[Fr. Frank]

I've been boating for 42 years and this is the 2nd time I've had my capacity decal/plate checked.

The last time was in Fenwick Island, Delaware in 1986, and I was operating an '86 21' Checkmate Starflight with a 3.4L 300hp Mercury on the back. The Delaware DNR was sure I was overpowered.

But nope, the decal said 300hp max hp. It was a "special order" from Checkmate in Bucyrus, Ohio (Actual USCG max was 310hp) The original plate said max hp 235, but they were happy to send us a new plate to make the boat legal for our attempts to break the then 107 mph world slalom-ski speed record. We eventually got that boat up to over 110 mph. As it was we had the 2nd fastest boat on Assawoman bay. (I also rigged the fastest: a 21' Allison with a 2.4L EFI Mercury Bridgeport that radared at 114 mph. Shoot, we got a plywood 26' Chincoteague Scow to run 93 mph with twin 3.4L Mercs. Now THAT's a story to tell)

FYI, I failed the world record attempt, but survived the fall immediately after a 103 mph run. I actually fell turning around for another run after slowing to under 80 mph. Can you say "skipped like a stone"? Pulling a skier, the boat would not go faster than 103. I sold my $600 Fox custom 98" V-bottom ski a couple of weeks later, still wearing a neck brace. Now I look back and say, "Good God! That was STUPID! What was I thinking?"

At 50 yrs old now, my body reminds me of the whole slough of incredibly dangerous and stupid things I did when I was younger. Over 50 broken bones, including breaking my back in three places in another boat incident. I have been severely injured racing motorcycles, sports cars, and offshore boats. I was a slow learner.

Yeah, I hurt most days, but, Praise God, I can still celebrate the Mass, and go fishing, and play golf, ride my motorcycle, and spend time with wife and my teen-aged kids. The pain is a small price to pay for that.