Thanks to organizer Ron Muller of Electronics Unlimited, a small group of outboard engine-powered Skater Powerboats catamaran owners has descended on Sarasota, Fla., this weekend for a couple of days of camaraderie—and some most-excellent speed on and above the water. Muller, who owns an immaculate Skater 308 cat powered by Mercury Racing 400R outboards and dubbed Over Kill, started the invitation-only event in 2021. Of the 15 Skater owners he invited, 12 made it. And as he did in 2021, speedonthewater.com chief photographer Pete Boden captured the action.

Sam Jirik aired out his recently repowered Skater 318 catamaran yesterday in the second Outboard Skater Fun Run weekend in Sarasota, Fla. Photos by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.

This time around, eight Skater owners are in Southwest Florida for the gathering. But though slightly smaller, the fleet is no less mighty.

“A couple of Skater owners went to the dark side this weekend,” said Chris LaMorte, who is running his 28-footer this weekend.

LaMorte paused to laugh. “They know who they are.”

Several 30-foot Skaters participated in the fun run.

The devoted Skater fan was referring, jokingly of course, to this weekend’s MTI Owners Fun Run in the Florida Keys. (Check out Jason Johnson’s most recent story on the event.)

Yesterday’s fun run and photo shoot in the Gulf of Mexico was picture-perfect.

“We have had a great day,” Muller said. “It was a bit breezy and the Gulf was running threes and fours, but it did not stop us from making a run around Anna Marie island for some fun and pictures before heading to Riviera Dunes for lunch. The boats handled it well—it was a testament to the Skater heritage and rough-water ability.”

Enjoy more images from yesterday’s happening in the slideshow above.

Among the participants was Sam Jirik of Arkansas, who ran his Skater 318 yesterday. Grant’s Signature Racing in nearby Bradenton, Fla., repowered the 31-footer with Mercury Racing 450 outboards, which replaced its Mercury Racing ROS outboard engines.

“It was a great day,” Jirik said. “We went outside—in typical Skater fashion—and the water was extremely sporty. There was lots of air time.”

As sporty as conditions were yesterday, they’re even rougher today. The winds were up early and are predicted to top 30 mph. So whatever boating happens today will be abbreviated.

“The group was smaller than expected due to some boats with mechanical issues and other schedule conflicts, but we still had a great time,” Muller said.

Added his friend LaMorte, “All in all it was a great day for a small group of outboard Skater owners who got a chance to run their boats offshore like they were made to be run. It’s a great gathering of friends who love their Skater catamarans.”

The second-year Skater Outboard Fun Run weekend was a hit with everyone involved—and will be back next year.

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