Legendary Offshore Powerboaters: Jesse James, Pilot Chris Lavin, and Throttleman Mark Lavin (RIP) 🏆

This boat needs no introduction! Built by Chris-Craft in the USA for brothers Mark (R.I.P.) and Chris Lavin, it resulted from over $100,000 in R&D by Chris-Craft and Mercury Marine.
The catamaran features GRP over a balsa wood core and is powered by two Chevrolet 350 cu in V8 engines with Mercruiser No. 4 stern drives. Launched in 1983, it won the American Offshore series in 1984 and 1985, and set a world speed record of 101.3 mph.
JESSE JAMES Achievements:
1984 & 1985: USA National Champion
1984: World Speed Record holder at 101.3 mph
1985: World Champion in Class 2
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[@MattW-en7ur]

I believe the later Jesse James ended up in New Zealand. Saw her race on Lake Taupo in the mid 90’s - absolutely slayed the competition.

[@vehiculemagazine]

yes nz

[@BullyHayes1977]

and then followed with a very successful racing career in New Zealand. A well known boat in this part of the world

[@jungletension2835]

I used to take my boat to Offshore Marine in Fort Lauderdale off State Road 84 back behind Lester‘s diner, Frank, Joe and Hank
One day they took me over to sea boat that was in storage and it was named Jesse James
They told me it was a wood boat if I remember correctly, and the motors were attached to each other with a chain mid to late 80s possibly

[@vehiculemagazine]

🏆🏁🫡

[@PETER-rj4he]

These were some fine times...sure miss ..😊

[@vehiculemagazine]

Yes indeed

[@chd10]

As always, fantastic.

[@vehiculemagazine]

Thanks again!

[@waterworldofficial]

RIP Mark

[@vehiculemagazine]

🇺🇸🦅🏆

[@Fleetwoodjohn]

“Override the engines” 🤔
Over rev! 😛

[@vehiculemagazine]

@@Fleetwoodjohn🏆🏆🏆🏆

[@DavidHahn-z7n]

That looks like so much fun 😊

[@vehiculemagazine]

it is!

[@nunyabizznizz7326]

i remember when shadow cats and the chris cats owned the offshore for a bit....

[@dillon4286]

the description says jesse james was powered by two chevrolet 350 cu in engines, but the video says two big blocks
the chevy 350 was a small block......is one of those a mistake or did the big blocks have decreased bore/stroke in order to rev higher?

[@vehiculemagazine]

several different versions

[@mtl-ss1538]

@@vehiculemagazine

[@bricewiese5082]

What where the 4v engines they had back then?

[@blueyhis.zarsoff1147]

Batten heads on a Chev

[@DanteAlahandro]

Manatees be damned 😂