Single-Engine Outboard World Speed Records (Draft)

Here is our first draft of history on the Single-Engine Outboard World Speed Records. We are not able to locate a comprehensive list from the UIM or APBA so we are looking for input.

Please leave any corrections and new comments. We will update the article as new information gathered and validated.

1958 – Arthur D. Talmadge

• Record: 121 mph (194 km/h)

• Location: Lake Havasu, Arizona

• Boat: Mercury-powered hydroplane

• Details: Talmadge set a notable speed record for an outboard motorboat, achieving this speed using a Mercury engine. This benchmark was a significant achievement in the 1950s and helped establish Mercury as a leader in outboard technology.

March 16, 1966 – Bob Walin

• Record: 130.929 mph

• Location: Lake Havasu, Arizona

• Boat: 17-foot hydroplane (Starflite IV) powered by an Evinrude 100-S V4

• Details: Walin set a significant outboard speed record using an Evinrude V4 engine. His achievement remained a benchmark for the era.

August 8, 1973 – Jim Merten

• Record: 136.381 mph

• Location: Fox River, near Kaukauna, Wisconsin

• Boat: Twister-Craft three-point hydroplane powered by a Mercury Twister II engine

• Details: Merten broke the previous record by over 5 mph, and this record was recognized by both UIM and APBA. Mercury's Twister II engine was heavily modified for competitive use.

September 1974 – Bob Walin

• Attempt: Estimated 150 mph (Record not officially achieved)

• Location: Lake Havasu, Arizona

• Boat: Entrop-designed hydroplane powered by an Evinrude V4

• Details: Walin attempted to retake the record but tragically crashed during his run. His death followed months after the crash from injuries sustained.

1982 – Bob Spalding

• Record: 139.66 mph

• Location: Lake Windermere, UK

• Boat: Powered by a Johnson V8 prototype

• Details: Spalding’s team broke the outboard world speed record using a prototype Johnson V8, with OMC in the process of developing the full production version for release in the mid-1980s.

April 1983 – John Sherlock

• Record: 135.804 mph

• Location: Moore Haven, Florida

• Boat: Modified Mercury 2.4L V6 by Dick O'Dea Racing

• Details: Sherlock set the APBA and UIM MOD U World Kilo Record, establishing the fastest outboard in the USA at the time. Though it fell short of Spalding’s V8 record, it was an impressive feat for a V6-powered boat.

October 1983 – George Andrews, Jr.

• Record: 132.029 mph

• Location: Welland, Ontario, Canada

• Boat: Modified Mercury 200 hp

• Details: Andrews set the Canadian Boating Federation Unlimited Outboard Record, the fastest outboard in Canada at the time.

October 1983 – Rick Frost

• Record: 144.16 mph

• Location: Lake Windermere, UK

• Boat: Johnson V8

• Details: Frost reclaimed the outboard world speed record for Johnson with the V8, pushing the speeds higher into the mid-140 mph range.

April 1984 – George Andrews, Jr.

• Record: 157.425 mph

• Location: Moore Haven, Florida

• Boat: 2.4L Mercury V6 modified by Dick O'Dea Racing

• Details: Andrews, with updated porting and refined methanol fuel mapping, set a new world outboard speed record as well as an APBA and UIM OZ World Kilo Record. His achievement was remarkable for a 2.4L V6-powered boat. Unfortunately, Andrews lost his life during a later run due to a boat malfunction.

1987 – Bob Hering

• Record: 169.63 mph

• Location: Parker Strip, Arizona

• Boat: Evinrude V8

• Details: Hering set a new world record, pushing Evinrude’s V8-powered boats into new territory. This record held for two years.

1989 – Bob Wartinger

• Record: 176.55 mph

• Location: Colorado River, Parker, Arizona

• Boat: Karelsen make hull powered by a 3.5L Evinrude outboard motor

• Details: Wartinger set the official record for the fastest outboard motorboat, a record that still stands today. This record-breaking run was achieved using a powerful Evinrude 3.5L engine, a staple of high-performance outboard racing.