cranked through 10 5-1/2-inch Fusion marine speakers and two 10-inch Kicker subs.
Let the good times roll, and don't worry, be happy.